OC, AC and Assistance — Complete 2026 Guide
Every driver in Poland has heard of OC, AC and Assistance, but not everyone can quickly name the differences. Yet they decide which damages a policy covers and which come out of your own pocket. In this guide you'll find a clear comparison of all three insurances — with current 2026 data.
OC — mandatory third-party liability insurance
OC protects other road users when you cause an accident. The at-fault driver's policy covers personal injury and property damage to victims. OC is mandatory for every vehicle registered in Poland, governed by the Act of 22 May 2003. Lacking OC means a fine imposed by UFG.
What OC covers
- Personal injury to victims: medical care, pensions, compensation
- Property damage: vehicles, property, infrastructure
- 2026 guarantee sum: EUR 5,210,000 (personal) and EUR 1,050,000 (property)
What OC does NOT cover
OC does not cover damage to the at-fault driver's own vehicle. If you cause a collision and your car is damaged — the repair comes out of your own pocket, unless you also have AC.
AC — comprehensive, voluntary vehicle insurance
AC is voluntary insurance protecting your vehicle from damage regardless of fault. It typically covers: theft, at-fault collision, vandalism, force majeure (hail, flood, fire). Each insurer defines AC scope individually — details are in the OWU.
When AC is worth buying
- Vehicle is new or relatively expensive (above 30,000 PLN value)
- You park on the street or in higher theft-risk areas
- You often drive long distances or in harsh conditions
- The vehicle is your main work tool and you can't function without it
Assistance — roadside help
Assistance provides technical help on the road in case of breakdown or accident. Standard scope includes: towing to a workshop, on-site repair, replacement vehicle, passenger transport. Many OC policies include basic Assistance for free, but extended packages (e.g. coverage abroad, higher towing limit) require an extra 50–200 PLN per year.
Comparison — quick overview
| Feature | OC | AC | Assistance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mandatory | Yes | No | No |
| Whose property protected | Others' | Yours | Yours (help) |
| Price (annual) | 700–1,200 PLN | 800–2,500 PLN | 50–300 PLN |
| When it works | Your fault | Any damage | Breakdown/accident |
How to choose a package
The optimal set depends on car value, parking location and use. New car + city + daily use = OC + AC + extended Assistance. Old car + garage + occasional rides = OC alone with basic Assistance. It's best to compare several packages in a calculator — often the package price differs by hundreds of zlotys between insurers.
OC protects others. AC protects you. Assistance saves you from roadside trouble.
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