Car Insurance Quotes Romania
Finding the right car insurance in Romania can feel like a maze. Between mandatory RCA policies, optional CASCO covers, fluctuating premiums and a market that has seen major changes in recent years, many drivers are unsure where to start. This guide walks you through how insurance quotes are calculated, what realistic costs look like in 2025, how to compare offers, and practical tips to lower your premiums. Along the way, four industry experts weigh in with concise advice drawn from years working in Romanian motor insurance.
Overview: RCA vs CASCO — What you must know
In Romania there are two main types of motor insurance most drivers consider. RCA, or “Răspundere Civilă Auto”, is mandatory third-party liability insurance that covers damage you cause to other people or their property. CASCO is a voluntary comprehensive insurance that covers damage to your own vehicle, from accidents and theft to vandalism and natural events, depending on the policy.
RCA is required by law for every registered vehicle. You cannot legally drive without an active RCA policy. CASCO is optional, but if your car is financed or leased the lender will usually require a CASCO policy for the duration of the contract. Deciding between RCA-only and RCA-plus-CASCO depends on your car’s value, your risk tolerance and your budget for premiums and deductibles.
How quotes are calculated: the main factors
Insurance companies combine objective risk factors and commercial pricing strategies to produce a quote. The core elements that most insurers use in Romania are the type and age of the vehicle, the diesel versus petrol or hybrid/electric engine, engine size and power (cc and kW), the car’s market value, the driver’s age and driving history, residence (city or rural), annual mileage, and the intended use of the vehicle (personal, business, or ride-sharing).
Another major influence is the no-claims (bonus-malus) history. In Romania, insurers use a bonus-malus system where a clean claims record reduces premiums, while at-fault claims increase them. Insurers also consider theft and vandalism statistics in the vehicle’s registered area and historical claim frequencies for that car model. Commercial strategies, like introductory discounts available via online aggregators or seasonal campaigns, also affect the final price you see.
Finally, regulatory and macroeconomic trends affect pricing. For example, the court-mandated compensations for bodily injury, inflation in repair costs and spare parts prices, and the solvency of major insurers all feed into underwriting costs and therefore premiums.
Realistic price ranges for RCA in Romania (2025 estimates)
RCA prices in Romania vary widely because of the many variables listed above. Based on market observations and insurer ranges in 2024–2025, the following examples represent realistic annual premiums for RCA policies. Conversion is shown in Romanian lei (RON) with approximate euro equivalents using 1 EUR ≈ 4.9 RON to help international readers.
| Driver/Profile | Vehicle example | Typical annual RCA (RON) | Approx. (EUR) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 35-year-old, clean record, lives in Bucharest | 2015 Dacia Logan, 1.2 petrol | 650 – 1,200 | €130 – €245 |
| 28-year-old, one minor at-fault claim, lives in Cluj | 2018 VW Golf, 1.6 diesel | 900 – 1,800 | €185 – €365 |
| 22-year-old, limited no-claims, urban area | 2019 Renault Clio | 1,600 – 3,200 | €325 – €655 |
| 45-year-old, clean record, rural area | 2012 Skoda Octavia, 1.9 TDI | 550 – 1,000 | €112 – €205 |
| Professional driver (business use), taxi/ride-share | 2017 Dacia Sandero | 2,500 – 5,500 | €510 – €1,120 |
These are ranges, not quotes. The actual premium you receive will depend on your precise circumstances, and sometimes insurers will offer lower promotional prices if you buy online or bundle policies.
Sample CASCO costs: what to expect for comprehensive cover
CASCO premiums are strongly tied to the car’s insured value. For older cars with low market value, CASCO may cost more than the car would be worth, which makes it an uneconomical purchase. For newer or higher-value vehicles, CASCO provides important financial protection against theft, collision and severe weather damage. The tables below show illustrative annual CASCO premium ranges for typical car values and policy setups in Romania, again with approximate euro conversions.
| Car market value (RON) | Coverage example | Typical annual CASCO premium (RON) | Approx. (EUR) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25,000 RON (≈€5,100) | All risks, 500 RON deductible, theft included | 1,800 – 3,200 | €365 – €655 |
| 50,000 RON (≈€10,200) | All risks, 1,000 RON deductible, glass and theft | 3,500 – 7,000 | €715 – €1,430 |
| 100,000 RON (≈€20,400) | Comprehensive with partial depreciation cover | 6,500 – 12,000 | €1,330 – €2,450 |
| 200,000 RON (≈€40,800) | Premium cover, low deductible, replacement car included | 10,000 – 20,000 | €2,040 – €4,080 |
CASCO premiums reflect expected repair costs and the average number of claims for that car model. High-theft models and luxury vehicles attract higher rates. Insurers often provide multi-year pricing examples so you can compare the annual cost alongside the excess you would pay after a claim.
