Traffic accidents continue to be one of the main causes of death and serious injuries in Peru. In Lima alone, until June 2024, 194 accidents were recorded that left 200 dead and 87 injured, according to data from the National Police of Peru. This worrying scenario highlights the crucial importance of promoting a culture of Road Safety and the need to always drive with the Mandatory Traffic Accident Insurance (SOAT) in force, an indispensable tool that protects the driver, the occupants of the vehicle and the victimized pedestrians. of a traffic accident.
Despite being mandatory, only 7 out of every 10 vehicles in the country have this insurance, according to figures from the Peruvian Association of Insurance Companies (Apeseg).
“Driving without SOAT is not only an infraction, but a huge risk that no one should take. It is important to clarify that this insurance comes into effect from the moment we contract it and acts without delay and without the authorities issuing any opinion when medical attention is required for anyone involved in a traffic accident. For this reason, we say that SOAT saves lives,” says Natalia De Luca, Director of Automobiles at MAPFRE.
In that sense, the executive details the main consequences of driving without SOAT or with this insurance expired:
- Financial penalty: Drivers who drive without a valid SOAT risk being fined 12% of a Tax Tax Unit (UIT), which in 2024 represents a penalty of S/ 618.
- Vehicle retention: The authorities can proceed with the immediate retention of the vehicle, sending it to the municipal warehouse until the owner regularizes his situation. This generates additional costs for the time the vehicle remains in the warehouse.
- Civil liability in case of accidents: Without SOAT, the driver assumes all medical expenses of the victims and compensation for personal injuries. This can far exceed the value of the vehicle itself and lead to legal claims. On the other hand, according to law, with SOAT in force, funeral expenses are covered by up to 1UIT and compensation is granted to the relatives of the deceased up to 4UIT. In addition, the SOAT of the vehicle in which the injured parties were traveling also covers the medical expenses of the injured for up to 5 UIT and coverage of up to 4 UIT for permanent disability and up to 1 UIT for temporary disability.
- Possible license suspension or withdrawal: According to the Traffic Code and the M39 ballot, in serious cases, the authorities can apply the temporary or permanent suspension of the driver’s license. This measure generates a series of additional expenses for the offending driver.
It is important to highlight that acquiring the SOAT is not only a legal obligation, but an essential measure to preserve the safety of all road users. Having a valid SOAT represents an act of responsibility that protects both drivers and pedestrians, contributing to the construction of a safer road environment for everyone.
