Turkey to Slash Mandatory Traffic Insurance Costs for Disabled Drivers

Turkey’s Insurance and Private Pension Regulation and Supervision Authority (SEDDK) has introduced a significant reform to ease the financial burden on millions of citizens with disabilities. Under the new regulation, insurance companies will be authorized to apply up to an additional 20% discount on mandatory traffic insurance premiums for disabled individuals. This discount is in addition to existing reductions and will officially take effect on February 1, 2026.

The reform marks a substantial social policy milestone, reflecting SEDDK’s efforts to strengthen financial accessibility, expand inclusion, and address longstanding cost challenges faced by disabled vehicle owners.

A Positive Discrimination Era in the Insurance Sector

SEDDK’s latest amendment to the Regulation on Tariff Application Principles in Compulsory Motor Vehicle Liability Insurance is expected to impact nearly 9 million individuals across the country.

The decision introduces what industry stakeholders are already referring to as a new period of “positive discrimination,” allowing insurers greater flexibility to provide meaningful financial support to disabled policyholders.

According to the announcement, this adjustment is designed not only to reduce insurance expenses but also to reinforce broader social-state principles by providing additional financial advantages to vulnerable groups.

Eligibility Hinges on UEVS Registration

As reported by Dünya Newspaper, the new discount mechanism comes with clear eligibility criteria. To benefit from the additional reduction, the policy must be issued in the name of an individual registered in the National Disability Data System (UEVS) and holding an official Disabled Identity Card.

This requirement ensures that benefits are accurately targeted and prevents misuse. Insurance companies will have direct access to the verification process.

How It Will Work:

Who Qualifies?
Only individuals who possess a Disabled Identity Card and are officially recorded in the UEVS database will be eligible for the added discount.

Verification System:
During policy issuance, insurance companies will perform an electronic check through the UEVS platform to confirm whether the applicant qualifies for the additional reduction. If the system confirms eligibility, insurers may apply a 20% extra discount on top of existing premium reductions.

This automated confirmation mechanism aims to prevent inconsistencies, minimize bureaucracy, and encourage wider adoption by insurers.

Easing the Cost of Vehicle Ownership

SEDDK’s decision is widely regarded as a strong reflection of the state’s commitment to inclusive economic policy. Industry representatives highlight that this change will notably reduce recurring expenses associated with car ownership, especially for citizens who rely on personal vehicles for mobility.

This new discount is expected to combine with existing tax exemptions—most notably the ÖTV (Special Consumption Tax) exemption—which has already made automobile purchases more accessible for disabled individuals.

Turkey records more than 100,000 new ÖTV-exempt vehicle purchases annually, and the additional traffic insurance discount is poised to reduce the overall financial strain on this group significantly.

What Happens on February 1, 2026

The regulation’s implementation date—February 1, 2026—marks the point at which insurers may officially begin applying the new discount.

This forward-dated rollout gives insurance companies ample time to update their technical infrastructure, integrate UEVS verification systems, and fully redesign underwriting processes to align with the new rules.

For citizens, this timeline offers predictability, allowing individuals planning vehicle purchases or insurance renewals to anticipate and benefit from the new pricing structure.

A Socially Focused Reform With Long-Term Impact

The reform is expected to deliver long-term positive effects for millions of disabled citizens by:

• Lowering annual insurance expenses, which can be a significant financial burden

• Increasing mobility independence by making vehicle ownership more affordable

• Promoting equitable access to essential services through targeted social policies

• Strengthening confidence in public institutions’ commitment to inclusive regulation
  As SEDDK positions itself at the center of consumer-focused reform, the new policy aligns with broader national efforts to remove structural barriers and distribute economic relief more fairly.

A Transformative Step Toward Inclusion

The decision underscores an essential shift in Turkey’s insurance landscape—one that prioritizes fairness, accessibility, and social responsibility. With millions set to benefit and insurance companies receiving clearer regulatory guidance, the new framework marks a key progression toward a more inclusive economic system.

Once the rule takes effect in 2026, disabled drivers across the country will gain access to significantly reduced insurance costs, reinforcing both mobility rights and financial relief through a single, impactful reform.