Expert voices: what industry specialists say
“RCA remains the backbone of road safety finance in Romania. Drivers should remember that the cheapest quote is not always the best. Look at the insurer’s claim settlement reputation and speed,” says Ioana Popescu, Insurance Analyst at the Romanian Association of Insurers. Her point underscores the trade-off between price and service: low-cost policies can come with slow claims handling or restrictive clauses.
“The last five years showed the market can change fast. Companies that were dominant a few years ago no longer have the same market share. For drivers, that means it pays to re-check the market at renewal rather than auto-renew at the same insurer,” notes Dr. Adrian Petrescu, Professor of Finance at Bucharest University of Economic Studies. He points to the structural shifts that followed City Insurance’s insolvency in 2022, which reshaped the competitive landscape and led many drivers to seek alternatives.
“When a customer asks if CASCO is worth it, we run a cost-benefit analysis. For cars under 20,000 RON, CASCO often isn’t economically justified unless the owner is particularly risk-averse. For newer cars, a solid CASCO with a realistic deductible is almost always a good idea,” explains Elena Marinescu, Auto Claims Manager at Allianz-Țiriac. Elena emphasizes that deductibles and exclusions can drastically change what you pay out of pocket after an incident.
“Independent brokers can be useful because they can compare many products quickly, but read the fine print on exclusive conditions. Some online aggregators show headline prices but omit administrative fees or optional extras that add to the final cost,” adds Mihai Radu, an independent insurance broker in Timișoara, who regularly shops policies for clients across Romania.
Recent market events that affect quotes
Romania’s insurance market experienced turbulence after the insolvency of City Insurance in 2022, which was one of the largest non-life insurers in the country. That event tightened capacity in some segments for a time and increased scrutiny on solvency ratios among remaining insurers. Since then, many companies strengthened their reserves and adjusted pricing models to reflect higher expected claim payments and legal cost trends.
Repair costs and spare parts inflation, partly driven by global supply chain disruptions in recent years, remain relevant. A dent that used to cost 1,000 RON to fix may now cost 1,500 RON in many cases. Labor rates in urban garages have risen, and modern cars with advanced driver-assistance systems have more expensive sensors and parts, which increases average repair costs and thus insurer pricing.
Meteorological events also matter. Floods, hailstorms and storms cause clusters of claims; insurers monitoring risk concentrations will raise premiums in regions with repeated severe weather or add policy exclusions where necessary.
How to compare quotes effectively
When you receive multiple quotes, do not make price your only filtering criterion. Start by confirming that all offers provide the mandatory minimum cover for RCA. For CASCO, check the insured sum, deductible levels, and whether key extras such as roadside assistance, replacement vehicles, and glass cover are included. Compare the exclusion list, as some policies exclude certain types of wear-and-tear, certain driving activities, or use in specific countries.
Another critical element is the claim settlement process. Look for information about typical settlement times, the list of authorized repair workshops, and whether direct settlement with partner garages is available—this can reduce cash outlays after an incident. If you expect to drive in neighboring EU countries, confirm cross-border coverage and understand the documentation you’d need in case of an accident abroad.
Always check whether the quote includes taxes and mandatory fees. Some online quotes show net premiums without the mandatory motor insurances taxes and administration costs that raise the final figure by a few percent.
Practical example: three sample full quotes for the same driver
To illustrate how the same driver can receive different offers, imagine a 40-year-old driver with a clean record, living in Iași, driving a 2018 VW Tiguan worth 80,000 RON. Below are three plausible insurer offers for combined RCA + CASCO coverage with different deductibles and service levels.
| Insurer | Coverage | Annual premium (RON) | Key features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Insurer A (direct online) | RCA + CASCO (all risks), 2,000 RON deductible, glass and theft | 9,200 RON | Competitive online discount, 48-hour claim service, restricted garage network |
| Insurer B (traditional broker) | RCA + CASCO (partial), 1,000 RON deductible, replacement car included 7 days | 11,800 RON | Broader workshop network, higher premium but includes replacement vehicle |
| Insurer C (premium brand) | RCA + CASCO (premium package), 500 RON deductible, roadside assistance | 15,200 RON | Fast settlement, own-servicing centers, higher price reflective of speed/service |
All three offers are realistic and show that the cheapest is not always the best if you value features like quick claim settlement or a replacement vehicle during repairs. Your priorities and budget decide which option makes sense.
