Insurance is one of the most confusing aspects of renting a car — but it doesn't have to be. This guide explains every type of car rental insurance available in Bulgaria, what's included by default, and which upgrades are worth considering for your trip.

What's Included by Default

When you rent a car with Carhirebg.com, the following insurance coverage is included in the rental price at no extra cost:

• Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) — covers damage to the rental car in case of an accident, with an excess (deductible) that varies by vehicle category.
• Theft Protection (TP) — covers the vehicle if it is stolen, with an excess.
• Third-Party Liability Insurance — covers damage you cause to other people, vehicles, or property. Required by law in Bulgaria.

This basic coverage is legally sufficient to drive in Bulgaria. However, the excess (the amount you're responsible for in case of damage or theft) can range from €300 to €1,500 depending on the vehicle. This is where optional upgrades come in.

Optional Insurance Upgrades

Carhirebg.com offers two insurance upgrade packages to reduce or eliminate your financial risk:

Smart Protect (Reduced Excess)

Smart Protect reduces your excess to a minimal amount (typically €100–€200) for a daily fee. This means that if you damage the car, you're only responsible for the first €100–€200 instead of the full excess.

Smart Protect is ideal for drivers who want peace of mind without paying for full coverage. It covers:

• • Body damage (dents, scratches, panels)
• • Glass and mirror damage
• • Tyre damage
• • Single-vehicle accidents (e.g., hitting a curb or fence)

Premium Protect (Zero Excess)

Premium Protect eliminates your excess entirely — you pay €0 in case of damage or theft. This is the most comprehensive coverage available and gives you complete financial peace of mind.

Premium Protect includes everything in Smart Protect, plus:

• Zero excess on all body damage
• Zero excess on glass, mirrors, and tyres
• Zero excess on theft
• Coverage for roof and undercarriage damage
• Coverage for interior damage (seats, dashboard, upholstery)

What Insurance Does NOT Cover

Regardless of which package you choose, certain situations are never covered by rental insurance in Bulgaria:

• ✕ Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs
• ✕ Driving without a valid driving licence
• ✕ Damage caused by off-road driving (unless the vehicle is specifically designed for it)
• ✕ Damage from using the wrong fuel type (e.g., putting petrol in a diesel car)
• ✕ Loss of keys or documents
• ✕ Damage caused by another driver not listed on the rental agreement

Do I Need Additional Insurance?

For most travellers, the basic included coverage (CDW + Theft Protection + Third-Party) is sufficient. However, consider upgrading if:

• • You're planning a long road trip across Bulgaria with multiple stops — more driving means more risk.
• • You're driving in winter conditions on mountain roads where accidents are more common.
• • You're not confident driving on unfamiliar roads or on the right side of the road.
• • You simply want zero financial stress on your holiday — Premium Protect means no worries, no matter what happens.

How to Choose

Here's a quick summary to help you decide: