Every car owner sooner or later is faced with the need to verify the authenticity of the MTPL policy. This is especially true when buying a used car, filing an accident, or simply for your own peace of mind. RSA number (Russian Union of Auto Insurers) is a unique policy identifier, which can be used to clarify its status, validity period and insurance company details. In this article, we will look at all the official and reliable verification methods, and also tell you what to do if the system does not find your policy or shows incorrect data.
Since 2023, the verification procedure has been simplified: now you do not need to visit the insurance office or call by phone. Enough to have on hand policy number (10 digits) or Vehicle VIN, as well as Internet access. However, even in this case, users often encounter technical errors, inconsistencies in the PCA database, or fraudulent schemes. We have collected up-to-date information for 2026, including screenshots of interfaces, examples of errors and tips for resolving them.
What is a PCA number and where to get it
RSA number is 10 digit code, which is assigned to each MTPL policy upon its registration in the unified database of the Russian Union of Motor Insurers. It serves as confirmation that the policy really exists and is included in the register. Without this number, verification through official services is impossible.
Where to look for the RSA number:
- 📄 In the OSAGO policy itself - usually indicated at the top of the document next to the series and form number (format:
XXX XX XXXXXXXX, where the last 10 digits are the RSA number). - 📧 In the electronic policy — if you registered via the Internet, the number will be sent to your email in the form of a PDF file or as an SMS notification.
- 🔍 In the insurance contract - sometimes duplicated in additional agreements or payment receipts.
- 🚗 Through the insurance company's mobile application - for example, in your personal account Ingosstrakh, RESO or AlfaStrakhovanie.
If the PCA number is missing or unreadable, this is a reason to be wary: you may have been sold a fake policy. In this case, we recommend that you immediately contact the insurance company by phone number listed on their official website (not by numbers from the policy!).
If you buy a used car, always request the original MTPL policy and check the PCA number with the database through the official website. Fraudsters often forge forms, but it is impossible to check them against the database.
Official methods of checking insurance by PCA number
For 2026 there is three official ways check the MTPL policy using the PCA number, and they are all free. Using third-party services (especially those that ask for payment) is not only pointless, but also dangerous - they may collect your data or show outdated information.
Let's consider each method in detail:
1. Through the RSA website (autoins.ru)
This is the most reliable and up-to-date source of information. The database is updated in real time, and the site interface is intuitive.
- Go to official OSAGO verification page.
- Enter 10-digit PCA number (without spaces or dashes) in the “Policy number” field.
- Specify
Vehicle VINorbody/chassis number(required!). This is necessary to protect against random coincidences. - Enter captcha (numbers from the picture) and click “Check”.
The system will provide information about:
- 📅 Duration of the policy (start and end dates).
- 🏢 Insurance company name and her contacts.
- 🚘 Vehicle data (make, model, license plate number).
- ✅ Policy status (“Valid”, “Canceled”, “Lost”).
What to do if the RSA website does not work?
If the verification page is not available, try:
- Refresh page (F5) or clear browser cache.
- Use a different browser (for example, Chrome instead of Safari).
- Check your Internet connection (sometimes ad blockers interfere with the website).
- Try again later - technical work on the RSA website is carried out at night (from 00:00 to 06:00 Moscow time).
2. Through the mobile application “OSAGO from RSA”
The official application is available for Android and iOS and allows you to check policies directly from your smartphone. The advantage is a user-friendly interface and the ability to save the history of checks.
How to use:
- Download the application:
The application will show the same data as the site, but with the ability to save the result as PDF or send it by email. There is also a function here checks by license plate, if the PCA number is unknown.
3. Through your insurance company's website or app
Many insurers (eg SberInsurance, VTB Insurance, Tinkoff Insurance) provide their own tools for checking policies. This is convenient if you applied for compulsory motor liability insurance with them.
Examples:
- 🔵 SberInsurance: personal account → “My policies”.
- 🟣 Tinkoff: application → section “Auto” → “My OSAGO policies”.
- 🟢 Ingosstrakh: website → “Check policy” (requires entering the contract number).
Please note: data in your insurance account may be updated with a delay of up to 24 hours. If you have just taken out a policy, it is better to check through PCA.
Common verification mistakes and how to avoid them
Even when using official services, users often encounter problems. Let's look at common mistakes and ways to solve them.
| Error | Reason | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| "Policy not found" |
|
|
| "Invalid number format" | The PCA number must contain exactly 10 digits without spaces or symbols. | Make sure you do not copy unnecessary characters (for example, a series of a form). |
| "The service is temporarily unavailable" | Technical work on the RSA website or DDoS attack. | Try again later or use the mobile app. |
| The policy details do not match yours |
|
|
Important: if during check you see the status “Canceled”, but the policy is valid, this may mean that the insurance company made changes to the database by mistake. In this case, you must urgently contact them and request written confirmation of the validity of the policy.
