12.11.2025 10:52
Insurance companies will consider drivers as 'unlicensed' in accidents involving old-style licenses after October 31, 2025. In this case, drivers will be required to pay for both their own vehicle damage and the damages to the other party.
The deadline for renewing old-style driver's licenses expired on October 31, 2025. Drivers who do not complete the renewal process by this date will face an administrative fine of up to 12,978 TL for the offense of "driving with an expired driver's license" as per Article 39/3 of the Highway Traffic Law.
INSURANCE COMPANIES WARNED THOSE DRIVING WITH OLD-STYLE LICENSES
However, a more severe consequence arises under insurance coverage. Insurance sector officials have stated that those who have an accident with an expired license will lose their rights arising from the policy.
THEY WILL BE CONSIDERED "UNLICENSED DRIVERS"
According to a report in the Türkiye newspaper, insurance representatives reminded that one of the fundamental conditions in policies is that "the driver must have a legally valid driver's license," stating that with the expiration of old-style documents, drivers will fall into the "unlicensed" status.
This situation means that all damage costs arising from an accident will be charged to the driver. Comprehensive insurance policies will not cover the damage to the vehicle in this context, and even if the traffic insurance pays for the damages to the other party, it will recover the amount paid from the driver by using the right of recourse.
"THERE IS A LEGAL BASIS"
Lawyer Ahmet Yavuzer stated that the attitude of insurance companies is in accordance with the Turkish Commercial Code and the Insurance Contracts Law, and made the following statement:
"Every insurance policy contains a minimum condition that the driver must possess a legally valid driver's license. Since the validity of the old license has expired, insurance companies are exempt from fulfilling their obligations. After the traffic insurance pays for the damages to the other party, it can recourse the amount to the driver on the grounds of 'driving without a license.' In this case, the person is obliged to pay for both the damage to their own vehicle and the damages to the other party."