Downpours, storms, and hailstorms periodically cause damage to cars and property in all regions of the country. Such natural disasters are becoming more frequent, and their impact is becoming more noticeable. This makes property insurance increasingly important, but it is equally important to know how to act when damage has already occurred. To help consumers, the Bulgarian Insurance Association (ABZ) has prepared a short guide for those affected by disasters, as part of the campaign “Don't wait for disaster to strike. Insure your home today”.
Risks such as storms, hail, heavy rain, and floods are usually included in basic property insurance packages, as well as in “Casco” car insurance. However, different policies offer different levels of protection depending on the selected risks, limits, and conditions.
If you have insurance and your property has been damaged, a few key steps will help you go through the claims process more easily.
1. Notify the insurer as soon as possible
You do not need to wait until you have collected all the documents. The first step is to notify your insurer and file a claim. This can be done by phone, online, by email, or in any other way that the respective company offers and is most convenient for you.
The notification period is specified in your insurance terms and is usually within a few days. In the case of larger-scale natural disasters, insurers often give more time to file claims to facilitate affected clients.
2. Follow the insurer’s instructions
When filing a claim, the insurer will guide you on what documents you need to submit. Among them, the ownership document for the insured property is mandatory. In the case of damage from natural disasters, a document from a meteorological service certifying the occurrence of the event may also be required. However, in the case of larger-scale disasters, such a document is usually not necessary, as insurers have information about the event.
Before you start clearing up or restoring, clarify with the insurer whether you need to wait for an inspection and take action to limit the damage, provided it is safe to do so. For example, if a window is broken, you can temporarily cover it, and if water has entered, you can take measures to protect your property. When the situation requires it, notify the relevant services – such as the fire department or the police. Keep documents for any expenses incurred.
3. When the compensation will be paid?
After you submit all the necessary documents, the standard period for determining and paying compensation is up to 15 working days. The amount of compensation is determined according to the specific damage and the conditions of your policy.
That is why, when taking out insurance, it is important to be aware not only of what risks it covers but also under what conditions and up to what amount the insurance protection is provided.
If you don't have insurance yet
The increasing frequency of natural disasters in recent years reminds us how important it is to think in advance about protecting our property. Statistics from the Financial Supervision Commission (FSC) show that in 2025, compensation paid under fire and other natural disaster insurance increased by 112% compared to 2024 – to nearly €92 million.
At the same time, the share of insured homes in our country remains low, although interest in property insurance is gradually increasing. If you are choosing insurance, do not be guided solely by the price. Think about what property you want to protect and against what risks, compare the conditions, and pay attention to the insurance amount and limits. It is important to choose protection that meets your specific needs.
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