Everyone carries a couple of hand-me-down truths about MTPL – and about half of them are, unfortunately, myths that cost money. I have collected the six most common ones: for each, I add what is actually true, and where to find more detail in the knowledge base.
- MTPL is not a one-size-fits-all offer: the core service is shared, but the premium, add-ons, and service vary by insurer.
- Only damage you caused hurts your bonus – damage you suffered through no fault of your own does not.
- A parked car that is still in circulation still needs cover – “I'm not using it” does not exempt you.
Myths about the product
“MTPL is the same everywhere, so there's no point comparing.” The core cover does indeed follow the law – but the premium, discounts, add-ons, and claims-handling experience do not. Genuinely different offers exist for the very same car: that is why re-testing the market at your renewal date makes sense.
“MTPL also protects my own car.” No: MTPL pays for damage you cause to others. Damage to your own car is the territory of casco (comprehensive cover) – this is the basic lesson of the whole cover family.
Myths about the bonus and the premium
“I'll get reclassified too if someone hits me.” No: in the bonus-malus system, only damage you caused counts. As a no-fault injured party, your class does not change.
“The bonus belongs to the car and goes with it when it's sold.” No: the class follows the registered keeper as a person in the central claims history register – it does not transfer to anyone when the car is sold, it stays with you for your next car: class transfer.
“The lowest premium is the smartest decision.” The premium is just one number – the decision is a full-picture question: add-ons, service, claims handling. That is what the full-picture approach article is about.
Myths about suspension and deadlines
“If the car's parked, it doesn't need insurance.” As long as the vehicle is in circulation, it needs cover – MTPL can only be suspended for the period of a temporary deregistration, under the rules in force: suspension and deregistration.
“You can switch any time.” The main route is cancellation at your renewal date, typically at least 30 days before the renewal date, in writing – switching mid-term is only possible in specific life situations, a sale, for example. The timeline is set out in finding your renewal date.
Where do the myths come from, and what should you do about them?
Most MTPL myths are not born of carelessness but of outdated knowledge: the system's rules have changed more than once over the decades – what was true in the nineteen-nineties (everyone switched in December) is now only partly true. The other source is the neighbour effect: one-off stories (“that's what they told me back then...”) get promoted to general rules around the family table. The defence is simple: refresh your knowledge before you decide – that is what this knowledge base is for, with facts pointing back to official sources such as MNB (the National Bank of Hungary) and MABISZ (the Association of Hungarian Insurers). And if you cannot find a claim written down anywhere, treat it as suspect: ask about it before you base a decision on it – the question is free.
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