News

5 May 2026

Ombudsman Velislava Delcheva called for urgent institutional intervention in response to the sharp increase in the cost of mandatory motor third-party liability insurance, after the institution received numerous complaints from citizens and representatives of motorcycle clubs across the country. 

The complaints point to a serious and recurring problem—price increases of between 50% and 80% for motorcycles, and in some cases, over 100%. Industry organisations even cite a price increase range of between 70% and 300%. According to them, there are no clear economic arguments or publicly available analyses to justify this increase, and prices in Bulgaria already significantly exceed those in neighbouring countries.

There is widespread public discontent and a perception that citizens and businesses are being unfairly burdened. Citizens are calling for an investigation into whether prices are based on real economic factors and comply with the principles of transparency and market logic.

In this regard, the Ombudsman has requested that the National Revenue Agency and the Consumer Protection Commission conduct inspections within their respective areas of competence, in accordance with the Law on the Introduction of the Euro in Bulgaria, of insurance companies to determine whether the prices they offer are economically justified. 

At the same time, the Ombudsman has also referred the matter to the Association of Bulgarian Insurers, recommending that insurance companies allow for the deferral of premiums for mandatory motor third-party liability insurance or to offer so-called “seasonal insurance,” which is an option available under the Insurance Code.

Yesterday, the Ombudsman met with representatives of the motorcycle community, and last week she requested the Financial Supervision Commission to conduct an investigation and to hold a meeting with the motorcycle community, which took place today.