Ways to reduce your insurance premiums without sacrificing protection
There are several proven ways to reduce your annual car insurance cost. The simplest approach is to maintain and prove a clean no-claims record; many insurers apply significant discounts for multi-year claim-free histories. Increasing your deductible reduces the premium significantly because it shifts more immediate loss burden back to you.
Another option is policy bundling. Many insurers offer discounts if you buy home or other personal insurance products from the same company. Also consider where the car is registered and parked; a vehicle parked in a secure garage rather than on the street attracts lower theft and vandalism risk ratings. Limiting annual mileage or installing approved anti-theft devices and dashcams can also lower premiums by showing you are actively reducing risk.
Be mindful that some discounts are conditional. For example, young drivers may get discounts for completing advanced driving courses. Confirm with the insurer whether the discount persists at renewal and under what conditions it might be lost.
Buying online vs through a broker: pros and cons
Online platforms are often cheaper because they minimize distribution costs. You can get fast quotes and buy a policy immediately, and online aggregators allow quick apples-to-apples comparisons. However, online offers sometimes omit optional fees or additional administrative charges until checkout. If your case is complex—for example, an unusual vehicle modification, foreign driving history or multiple drivers—a broker can navigate exceptions, negotiate conditions and interpret fine-print clauses.
Brokers can also be valuable in a claims scenario if they act as your advocate, helping to present evidence or negotiate with the insurer. The trade-off is you might pay a broker fee, or the broker might receive a commission that influences product placement. Choosing a broker with a strong reputation and transparent fee disclosure is critical.
Claim process: what to expect when you need to use insurance
After an accident, the first priority is safety and any required medical treatment. For RCA incidents, exchange identification and policy details with the other party and report the accident to the police if there are injuries or major damage. Most insurers require a written accident report and a police report for significant claims. Contact your insurer as soon as possible; many have dedicated 24/7 hotlines and online claim forms that begin the process immediately.
Insurers typically ask for basic documentation: the accident report, photographs of damage, driver license and vehicle registration, and any third-party details. For CASCO claims, the process often includes an initial damage assessment and an offer to either repair the vehicle at an authorized garage or pay cash settlement for the assessed loss. The deductible you agreed will be deducted from the settlement amount.
Timelines vary. Small claims can often be resolved within a few days, while larger claims involving serious bodily injury or complex liability disputes can take weeks or months. Always keep a copy of communications and note claim reference numbers and contact persons.
Insurer reputation and financial stability: metrics that matter
When choosing an insurer, reputation for claim settlement and financial strength matter more than a 5–10% premium difference. Look for solvency ratios, ratings from independent agencies (if available), the insurer’s history in the Romanian market, reviews on claim experience, and the percentage of claims settled in a timely manner. Public regulatory filings, annual reports and statements from the Financial Supervisory Authority (ASF) provide useful insight into an insurer’s capital adequacy and market behavior.
After the City Insurance episode, the ASF increased scrutiny of claims reserves and technical provisions. This has led to clearer public reporting from most major players. If an insurer regularly ranks poorly for claim settlements, the short-term savings you get from a lower price can be nullified by long waits or denied claims later.
International travel and cross-border cover
Romanian RCA covers you within Romania and typically across the EU thanks to the “green card” system and mutual recognition of mandatory motor liability insurance. However, if you plan to drive outside the EU or to countries with different rules, confirm whether your policy offers international cover and what additional documents are required. For CASCO policies, you must also confirm if the insurer provides cover abroad and whether limitations apply to the time spent outside Romania.
If you frequently travel to neighboring countries, obtain a written confirmation of territorial limits and any special documentation required by the insurer. Some policies restrict repairs abroad or limit the amount they will reimburse for foreign repairs, so it’s wise to review these clauses before you travel.
Examples of common optional add-ons and their typical costs
Insurers offer a variety of optional add-ons to tailor coverage. Roadside assistance, replacement car during repairs, glass cover, legal protection, and accidental personal injury cover are common extras. The price of each add-on depends on provider and scope. Roadside assistance typically adds 150–400 RON annually, glass cover 200–800 RON depending on windows included, and replacement car cover between 300–1,200 RON per year depending on the duration of the benefit. Legal protection and accident benefits can add 200–600 RON each, again depending on limits.
