The bonus–malus system helps you pay a lower compulsory motor insurance (RCA) premium if you drive without accidents during a year. On the other hand, increases your costs if you cause damage.
What is the bonus–malus system
The bonus–malus system is a mechanism for adjusting the cost of compulsory motor insurance (RCA) based on your claims history.
Bonus – premium discounts if you had no claims during a year.
Malus – premium increases if claims paid by the insurer occurred in the previous year.
In Romania, this system is regulated by specific legislation (including ASF regulations) and applies to all RCA policies.
How the bonus–malus class works step by step
Initial assignment
When you take out your first RCA policy, you are placed in class B0 (neutral level, with no discounts or surcharges).
Reference year
At each renewal, it is assessed whether you had claims paid during the previous calendar year.
No claims → Bonus
If you had no paid claims, you move up the bonus scale and will pay a lower premium for the next policy. After several consecutive claim-free years, the discount can reach up to approximately 50%.
Claims → Malus
If you had claims paid by the insurer, you are moved down the malus scale and will pay a higher premium. A cost increase that can reach up to +80%.
Bonus/malus classes
The system includes bonus classes (for example B1–B8) and malus classes (for example M1–M8). These classes determine the percentage discount or surcharge applied to the insurance premium.
Application
Your class is retained even if you change insurers. It is also recorded in the national bonus–malus database used by all RCA insurers in Romania.
Examples of a bonus-malus system
Bonus:
A driver who has had no claims in the last 5 years may be placed in bonus classes (for example B5 or B8). This way, reducing the RCA cost by up to 50% compared to the base rate.
Malus:
If in the past year you had an accident for which the insurer paid compensation, you may be downgraded to malus classes (for example M1–M3). This can increase the insurance cost by several tens of percent, including up to +80%.
Why the bonus–malus system matters
Direct savings
You can pay less for RCA when you drive responsibly and without claims.
Higher costs for higher risk
Drivers with a history of paid claims pay more, reflecting a higher risk for the insurer.
Encouragement of prudent driving
The system encourages a defensive driving in order to keep insurance costs lower.
The bonus–malus system adjusts the RCA insurance premium based on claims history. Discounts for drivers without claims (bonus) and increases for those with paid claims (malus). Discounts can reach up to approximately 50% and penalties up to approximately 80%. Your class is retained and recognized by all RCA insurers.