OSGOP is compulsory insurance of a carrier's civil liability for harm to the life, health and property of passengers. It is governed by Federal Law No. 67-FZ of 14 June 2012. The policy protects passengers — they receive a payout from the insurer without waiting for the carrier to find the money — and the carrier itself, which does not have to compensate major harm out of its own funds.
Who must take out OSGOP
The obligation applies to carriers transporting passengers by rail, road (buses), sea, inland waterways and air, and since 1 September 2024 also by passenger taxi. The metro is an exception: the law sets a special procedure for compensating harm there without compulsory insurance. Carrying passengers without an OSGOP contract is prohibited.
Sums insured
Article 8 of the law sets minimum sums insured per passenger for each risk:
| Risk | Sum insured per passenger |
|---|---|
| Harm to life | at least RUB 2,025,000 |
| Harm to health | at least RUB 2,000,000 |
| Harm to property (luggage and belongings) | at least RUB 23,000 |
The sums apply to each insured event and do not change during the contract term. No deductible is allowed for the risks of harm to passengers' life and health.
What a passenger receives
- If a passenger dies, a payment of RUB 2,025,000 (including reimbursement of funeral expenses) is due to relatives or dependants.
- In case of injury, the amount depends on the nature and severity of the injuries and is calculated using a table of standards approved by the Government of the Russian Federation. With several injuries, the amounts are added up within RUB 2,000,000.
- If luggage is damaged or lost, the actual damage is compensated within the sum insured.
The passenger or beneficiary applies directly to the carrier's insurer. The carrier must inform passengers about its insurer — this information is usually printed on the ticket, published on the carrier's website or displayed inside the vehicle.
How a passenger claims a payout
An injured passenger or the relatives of a deceased passenger must file a claim with the carrier's insurer, attaching documents confirming the journey and the harm caused:
- the claimant's passport;
- a ticket or other document confirming the journey (if there is none, the fact of carriage can be proven by other evidence);
- medical documents on the nature and severity of injuries;
- if the passenger died — the death certificate and documents confirming kinship or dependency;
- documents on damaged or lost luggage;
- bank details for the payment.
In the event of death or serious harm to health, the law provides for an advance payment — part of the compensation is paid before the final amount of harm is determined.
Contract term
The general minimum term of an OSGOP contract is one year. For inland waterway transport, it is at least the navigation period. For passenger taxis, if the carrier is an individual or a sole proprietor, short-term contracts are allowed: for less than a year, but no less than one day.
Premium rates
OSGOP rates — minimum and maximum limits and the procedure for applying them — are set by the Bank of Russia. They depend on the type of transport and type of carriage, while the final price is determined by passenger traffic and the carrier's loss history. Insurers writing OSGOP are united in the National Union of Liability Insurers (NSSO).
Liability for operating without a policy
Article 11.31 of the Code of Administrative Offences penalises carrying passengers without compulsory insurance. For most carriers, the fine is RUB 40,000–50,000 for officials and RUB 500,000–1,000,000 for legal entities. Separate, lower fines were introduced for passenger taxis in 2026. Failing to inform passengers about the insurer is penalised separately.
What carriers should keep in mind
- Check that the insurer holds an OSGOP licence and is a member of NSSO.
- Watch the contract term — a gap in cover means a ban on carrying passengers.
- Provide the insurer with passenger traffic and vehicle data on time.
- If you need protection above the statutory sums, add voluntary liability insurance and passenger accident insurance.
Learn more about the policy in the OSGOP — carrier insurance section. Transport companies may also need fleet insurance and general liability insurance. Other law reviews are in the Laws section.