On March 17, the Minister of the Interior announced that within a period of 45 days would come into force In Guatemala the Mandatory for vehicles.
The measure, which seeks strengthen road order and the third -party protection In case of accidents, it is a common requirement in many countries; However, its implementation has generated a rejection in different sectors of society.
Hours after the announcement, The manifestations were not long in. For him March 18, at 3:00 p.m.they were already reported At least 13 blockages In various parts of the country as a sample of discontent.
This It is not the first time that the regulation is tried to establish. However, its success will depend on effective implementation, citizen acceptance and a certainty of transparency by the competent authorities.
Next, we answer the main doubts about the measure:
1. Who should hire insurance?
Every owner of a vehicle in Guatemala is obliged to acquire a policy of Safe against third in Guatemala. If a person has more than one vehicle, each must have their own policy.
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2. Will insurance cover material damage in an accident?
No. coverage is limited to personal damageas death, Polytrauma and disability temporary or permanent, both third parties as of occupants of the insured vehicle.
No includes damage to material goods such as vehicles, Posts either constructions.
3. I will no longer have to pay anything else to the injured?
Not necessarily. The lawyer and notary Nadia Castellanos explains that, according to the Article 4 of government agreements, insurance It does not exempt administrative, civil or criminal responsibilities.
This means that, although the policy covers compensation for victims, the owner could have to pay for material damages and, in some cases, could face demands for additional compensation.
4. Should a specific insurer be hired?
No. Each owner can freely choose with which insurer to contract the insurance against third parties.
The Guatemalan Association of Insurance Institutions (AGIS) reported that in the next few days the available costs and coverage will be announced.
5. If I already have insurance, should I hire another?
Depends. If the current policy coverage is equal to or greater than that established in government agreements, it will not be necessary to acquire another.
However, if it is lower, a policy complement must be hired, as it is known.
6. Who will verify that vehicle owners have the policy?
The transit authority falls to the Ministry of the Interiorthat delegates it to the General Directorate of Traffic.
In municipalities with municipal traffic police (PMT), This responsibility falls to them. Where there is no PMT, the PNational Civil Olice (PNC) and its Transit department They will be in charge.
7. How will the authority control that a vehicle has mandatory insurance?
Insurers must implement a quick and accessible verification system.
Each policy will include a QR code that, being scanned by the authorities, will show information about the insured, the validity of the policy and the details of the vehicle.
In addition, the integration of interconnected databases is expected to facilitate inspection in seals and operational.
8. What factors could influence the cost of insurance?
Hermann Girónpresident of Agis, points out that the age and experience of the driver could influence the cost of the premium.
However, being mandatory insurance, insurers must offer it to all drivers.
9. Can vehicles in poor condition circulate without restrictions?
Current regulations do not include specific restrictions for poor condition vehicles.
Ancient cars that are in optimal conditions may continue to circulate, as well as recent models that have mechanical deficiencies.
However, the General Traffic Directorate could issue additional regulations in the future to guarantee road safety.
10. Who regulates the hiring of mandatory insurance?
The Banks Superintendency It is the governing authority in terms of insurance. Citizens can request support in the field of regulations and regulations.
The mandatory insurance against third parties was included since 1996, in the Traffic Law Article 29. During the last three governments, it has been tried to implement. In the government of Jimmy Morales, work on modern insurance on the regulation began to work. Then, the administration of Alejandro Giammattei approved Decree 17-2020 and then repealed them for the pandemic.
Now, the Bernardo Arévalo government has decided to resume it and establish it again as a mandatory requirement.