Zorunlu Trafik Sigortası: Turkey's Compulsory Car Insurance Explained
If you're driving to Turkey — whether for a holiday, overlanding trip, or business — you will encounter the term "Zorunlu Trafik Sigortası" at the border. This is Turkey's compulsory motor third-party liability insurance, and without it (or a valid Green Card with TR code), you cannot legally drive in the country.
In short: Zorunlu Trafik Sigortası is Turkey's equivalent of MTPL / OSAGO / third-party car insurance. It covers damage you cause to others — not to your own vehicle. For foreign drivers, it can be purchased online from €40 in 15 minutes.
What Does "Zorunlu Trafik Sigortası" Mean?
Let's break down the Turkish term:
- •Zorunlu = Compulsory / Mandatory
- •Trafik = Traffic
- •Sigortası = Insurance
Together: "Compulsory Traffic Insurance". It is Turkey's local equivalent of what is known internationally as MTPL (Motor Third-Party Liability), OSAGO (in Russia), or Haftpflichtversicherung (in Germany). Every country has its own version — this is Turkey's.
The law requiring Zorunlu Trafik Sigortası is Turkey's Highway Traffic Act (Karayolları Trafik Kanunu, Law №2918). It applies to every motor vehicle on Turkish roads — domestic and foreign-plated alike.
Who Needs Zorunlu Trafik Sigortası?
Every driver in Turkey — both Turkish residents and foreign visitors:
Turkish residents
Must purchase Zorunlu Trafik Sigortası from a licensed Turkish insurer when registering any vehicle. Renewal is annual.
Foreign visitors
Must carry either a Green Card with valid TR code or purchase Zorunlu Trafik Sigortası before entering Turkey.
If you are a foreign driver and your Green Card does not include Turkey (TR code missing or crossed out), you must buy Zorunlu Trafik Sigortası. You can do this online in 15 minutes or at the border (though the border option is slower and more expensive).
What Does Zorunlu Trafik Sigortası Cover?
Zorunlu Trafik Sigortası is a third-party liability insurance. It covers the following:
Covered by Zorunlu Trafik Sigortası:
- ✓Third-party bodily injury — up to 3,600,000 TL per person (2026 limits)
- ✓Third-party property damage — up to 400,000 TL per incident (2026 limits)
- ✓Legal assistance — costs related to legal proceedings after an accident
- ✓Accident paperwork — support with official reports and documentation
What Zorunlu Trafik Sigortası Does NOT Cover
Not covered:
- ✗Damage to your own vehicle — your car, campervan, or motorcycle repairs
- ✗Theft — vehicle theft or theft of belongings from the vehicle
- ✗Fire and natural disasters — flood, earthquake, hail damage
- ✗Personal injury to the driver — your own medical expenses
For own-vehicle coverage, you would need Kasko (comprehensive / casco insurance) — which is a separate, optional policy available from Turkish insurers. For most short-term visitors, Zorunlu Trafik Sigortası alone is sufficient and legally required.
How Much Does Zorunlu Trafik Sigortası Cost for Foreign Vehicles?
Prices depend on your vehicle type and how long you need coverage. Here are the current online rates:
| Duration | Car | Motorcycle | Truck / Campervan |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 month | €40 | €34 | €109 |
| 3 months | €62 | €34 | €140 |
| 6 months | €170 | €52 | €220 |
| 1 year | €250 | €52 | €370 |
How to Buy Zorunlu Trafik Sigortası Online
You can purchase Zorunlu Trafik Sigortası online before your trip. The process takes about 15 minutes:
- 1Visit the Turkey insurance page and select your vehicle type (car, motorcycle, or truck/campervan).
- 2Choose your coverage period — from 1 month to 1 year.
- 3Fill in vehicle and driver details — registration number, passport, and travel dates.
- 4Upload document photos — vehicle registration certificate and passport/ID.
- 5Pay and receive your policy by email — the official PDF is delivered within 15 minutes, registered in Turkey's insurance database.
Why buy online? Compared to buying at the border, online purchase saves you money (up to 50% cheaper), time (no 2–4 hour queues), and gives you a choice of duration (border vendors often sell minimum 3 months only).
New 2026 Coverage Limits
Turkey updates its Zorunlu Trafik Sigortası coverage limits annually. For 2026, the limits have been increased to provide better protection:
Per person — bodily injury. Maximum payout for medical costs, disability, and death benefit per injured person in a single incident.
Per incident — property damage. Maximum payout for damage to third-party vehicles and property per single accident.
These limits represent a significant increase from previous years, reflecting Turkey's inflation adjustments and commitment to adequate insurance coverage. The limits are set by the Turkish government and apply to all Zorunlu Trafik Sigortası policies regardless of the insurer.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does Zorunlu Trafik Sigortası mean in English?
Zorunlu Trafik Sigortası translates to "Compulsory Traffic Insurance" in English. It is Turkey's mandatory third-party motor liability insurance, equivalent to MTPL (Motor Third-Party Liability) or OSAGO in other countries.
Do foreign cars need Zorunlu Trafik Sigortası?
Yes — if your vehicle does not have a valid Green Card with TR code covering Turkey, you must purchase Zorunlu Trafik Sigortası before driving in Turkey. It applies to all foreign-plated vehicles.
Does Zorunlu Trafik Sigortası cover my own car?
No. Zorunlu Trafik Sigortası covers only third-party liability — damage or injury you cause to other people, their vehicles, or property. For your own vehicle coverage, you need Kasko (comprehensive insurance).
How much does Zorunlu Trafik Sigortası cost for foreigners?
For foreign-plated passenger cars, Zorunlu Trafik Sigortası starts from €40 for 1 month when bought online. Motorcycles start from €34, and trucks/campervans from €109.
Can I buy Zorunlu Trafik Sigortası online?
Yes. You can purchase Zorunlu Trafik Sigortası online in about 15 minutes. The official PDF policy is sent to your email and is immediately valid at all Turkish border crossings.
What are the 2026 coverage limits?
As of 2026, Zorunlu Trafik Sigortası covers up to 3,600,000 TL per person for bodily injury and up to 400,000 TL for property damage per incident.
Need Zorunlu Trafik Sigortası for your trip?
Buy Turkey MTPL online — from €40 for cars, official policy in 15 minutes.
Buy Turkey Car Insurance →Support 24/7 via WhatsApp and Telegram
Related Articles
→ Does Green Card Cover Turkey?
How to check the TR code and what to do if Turkey is not covered
→ Border vs Online Purchase
Full cost comparison — why buying online saves up to 50%
→ Green Card vs Turkey MTPL
Complete comparison of the two insurance types
→ Buy Turkey Car Insurance Online
Official Zorunlu Trafik Sigortası from €40/month, delivered in 15 minutes