Insurance against civil liability in respect of the use of motor vehicles (motor insurance) is of special importance for European citizens, whether they are policyholders or victims of an accident. It is also a major concern for insurance undertakings as it constitutes an important part of non-life insurance business in the Community. Motor insurance also has an impact on the free movement of persons and vehicles. The first part of the study deals with the origin and the brief history of insurance, beginning with the ancient Rome. The second part tries to describe the main characteristic features of the motor insurance including its legal background – with respect to the directives of the European Parliament and the Council, and the Hungarian legislation –, its subjects, the conclusion and termination of the contract.

Insurance against civil liability in respect of the use of motor vehicles (motor insurance) is of special importance for European citizens, whether they are policyholders or victims of an accident. It is also a major concern for insurance undertakings as it constitutes an important part of non-life insurance business in the Community. Motor insurance also has an impact on the free movement of persons and vehicles. The first part of the study deals with the origin and the brief history of insurance, beginning with the ancient Rome. The second part tries to describe the main characteristic features of the motor insurance including its legal background – with respect to the directives of the European Parliament and the Council, and the Hungarian legislation –, its subjects, the conclusion and termination of the contract.