It will no longer be enough to leave the car or motorbike locked in the garage to avoid taking out the policy. In fact, with the Italian transposition of European Directive 2021/2118, third-party liability insurance becomes mandatory for all vehicles, regardless of whether they circulate or remain immobile in a private garage.
The Council of Ministers approved the legislative decree which now passes to Parliament and which rewrites a principle consolidated until now: the obligation no longer concerns only those who get on the road, but any vehicle potentially suitable for circulation. The news affects millions of owners, especially those who only use the vehicle occasionally or keep it stationary for long periods.
The only exceptions: what does “really unusable” mean
The decree introduces a crucial clarification. The exemption from the obligation will only apply to “really unusable” vehicles, i.e. structurally and permanently unfit for use. This category includes vehicles reduced to scrap or without an engine.
It is not enough to remove the wheels, battery or other easily reinstallable components: in that case the vehicle remains considered potentially usable and therefore subject to insurance coverage. A choice that aims to avoid shortcuts and elastic interpretations. On this point, the issue of “essential parts” remains delicate and may require further interpretative clarifications to avoid application uncertainties.
Historic vehicles: the coverage logic changes
One of the most interesting innovations concerns vintage vehicles. The decree introduces the distinction between static risk and dynamic risk. The first is linked to the simple parking of the vehicle, even in exhibition or museum spaces; the second to road traffic.
This will allow the adoption of insurance formulas different from traditional RC, calibrated on the real exposure to risk. A significant step for a sector that has almost 310 thousand vehicles with historical certificate, of which over 90 thousand motorbikes. It remains to be seen to what extent these solutions can also be applied to vehicles kept in private garages.
Seasonal policies and competitions: more flexibility
The decree also opens up the possibility of intra-annual policies for seasonal use vehicles. A turning point for the world of two wheels: instead of suspending and reactivating the coverage with the arrival of milder temperatures, it will be possible to stipulate a contract already calibrated on the actual duration of use and therefore less than a year.
Also new for motorsport competitions: organizers will be able to opt for a general civil liability policy, an alternative to traditional liability insurance, with greater freedom in managing the risks associated with sporting events.
More powers to IVASS, no costs for the State
The decree also strengthens the role of IVASS, which will have regulatory powers over the risk certificate database, being able to define methods of management and validity of information on accident rates. All without new public burdens: the measures must be implemented at zero cost, using the resources already available. A broad reform that marks a paradigm shift in the relationship between vehicles and insurance, destined to impact the habits of millions of Italians.
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