Tuesday, March 16, 2021
Auto insurance in China is divided into mandatory auto liability insurance and other types of auto insurance (commonly referred to as “commercial” auto insurance). The mandatory auto liability coverages (generally third-party death and injury other than passengers and the driver, medical and vehicle damage) are well-known to consumers. Commercial auto insurance (coverage for damage and injuries to vehicles and passengers) is not widely available.
On September 2, 2019, the China Banking and Insurance Regulatory Commission (“CBIRC”) issued “Guiding Opinions on Implementing Comprehensive Reform of Auto Insurance” (the “Guiding Opinions
”) to expand coverage and lower premiums of mandatory auto liability insurance, and encourage development of new commercial auto insurance. The changes of expanding coverage and lowering insurance premiums for mandatory auto insurance have been widely welcomed by consumers; however, the new premium pricing rules have resulted in some commercial auto insurance products being withdrawn from the market.