Only approximately 30% of cars in Brazil have insurance, according to data provided by the National Confederation of Insurers (CNseg). One of the factors contributing to this low adoption rate is the cost, which generally ranges between R$ 1,000 and R$ 3,500 annually, as pointed out by Suhai. However, there is a more economical vehicle insurance alternative.
The RCF-V Exists
This product is known by the acronym RCF-V, which stands for Voluntary Civil Liability Coverage for Vehicles. In simple terms, it is an insurance focused exclusively on third parties, and it can have a significantly lower cost than traditional insurance policies. In situations involving accidents with two or more vehicles, this type of policy only covers damages caused to the other involved parties; the insured remains responsible for the costs of their own vehicle.
Although it may seem unusual for someone to pay just to protect another person's car, this modality allows drivers to reduce potential expenses in case of an accident by paying less monthly or annually. Additionally, it can exempt the insured from possible lawsuits or claims made by the other driver. Daniel Rozendo, owner of Roseg Seguros, clarifies that this coverage is common and available for private vehicles.
Although not all insurers offer coverage restricted to third parties, experts state that companies such as Porto and Suhai currently provide this specific service for third-party damages. Each insurer establishes its own products and the risks it accepts, and contracting always depends on a risk analysis.
Rozendo adds that the lowest rate is standard because the insurer does not need to cover risks such as theft, robbery, collision, or total loss of the client's vehicle.
Price Variation
However, the value of RCF-V insurance varies greatly, depending on the driver's profile, the vehicle model, the location, and crucially, the chosen indemnity limits. For this reason, it is difficult to determine an exact price. A report by TecDiário indicates that insurance focused only on third parties (RCF-V) costs between R$ 400 and R$ 800 per year.
RCF-V protections often go beyond material damage, potentially covering aspects related to the third party's health. Depending on the contracted plan, there may also be coverage for the insured's defense expenses and moral damages. It is essential to pay attention to the maximum indemnity limit, as it determines the amount the insurer will pay if the insurance is activated.
Rozendo warns that if the damage exceeds this limit, the difference may fall on the accident's perpetrator, following the rule of indemnity based on the Maximum Indemnity Limit (LMI) stipulated in the policy. The specialist recommends that owners of lower-value vehicles consider this alternative. He argues that even if it is not worth protecting their own car, a R$ 5,000 vehicle can cause an accident with a car valued at R$ 100,000 or cause bodily injuries that imply a financial responsibility much higher than the value of the car itself.
Therefore, the broker advises everyone, even those who choose not to contract coverage for their vehicle, to evaluate RCF-V, ensuring appropriate limits to cover material and bodily damages to third parties. To make the purchase, the interested party must contact the desired insurer, verify the availability of the coverage, and whether their profile fits the offer, then proceed with the quote and signing.