With more than 600 people still waiting to replace their vehicles, Cuba's National Insurance Company (ESEN) has only delivered a total of 31 cars in 2024, according to Minister of Transportation Eduardo Rodríguez Dávila.
"During the year 2023, 94 vehicles were delivered as replacements to insured individuals. This year, 2024, we have delivered 31 vehicles and 16 are currently in the offer process. There are 662 individuals and legal entities still waiting for delivery," the state official stated on his Facebook profile, referencing information from ESEN itself.
Minister's Promises and Public Skepticism
Despite the disproportionate figures, the minister assured that "insurance replacement will be a priority for vehicles that, while in good technical condition, are retired from tourism rental," which could be seen as a lack of consideration for those uncertain about the replacement of their cars.
According to the Minister, with the update of the regime's policy on vehicle commercialization in Cuba, ESEN will have several alternatives for replacing vehicles for its insured, "which will ensure shorter wait times to fulfill their commitments."
His statement is based on the decision to "not commercialize in freely convertible currency the vehicles available from tourism rentals, which will increase availability for National Insurance commitments, as the replacement of rental vehicles materializes."
Additionally, he announced that with the enforcement of this policy, "the National Insurance Company will be able to contract the importation of a certain number of additional motor vehicles with its own resources."
The reality is that ESEN does not have a significant reputation within Cuban society, so it is reasonable to be cautious about its promises and capabilities.
One example is Cuban comedian Otto Ortiz, who has publicly denounced ESEN multiple times for failing to replace his car after it was rendered unusable in an accident.
Ortiz even considered suing the company for breach of agreement and accused its entire management of making deals for years that they cannot fulfill, and only "meeting with dissatisfied clients to buy time and prolong their agony."
"We are in 2024, and they owe clients since 2019. They cannot claim improvement when what they provide is unusable, and they have a five-year backlog," he responded to an official Mesa Redonda program that discussed insurance in Cuba, where he also criticized its leaders for lying to the media and the program for not questioning anything said.
In 2020, the Cuban Government approved a Decree Law that imposes mandatory insurance for all drivers in the country, except for those working in the ministries of the Armed Forces and the Interior.
The purpose of the regulation is to "cover damages or material losses, death, injuries, or damages that drivers may cause to natural or legal persons in their property or personal integrity."
Frequently Asked Questions About Vehicle Replacement in Cuba
Given the current issues with vehicle replacement in Cuba, many people have questions about the process and the promises made by the National Insurance Company. Here are some common questions and answers.
Why has the National Insurance Company only delivered 31 vehicles in 2024?
According to Minister Eduardo Rodríguez Dávila, the delays are due to the limited availability of vehicles and the need to prioritize other commitments such as tourism rentals.
What alternatives are being considered to improve vehicle replacement times?
The updated policy includes not commercializing vehicles in freely convertible currency and potentially importing additional motor vehicles with the company's resources.
What are the main criticisms of the National Insurance Company?
Critics, like comedian Otto Ortiz, accuse the company of failing to fulfill its obligations and making unfulfilled promises, leading to long wait times and dissatisfaction among clients.