Check that the PCA number and VIN are entered correctly|Check with the insurance company to see if the policy is included in the database|Try to check after 24 hours|If the policy is fake, contact the police with a fraud report-->
Is it possible to check insurance by state number without a PCA number?
Many drivers are interested in whether it is possible to find out the details of the MTPL policy, knowing only car registration number. Technically this is possible, but with a number of limitations:
Officially, RSA does not provide such a service for individuals - verification by license plate is available only:
- 🚔 Traffic police officers through internal databases.
- 🏛️ Insurance companies to check clients.
- 💼 Legal entities (for example, car parks) upon special request.
However there are workarounds:
- Through the mobile application "OSAGO from RSA" — in some versions there is a function of checking by license plate number (it is unstable).
- Through online verification services (for example, Autocode or CarVertical), but they are paid and not always relevant.
- Through a request to the insurance company — if you know where the policy was issued, you can call and clarify the information on the license plate (you will need proof of ownership).
⚠️
Attention: Sites offering “free OSAGO check by license plate number” are often fraudulent. They may collect your data to spam you or sell to third parties. Use only official sources!
What to do if the insurance turns out to be fake
Fake OSAGO policies are a common problem in the used car market. According to RSA, in 2023 more than 120 thousand fake policies. If the check shows that your policy does not exist or the data does not match, follow the algorithm:
- Collect evidence:
- 📸 Take a photo of the policy (both sides).
- 📄 Save a screenshot of the test result on the RSA website.
- 💳 Find a receipt or payment receipt (if available).
- Contact your insurance company:
- Call the number listed on official website (not from the policy!).
- Write a statement addressed to the general director demanding that they look into it.
- File a police report:
- If the policy is fake, it is criminally punishable under Art. 159 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation (“Fraud”).
- In the application, indicate the details of the seller (if you bought a car) or the insurance agent.
- While the proceedings are ongoing, you must have valid insurance. Apply for an electronic MTPL policy via RSA website.
⚠️
Attention: If you bought a car with a fake MTPL policy, you have the right to demand compensation from the seller through the court. To do this, save all evidence (sale and purchase agreement, correspondence, receipts).
A fake MTPL policy is not only illegal, but also dangerous: in the event of an accident, the owner of a car without valid insurance is automatically considered the culprit, even if the accident was not his fault.
How to Check Insurance When Buying a Used Car
When buying a used car, checking the MTPL is a mandatory step. Fraudsters often sell cars with bad policies or no insurance at all, and then disappear. To avoid problems, follow this checklist:
Ask the seller for the original MTPL policy (not a photo!)|Check the RSA number through the RSA website|Check the VIN in the policy with the data in the PTS|Make sure that the policy is not canceled and is valid on the date of purchase|Check whether the car is listed as stolen (via traffic police website)-->
Additional precautions:
- 🔍 Check car history through services Autocode or CarVertical (paid, but will reveal hidden problems).
- 📝 Conclude a purchase and sale agreement indicating that the seller guarantees the validity of the MTPL policy.
- 💰 Do not transfer money until verified — it is better to use a letter of credit or a secure transaction.
If the seller refuses to provide the policy for inspection or claims that “everything is fine, don’t worry,” this is a reason to refuse the deal. The risk of getting a fake policy or a car with restrictions is too high.
Frequently asked questions about checking MTPL insurance
❓ Is it possible to check insurance by the owner's last name?
No, the official RSA services do not provide this option. Verification is carried out only by PCA number, VIN or license plate number (in limited cases). This is done to protect personal data.
❓ How long does it take to enter a policy into the RSA database?
Usually the policy appears in the database within 24 hours after registration. If more time has passed and the policy is not found, contact the insurance company.
❓ What does the “Lost” status mean in the RSA database?
This means that the owner of the policy reported its loss, and the document is now considered invalid. In this case, you need to obtain a duplicate from the insurance company.
❓ Is it possible to check insurance by engine number?
No, verification is carried out only by VIN, body/chassis number or license plate number (in some services). The engine number is not used for this.
❓ What to do if there is an error in the VIN in the policy?
Errors in the policy data are grounds for invalidating it. You need to contact the insurance company with a request for correction. If the insurance company refuses, you can complain to Central Bank.