Major Restructuring of Tunisia's Motorcycle Insurance Sector Announced
Key Reforms to Address Growing Challenges
Tunisia's Ministry of Finance, led by Minister Mishkat Salama Khaldi, has unveiled a comprehensive plan to revamp the country's motorcycle insurance sector. The reforms, integrated into the 2026-2030 development plan, aim to address the long-standing issue of insurance companies refusing to cover high-cylinder motorcycles and those with engines exceeding 50 cm³.
Innovative Solutions to Expand Coverage
The primary innovation lies in the expansion of the solidarity insurance distribution system. This new framework will now include motorcycles purchased before January 1, 2025, without a valid registration certificate, ensuring that owners have access to legal coverage despite administrative or technical issues. Conversely, for vehicles registered after this date, obtaining an insurance contract will remain conditional upon presenting a valid registration certificate in accordance with current laws.
Strengthening Consumer Rights
To combat the refusal of private insurance companies, the Ministry has emphasized the powers of the Central Tariff Bureau (BCT). In cases of refusal to subscribe or lack of response within 10 days, owners can file a complaint with the BCT. This organization now has the authority to set the premium amount and require insurance companies to provide coverage to the applicant.
Collaboration and Coordination
This strategy is the result of close coordination between the General Insurance Committee and the Tunisian Federation of Insurance Companies. It responds to the rapid evolution of the national vehicle park, where high-cylinder motorcycles now outnumber smaller models. Refusal cases involving engines exceeding 50 cm³ will be systematically centralized by the Federation, either redirected to the BCT for registered vehicles or integrated into the solidarity circuit for others.
Enhanced Consumer Protection
In addition to these structural reforms, the Minister has reaffirmed the protective role of the General Insurance Committee. The institution has committed to handling complaints more expeditiously. To facilitate these processes, simplified online mechanisms for submitting requests have been implemented to accelerate the resolution of disputes and ensure compliance with the obligation to have civil liability insurance across the entire territory.
