Limitation for compulsory insurance claims?

What the Law Says

Japanese law sets a strict time limit for filing claims under compulsory automobile liability insurance (CALI), which covers bodily injury and death resulting from car accidents.

The limitation period is governed by the Automobile Liability Security Act (also known as the CALI Act). This law mandates that all motor vehicle operators maintain minimum liability coverage to protect accident victims.

Under Article 4 of the Act, a claimant must exercise their right to claim compensation within 2 years from the time they become aware of both the damage suffered and the identity of the person liable for it.

This 2-year period is a statutory limitation — meaning that once it expires, the right to claim compensation under CALI is extinguished, even if the underlying tort claim might still be valid under civil law.

Statutory Text

The right to claim compensation under this Act shall be extinguished after the expiration of two years from the time the victim becomes aware of the damage and the person liable therefor.

— Automobile Liability Security Act, Art. 4 — Limitation of Right to Claim

What to Do

Sources