The key facts

  • The average annual OSAGO policy from January to August 2026 cost 7,761 rubles, more expensive for novices
  • The average cost of kasko in the first half of 2026 was 21.9 thousand rubles, the average payout was 215 thousand rubles
  • Additional car expenses are estimated at 15–25% of its value per year

The purchase price is not the final cost of ownership

The price of a car is not equal to the total cost of owning it, which is why related expenses often come as a surprise to newcomers. This was stated to Gazeta.Ru by Anton Pozhidaev, head of the OSAGO (mandatory motor insurance) division at SberInsurance. He advises that before buying a used car, the engine, gearbox, suspension, brakes, steering and electrics should be thoroughly checked — this way, the buyer will know in advance how much money will have to be invested in a particular vehicle.

Mandatory and voluntary expenses

After the purchase, annual mandatory expenses appear: transport tax and OSAGO. According to data from the Russian Union of Auto Insurers (RSA) cited by the expert, from January to August 2026 the average annual mandatory motor insurance policy cost 7,761 rubles, while for a novice driver the price will be higher. You can save money by paying for the policy using cashback or bonuses from loyalty programs of online marketplaces. At the same time, OSAGO only covers damage caused to other road users — repairs to your own car fall under voluntary comprehensive insurance (kasko).

How much kasko costs and what else to budget for

“According to the Central Bank, the average cost of kasko, taking into account both full programs and options with a limited set of risks, amounted to 21.9 thousand rubles in the first half of the year. The average kasko payout for the first half of 2026 was 215 thousand rubles,” Pozhidaev is quoted as saying by the publication. According to him, necessary expenses also include refueling, maintenance once a year or more often depending on mileage, parking fees, and the purchase of a second set of tires for year-round driving, and, optionally, wheels. In total, additional car expenses can amount to 15–25% of its value per year. Earlier, in February 2025, the same publication had already collected stories from Russians about how much their first car cost them.