Why You Might Regret Driving an Expensive Car in Bulgaria — Even With Full Casco Insurance

Owning an expensive car in Bulgaria can feel like a dream — low registration costs, affordable maintenance, and the freedom to drive your luxury vehicle with Bulgarian plates and full Casco (comprehensive) insurance. But that dream can quickly turn into disappointment when you realize that your “full coverage” Casco policy doesn’t actually cover everything.

There are two major risks that are not covered by most Casco insurance policies in Bulgaria — and why so many car owners regret not reading the fine print.

What Is Casco Insurance in Bulgaria?

Casco insurance is a fully comprehensive vehicle insurance that, in theory, should protect you against almost all risks — theft, fire, vandalism, natural disasters, and road accidents.
It’s often sold as “full coverage” — giving you peace of mind that whatever happens, your insurer will pay.

However, as many luxury car owners in Bulgaria have discovered, that peace of mind can vanish the moment you file a claim.

Risk #1: The Insurance Company May Refuse to Pay Compensation

Yes, you read that right. Even with full Casco coverage, your insurer can legally refuse to pay.

How? By claiming that the damage did not occur in the way you described.
This is a common tactic used by insurers to shift responsibility back to you — suggesting that your story isn’t accurate or that you’re trying to reduce your future Casco premiums.

But what if you weren’t even present when the damage occurred — for example, your car was vandalized or hit in a parking lot?
You, as the driver, have no means of knowing exactly how the damage happened, yet the insurer may still deny your claim on that basis.

Unfortunately, this isn’t rare.
Our legal team, led by Advocate Markov, has successfully represented many clients in cases where insurance companies refused to fulfill their obligations under Casco insurance policies.
In court, these refusals often turn out to be unjustified — and compensation is eventually awarded to the policyholder. You can read the case of Advocate Markov against Allianz Bulgaria. Advocate Markov has an excellent track record of winning cases against insurance corporations.

Risk #2: The Downgraded Service — Paying the Same, Getting Less

Here’s the second big surprise: as your vehicle gets older, your Casco premium may stay the same, even though your car’s value has dropped significantly. That means you’re paying the same price for less protection.

In the first year, you might have been entitled to have repairs done at the official dealer with original manufacturer parts.
But after a few years, your insurer might tell you:

• You must go to a non-official service center;

• Repairs can be done using second-hand or non-original parts;

• And yet, your Casco rate remains the same.

How is that fair?
Insurers often justify this by citing “inflation” or “increased service costs”, but the truth is simpler — insurance companies, in Bulgaria and elsewhere, are large corporations driven by profit.

And the Worst Part — The Waiting Game

Even if your claim is approved and your car is set to be repaired, prepare for a long waiting list.
Imagine this: someone hits your car in January 2025, and your vehicle isn’t back on the road until April 2025 due to service delays.

During this time, the insurer does not provide a replacement vehicle, nor do they compensate you for the loss of use.
You simply have to wait — and absorb the inconvenience yourself.

What You Can Do

If you’ve been denied compensation under your Casco insurance or feel unfairly treated by your insurer, you have legal rights.
Our team at Advocate Markov’s law office specializes in insurance disputes in Bulgaria — including Casco, Civil Liability, property damage claims, and legal support for accidents in Bulgaria.

We can:

• Review your insurance contract;

• Evaluate whether the insurer’s refusal is lawful;

• Represent you in negotiations or court;

• Ensure you receive the compensation you are rightfully owed.

Don’t Let Insurance Companies Take Advantage of You

If your insurer refuses to pay or downgrades your service, contact Advocate Markov for a free initial consultation.
We’ll analyze your case and help you claim your rights under Bulgarian insurance law — quickly, effectively, and without unnecessary stress.