Important nuances for Ukrainian drivers: do you need a CTP insurance policy in Bulgaria
Many Ukrainians who decide to move to Bulgaria by car are faced with the question: is international car insurance enough, or is it necessary to take out a local motor third party liability policy (MTPL)? Let’s take a closer look at the rules that apply to Ukrainian drivers in Bulgaria, what you need to know about the Green Card policy, and when you should take out local car insurance.
What is a Green Card policy?
‘A Green Card is an international insurance policy that confirms that your car is insured for travelling in countries that are part of the Green Card system. This system includes the countries of the European Union, including Bulgaria. This policy provides motor third party liability, i.e. it covers damages that you may cause to another road user in the event of a road traffic accident (RTA) caused by you.
The advantage of the Green Card is that it allows drivers to drive in many countries without the need to take out additional local insurance policies. However, there are important nuances that Ukrainian drivers should be aware of before heading to Bulgaria.
Do I need to take out a local CTP insurance policy in Bulgaria?
The Green Card allows Ukrainian drivers to temporarily drive in Bulgaria without obtaining a local CTP policy. This is very convenient for short-term trips, for example, during holidays or business visits, as the policy covers all the mandatory requirements for third-party liability insurance in the event of an accident.
However, there is an important detail: ‘The Green Card is valid only for a certain period of time. That is, if your trip to Bulgaria will last no more than a few months, the Green Card will be sufficient. However, if you plan to stay in the country for a longer period, for example, six months or more, or if your car is registered in Bulgaria, you will need to take out a local MTPL policy.
When do you need a Bulgarian MTPL insurance policy?
According to Bulgarian law, all cars registered in Bulgaria must have a local compulsory motor third party liability insurance (MTPL) policy. This rule applies to all residents of Bulgaria, regardless of which country they come from. If you plan to leave your car registered in Ukraine and use it in Bulgaria temporarily, you can continue to use the Green Card for the entire period of its validity.
However, if your stay in Bulgaria is extended for a long period of time and you decide to re-register your car, it will be mandatory to obtain a local CTP insurance policy. This policy is also required if you become a permanent resident of Bulgaria or plan to use the car on a regular basis.
How do I get a local MTPL policy?
Obtaining a CTP insurance policy in Bulgaria is a mandatory procedure for those who decide to become a resident of the country or register a car in Bulgaria. The registration process involves submitting documents to insurance companies that offer the relevant services in Bulgaria. To do this, you need to provide all the necessary documents for the car and your driving licence.
If you are planning only a short trip to Bulgaria, take care of obtaining a Green Card policy before you leave. It is a mandatory requirement for crossing the border of the European Union, including Bulgaria.
Why it is important to have the right insurance
Having an insurance policy, whether it is a Green Card or a local CTP policy, guarantees the protection of the driver and other road users in case of unforeseen situations. Insurance not only allows you to cover the other party’s losses in case of your fault, but also helps you avoid heavy fines and problems with the law.
What to do if your Green Card expires
If you are planning a long-term stay in Bulgaria and your Green Card is about to expire, you should think about taking out a local CTP policy in advance. This will allow you to avoid unpleasant situations on the roads and provide continuous motor third party liability coverage.
Thus, Ukrainian drivers travelling to Bulgaria can enjoy the benefits of a Green Card policy for temporary trips. However, for a longer stay or registration of a car in Bulgaria, you will need a local MTPL policy, in accordance with the legislation of the country. You should not risk neglecting the insurance requirements, as this can lead to serious legal consequences and financial costs.
Therefore, before travelling to Bulgaria, always make sure that your insurance meets the conditions of the country you plan to visit. Early registration of the Green Card or CTPCI is a guarantee of peace of mind and safety on the roads of Europe.
