Polish drivers receive wrongful OC bills after selling cars

After selling a vehicle, many Polish motorists are receiving collection notices for third‑party liability (OC) insurance that should have terminated. This "misdirected OC" happens when insurers' internal systems fail to register the policy’s end or transfer, prompting wrongful debt letters and possible court or collection actions.

Complaints to the Polish Financial Ombudsman rose 41 % in 2025, topping 4,000 cases for two consecutive years. The issue stems from fragmented insurance IT processes that do not synchronise sales, terminations and payments, creating procedural dead‑ends for drivers.

In parallel, drivers often overlook statutory duties after a sale: they must report the vehicle transfer to the registration office within 30 days and notify the insurer within 14 days. Missing these deadlines can result in administrative fines of up to 250 zł and expose former owners to traffic violations recorded against the new holder.

The combination of erroneous OC claims and missed post‑sale formalities adds stress for consumers and extra costs for insurers, underscoring the need for better data integration and clearer guidance for vehicle owners.