When comparing total costs, factor in the price of meaningful add-ons you want rather than focusing only on the base premium. Some insurers bundle popular additions into mid-tier CASCO packages that can offer better value than buying options individually.
Checklist: documents and information insurers typically require for a quote
To get accurate quotes quickly, have the following information ready: your vehicle registration details, make and model, year of manufacture, engine capacity and power, estimated current market value, usage (personal or business), annual mileage estimate, driver license and no-claims history, address where the vehicle is primarily parked, and details of any modifications to the car. Also indicate whether there are multiple drivers to be covered and the presence of anti-theft devices or dashcams, which can reduce premiums.
Common mistakes to avoid when getting quotes
One common mistake is underestimating annual mileage to obtain a lower premium. If you declare lower mileage and later exceed it, the insurer may restrict or deny a claim if the misrepresentation is material. Another frequent error is failing to confirm whether the policy includes compulsory motor vehicle taxes. Some online prices look appealing until administrative and taxes are added at checkout. Finally, drivers sometimes skip reading the exclusions section; understanding what is not covered is as important as knowing what is included.
How often should you shop for a new quote?
Market dynamics and your personal circumstances change. You should shop around at least annually at renewal and any time you have a material change such as moving house, adding a young driver, buying a new car or suffering a claim. Renewal is the simplest moment to compare because insurers may offer loyalty or retention discounts but also because competitors may present improved offers. Even if you are happy with your insurer’s service, a quick market check each year can save hundreds or even thousands of RON.
Practical timeline: how long does buying a policy take?
Buying an RCA policy online can take as little as 10–20 minutes if you have all documents ready. A CASCO purchase requires a bit more time because insurers may ask for vehicle inspection photos or a physical inspection, especially for high-value cars. A straightforward CASCO policy can usually be issued within 24–72 hours. If there are special conditions or endorsements, allow extra time for negotiation and documentation.
Frequently asked questions
Is RCA coverage valid immediately after purchase? Most online RCAs are valid from the moment of purchase, provided you receive proof of insurance. Always download or print the policy certificate and check the start and expiry dates. Some insurers may set a specific activation time for administrative reasons; confirm this at purchase.
How does the bonus-malus system affect my premium? The bonus-malus system rewards claim-free years with premium reductions and penalizes at-fault claims by increasing future premiums. The precise scale varies across insurers, but a driver with five consecutive claim-free years can expect meaningful reductions compared to someone with recent at-fault claims. Always request a written statement of your no-claims bonus when switching insurers; many companies honor these records within the legal framework.
Can I include multiple drivers on one policy? Yes, policies can include named drivers. Additional drivers may increase the premium depending on their age and driving history. Some insurers allow unnamed drivers if the policy wording supports it, but it’s safer to name frequent secondary drivers to avoid complications during a claim.
Closing thoughts and recommended next steps
Choosing the right car insurance in Romania requires balancing price, coverage and the insurer’s reputation. Start by deciding whether you need CASCO in addition to the mandatory RCA. Gather accurate vehicle and driver information and obtain multiple quotes, paying attention to deductibles, exclusions, and the claim settlement process. Maintain a clean driving record to benefit from no-claims discounts and consider modest increases to deductibles to lower your premium if you can afford the risk in minor incidents.
Before you commit, read the policy wording carefully. If you value hand-holding through claims or have a high-value vehicle, prioritize an insurer with fast claims service and strong solvency indicators even if they do not have the lowest headline price. For those who prefer DIY online purchases, check final quoted amounts include taxes and read customer reviews about claim experiences.
As Ioana Popescu summarized, “Price matters, but the peace of mind that comes from reliable claims handling and a financially stable insurer is worth a few extra hundred lei each year.” Follow that principle and you will make a better long-term choice for both your wallet and your driving experience.
Short list of resources and contacts
For official updates, regulatory guidance and lists of licensed insurers in Romania, consult the Financial Supervisory Authority (ASF) website. For legal assistance related to claims or disputes, seek a lawyer experienced in motor insurance. Independent brokers can help compare multiple insurers and interpret policy clauses, but choose one with transparent terms and clear disclosures about fees and commissions.
Finally, keep a digital and printed copy of your policy documents in your car or on your phone. That small step saves time and stress in the event of an accident or traffic stop and helps you make the most of the coverage you paid for.
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