In Bulgaria, there is a clearly defined problem with the low level of utilization of insurance mechanisms to cover losses from natural and other disasters. According to data from the European Insurance and Occupational Pensions Authority (EIOPA), the share of insured properties for all natural disasters in Bulgaria has been only 2% over the past 40 years, compared to an average of 22% in Europe—ten times higher. This comparison was made by Konstantin Velev, Chairman of the Management Board of the Association of Bulgarian Insurers (ABI), at an event organized by the association. The ABI is conducting an informational campaign, *”Home Insurance: Protect Your World,”* aimed at educating consumers on how to choose the right policy for their needs.
Velev pointed out that Bulgaria is highly exposed to natural hazards, making disaster resilience a national priority. Floods, earthquakes, and hailstorms have been identified as particularly high-risk events. Between 2010 and 2019, disaster-related damages in Bulgaria amounted to $1.1 billion, equivalent to approximately 0.2% of the country’s gross domestic product for the period 2011-2019, according to data from the National Statistical Institute (NSI).
Losses
“The practical consequence of this situation is that the cost of recovery from adverse events is borne by the state budget, businesses, and households, instead of transferring the risk to insurers,” commented Konstantin Velev. He emphasized that both in terms of premium income and paid compensations in Bulgaria, there is a strong dominance of motor insurance, primarily due to mandatory insurance, while other lines of business receive minimal coverage.
Bulgaria had the lowest share of property insurance in the entire EU in 2020—14% compared to the European average of 37%.
Source: Investor.bg