What Is IMM in Insurance?
When we drive, most of us whisper the same quiet prayer: “God forbid, let there be no accident.” The moment we turn the key and hit the road, we’re not just going from one place to another; we’re heading to our loved ones, handling responsibilities, simply trying to keep life moving. None of us ever wants to be part of an accident. Especially if you’re a careful driver who follows the rules, it feels natural to think, “It won’t happen to me.” But life doesn’t always move according to our plans. Even the most cautious driver can suddenly face the unexpected.
That’s exactly why insurance is not just a legal requirement; it’s peace of mind. When we purchase traffic insurance, we often don’t examine the policy details closely. We just think, “It’s mandatory, I have to get it,” and move on. But the truth is, what truly protects you in the moment of an accident is the content of that policy. Especially when financial damages and third-party liabilities grow larger, coverage limits become critically important.
In recent years, there’s a term we hear more and more often: IMM. Many people see this abbreviation in their policies but don’t fully understand what it means. Some assume it’s “just an extra add-on,” while others say, “I already have traffic insurance, that should be enough.” However, when you consider the high financial claims that can arise after an accident, it’s not hard to see how important IMM can be.
What Does IMM Mean?
IMM stands for Voluntary Financial Liability Insurance. It may sound official and a bit complicated, but the logic behind it is actually quite simple. IMM is an additional safeguard that steps in where compulsory traffic insurance falls short. In other words, it answers the question: “What if the limit isn’t enough?”
As you know, compulsory traffic insurance covers the material and bodily damages you cause to third parties in an accident, within certain limits set by the government. Most of the time, this coverage is sufficient. However, in some accidents, the total damage can be much higher than you expect. Especially in large cities where luxury vehicles are common, even a single collision can lead to very serious repair costs. Similarly, in cases involving injuries, hospital and treatment expenses can quickly exceed expectations.
At some point, a simple but worrying question may arise: “What if the limit isn’t enough?” Because once the coverage limit is exceeded, the remaining amount becomes your responsibility. That means it may have to come out of your own pocket. IMM exists precisely to reduce this risk. As an additional coverage layered on top of your traffic insurance, it steps in when limits are exceeded and protects you from a heavy financial burden.
Why Do You Need IMM If You Already Have Compulsory Traffic Insurance?
In Türkiye, every vehicle on the road must have compulsory traffic insurance. This insurance provides basic protection by covering the material and bodily damages you cause to others within the limits determined by the state. And it’s important to emphasize the word “basic.” Because not every accident will stay within those basic limits.
Today, vehicle prices are significantly higher than they used to be. We see more luxury and high segment cars on the road. Even what seems like a minor collision can result in major damage to the other party’s vehicle. If that vehicle happens to be a luxury model, the repair costs can be far beyond what you imagined.
Then there are chain reaction accidents. A moment of distraction, a wet road, or a sudden brake… and suddenly multiple vehicles are involved. In such cases, the total damage can multiply rapidly. If the accident also involves injuries requiring long-term treatment, the financial consequences can become even more serious.
Let’s imagine this: You are involved in an accident, and the total damage to the other party’s vehicle amounts to 1,500,000 TL. However, your traffic insurance limit for that category is 1,000,000 TL. The insurance company pays up to that limit. But what about the remaining 500,000 TL? That’s where the real concern begins. If you do not have IMM coverage, that difference could become your responsibility.
You can think of IMM as an extra safety net added on top of your traffic insurance. It’s easy to say, “It won’t happen to me,” but life sometimes presents scenarios we never expected. IMM protects you from being left alone with a major financial burden when limits are exceeded.
Where Does IMM Coverage Fit In?
IMM coverage is usually offered as an additional option within a comprehensive auto insurance policy (kasko). It is not typically issued as a completely separate policy; rather, it is an extra layer of protection added to your existing coverage.
Comprehensive insurance itself is optional and mainly protects your own vehicle against risks such as collision, theft, or fire. IMM, on the other hand, strengthens that structure by adding extra financial protection against high third-party liability claims. In a way, it makes your coverage more complete and more powerful.
When arranging your comprehensive policy, you can simply ask your agent or insurance company to include IMM coverage. The coverage limit is entirely up to you. Today, many insurers offer options starting from 1 million TL and going up to 10 million TL or even higher. Depending on where you live, how often you drive, and your budget, it’s possible to choose a limit that truly fits your needs.
What Exactly Does IMM Cover?
IMM covers the portion exceeding your compulsory traffic insurance limits for:
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Material damages (vehicle, building, public property, etc.)
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Bodily injuries (medical expenses, disability compensation, loss-of-support compensation in case of death)
It only applies to the amount exceeding the compulsory traffic insurance limits.
An important note: IMM does not cover damage to your own vehicle. That part is handled by your comprehensive insurance. IMM is strictly related to damages you cause to third parties.
How Much IMM Coverage Should You Choose?
This is a question almost everyone asks. “Is the minimum enough?” or “Do I really need a high limit?” These are very natural concerns. But honestly, relying only on minimum limits is no longer the safest choice.
Vehicle prices are high. Healthcare costs increase every year. Compensation amounts are much greater than they used to be. Especially if you live in a large city, the value of the vehicles around you in traffic can be substantial. Even a small accident can turn into a significant financial issue.
Speaking sincerely, if your budget allows, choosing a higher IMM limit truly brings peace of mind. No one plans to have an accident, but when it happens, the consequences can be heavier than we ever imagined. It’s far better to take precautions in advance than to later say, “I wish I had chosen a higher limit.”
What Happens If You Don’t Have IMM?
If you don’t have IMM and the traffic insurance limit is insufficient after an accident, the exceeding amount may become your personal responsibility. In other words, you may have to cover that difference with your own assets.
Unfortunately, this can lead to very stressful processes: wage garnishment, blocked bank accounts, or lengthy legal proceedings. No one wants to go through such a period. It can be exhausting both financially and emotionally.
Imagine it was just a few seconds of distraction. Yet the financial consequences could last for years. IMM exists precisely to prevent that kind of burden. It may not be a miracle solution, but it can protect you from a very serious financial obligation.
