Beginning on 1 July, a major traffic insurance practice will be implemented across Turkey, directly affecting millions of vehicle owners. Under the new regulation prepared by the Insurance and Private Pension Regulation and Supervision Authority (SEDDK) and published in the Official Gazette, accident-related claim files involving damage of 40,000 lira or more will now require the appointment of an independent expert.
The new framework also expands the scope of reporting. In addition to documenting physical damage, the appointed expert will record the vehicle’s loss in value within the file. This addition is expected to create a more complete damage assessment process while also reducing the need for separate legal action over depreciation claims.
A New Phase for the Insurance Sector
İhsan Yiğit, Chairman of the Gaziantep Insurance Agents’ Association, described the change as a turning point for the industry. According to him, the regulation represents a transformative step that can strengthen public trust, limit unregistered practices in the market, and contribute to a fairer balance within the insurance system.
Yiğit stated that there had long been criticism over insurance companies selecting the loss adjusters themselves. Since these experts often had ongoing commercial relationships with insurers, this situation created doubt among policyholders about whether reports were fully impartial. The new model is intended to eliminate those concerns by separating the appointment process from insurance company influence.
How the Previous System Was Criticized
Under the earlier structure, a driver involved in an accident would generally take the vehicle to an authorised repair centre linked to the insurer. The expert reviewing the file was often someone regularly assigned by that same company. Critics argued that this setup could encourage reports aimed at satisfying insurers rather than reflecting the true repair needs of the vehicle.
Yiğit explained that in some cases, parts that should have been replaced were instead classified as repairable. He pointed to examples such as a cracked windscreen in a newer model vehicle or a steering component requiring replacement, yet being assessed as suitable for repair. Such decisions, especially in cases involving sensitive or clearly non-repairable parts, contributed to public mistrust.
Independent Appointments and Broader Impact
With the revised system, experts will be appointed through the Ministry of Trade rather than by insurance companies. This structural shift is expected to reinforce neutrality in expert reporting and support more transparent claim evaluations. At the same time, including vehicle depreciation in the same file may help streamline compensation procedures for motorists.
Another expected benefit is a reduction in court workload. Since loss-of-value claims were previously often pursued separately, recording them directly in expert files may reduce the number of disputes reaching the judicial system. This could make the claims process both faster and more predictable for all parties involved.
From Pilot Application to Nationwide Rollout
Before being expanded nationwide, the system was tested as a pilot project in Bursa and Ordu. Following that trial phase, the regulation is now being applied across the country as of 1 July. The nationwide rollout signals a broader effort to reshape claims management practices in Turkey’s motor insurance sector.
Yiğit also praised SEDDK for engaging with sector representatives and addressing long-standing concerns. He emphasized that the authority’s willingness to listen to non-governmental organisations and take corrective steps is an important sign for the future of the industry.
