Comprehensive or Third-Party Liability: How to Choose the Right Car Insurance!
Every year, thousands of drivers in Bulgaria face the same question: Which car insurance is the most suitable for me? Is the mandatory Third-Party Liability insurance enough, or is it time to consider voluntary Comprehensive (Casco) coverage as well?
In this article, we will take an in-depth look at the differences between the two main types of car insurance in Bulgaria, analyze the advantages and disadvantages of each, discuss when it makes sense to combine them, and present the most up-to-date information for 2025. Our goal is to help you make an informed decision and save time and money by using the Trusti.bg platform.
What Is Third-Party Liability Insurance?
Third-Party Liability insurance is mandatory car insurance in Bulgaria. Every owner of a motor vehicle that is driven on public roads is legally required to have it. It covers the driver’s liability for damages caused to third parties—both material and non-material (injuries, disability, or death).
Key characteristics:
- Regulated by the Insurance Code and identical in scope across all insurers.
- Covers damages caused to third parties, including other vehicles and property (e.g. buildings, fences, goods).
- Covers medical expenses and hospital treatment for injured persons.
- Does not cover damage to your own vehicle or property.
Additional elements:
- The insurance is valid in Bulgaria and throughout the European Union. For travel outside the EU or to certain countries (e.g. North Macedonia, Serbia, Turkey), a so-called Green Card is required, issued by the insurer to confirm the policy’s validity.
- When selling a vehicle, the policy can be transferred to the new owner or terminated with a refund of the unused portion of the premium. It is important to note that in the case of a transfer, the new owner must notify the insurer within a specified period for the policy to remain valid.
- Third-Party Liability insurance is a prerequisite for passing the annual technical inspection—without it, the inspection cannot be carried out.
- In the event of a road traffic accident, the insurer pays compensation to the injured party, not to the at-fault driver. This means that even in a serious accident, if you are at fault, you will not be financially burdened with compensation to other road users unless there are aggravating circumstances (e.g. intentional damage, driving under the influence).
What Is Comprehensive (Casco) Insurance?
Comprehensive (Casco) insurance is a voluntary form of car insurance designed to protect your vehicle against various risks—including road traffic accidents (regardless of fault), natural disasters, vandalism, fire, theft, and more. Unlike mandatory Third-Party Liability insurance, Casco focuses on protecting your personal property—your car.
Types of coverage:
Full Casco:
- Covers damages from road traffic accidents, regardless of fault.
- Natural disasters: hail, storms, strong winds, floods, falling branches, avalanches, and other natural events.
- Vandalism and intentional damage.
- Fire, explosions, electrical damage (e.g. due to short circuits).
- Theft or robbery of the vehicle.
- Malicious acts by third parties, including damage caused by flammable liquids, sharp objects, and other intentional actions.
Limited (Partial) Casco:
- Usually covers only natural disasters and theft.
- Does not include coverage for road traffic accidents or vandalism.
- Can be a cost-effective option for older vehicles or limited budgets.
Additional benefits:
- Insurance for additional equipment: You can insure items such as alloy wheels, navigation systems, factory-installed audio systems, and others if they are not part of the standard configuration.
- Cashless service: In the event of damage, the insurer works directly with an approved repair shop and pays for the repairs without requiring you to cover the costs upfront—saving both time and money.
- Roadside assistance: Most full Casco policies include roadside assistance, such as towing to a repair shop, jump-starting a battery, tire changes, or even providing a replacement vehicle if needed.
- Coverage abroad: Some insurers offer extended Casco coverage valid outside Bulgaria—within the EU or other countries.
- Actual value compensation: In the case of total loss or theft, some policies provide compensation based on the vehicle’s market value at the time of the event, or even a fixed amount for new cars.
What Is the Difference Between Casco and Third-Party Liability Insurance?
| Criterion | Third-Party Liability | Casco Insurance |
|---|---|---|
| Mandatory | Yes | No |
| Covers damage to | Third parties and their property | Your vehicle |
| Accident coverage | Yes, only if you are at fault and only toward third parties | Yes, regardless of fault |
| Natural disaster coverage | No | Yes |
| Vandalism coverage | No | Yes |
| Theft coverage | No | Yes |
| Valid abroad | Yes (EU and with Green Card) | Optional |
| Price | Lower | Higher, depending on coverage |
When Should You Choose Only Third-Party Liability Insurance?
In some cases, Third-Party Liability insurance alone may be fully sufficient and economically justified—especially if the vehicle has low financial value and is used infrequently.
Suitable situations include:
- The vehicle has a low value (under BGN 10,000), where the cost of Casco insurance may be disproportionate to potential compensation.
- You drive rarely—mainly on weekends or only within the city—significantly reducing accident risk.
- You park in a private, guarded, or enclosed area, minimizing the risk of theft, vandalism, or natural damage.
- The vehicle is not used for long trips or left unattended frequently.
- You want to minimize expenses and are willing to assume the risk of potential damage to your own vehicle.
In such cases, the money saved by not purchasing Casco insurance can be invested in vehicle maintenance or set aside in a personal “emergency fund” for unexpected expenses.
When Is It Wise to Add Casco Insurance?
There are many situations in which voluntary Casco insurance is not just recommended, but highly advisable. It provides comprehensive protection and peace of mind in everyday driving—especially when you have invested a significant amount in your vehicle.
Casco insurance is most suitable when:
- You own a new or expensive car (over BGN 20,000), where potential damages could result in substantial losses.
- The vehicle is leased or financed—Casco is often a mandatory requirement from the financing institution.
- You live or park in urban areas, where the risk of vandalism, collisions, or falling branches is higher.
- You frequently travel outside the city, including mountainous or rural areas with more unpredictable conditions.
- The car is used daily for work, family, or business purposes, increasing accident risk.
- You want full protection—Casco covers not only accidents but also hailstorms, fires, theft, and other uncontrollable events.
- You prefer predictable expenses—paying a fixed annual premium instead of covering sudden repair costs out of pocket.
What Are the Car Insurance Prices in 2025?
Prices depend on many factors: engine power, vehicle age, location, driver profile, claims history, and chosen coverage.
Third-Party Liability:
- On average between BGN 180 – 400 per year for a standard vehicle.
- Possible discounts for online purchase or a claim-free history.
Casco:
- Partial Casco: from BGN 300 – 600
- Full Casco: from BGN 700 – 1,500 and above
With Trusti.bg, you can use an online Casco calculator and Third-Party Liability calculator to receive an accurate quote based on your vehicle and needs.
How to Buy Insurance Online with Trusti.bg?
Trusti.bg is an innovative platform that allows you to:
- Compare offers from all leading insurers in Bulgaria.
- Choose the best balance between price and coverage.
- Enter the required information and pay online.
- Receive your policy by email—without visiting offices or speaking to brokers.
With Trusti.bg, you save time and money and ensure peace of mind behind the wheel.
Third-Party Liability insurance is unavoidable—it is the minimum level of protection required by law. Casco insurance, however, is what truly protects you and your vehicle. Combining both is the best solution for anyone who wants to drive safely and stress-free. Take advantage of digital opportunities and purchase your car insurance online with Trusti.bg.
Author: Vasilena Cholakova
Chief Executive Officer
Vasilena Cholakova is the co-founder and Chief Executive Officer of Trusti.bg, with extensive international experience in strategy and data analytics. She previously led the Uber Eats strategy for the EMEA region. Before joining Uber, she worked at Covestor (now Interactive Advisors) and at the European Commission. As an author on the Trusti.bg blog, she shares knowledge and practical advice on insurance and personal finance.
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