How to prepare your car for an insurance repair

Comprehensive vs third-party — who pays

With a comprehensive (casco) policy the claim goes to your own insurer and is covered under your policy, regardless of who was at fault. With third-party liability, the claim is made against the at-fault driver's insurer, and you are the injured party.

The difference matters in practice, because it determines who inspects the car, who approves the cost, and how long approval takes. Third-party repairs usually require a little more coordination.

The documents you will need

Have the following ready before your first call — it saves a second trip to the workshop:

• The insurance policy (your casco, or the at-fault driver's liability policy).
• The accident report, the bilateral accident statement, or a traffic police document, as applicable.
• The vehicle registration certificate (both parts).
• The owner's ID, or a power of attorney if someone else is dropping the car off.
• The claim number — the insurer gives you this when the claim is registered.
• Photos from the scene, if you have them.

How the process runs

• You register the claim with the insurer and receive a claim number.
• An inspection takes place — by the insurer's assessor or at the workshop, depending on the company.
• An assessment of the repair scope is prepared and agreed with the insurer.
• Once approved, parts are ordered and a slot in the workshop is scheduled.
• The repair is carried out, followed by internal quality control and cleaning.
• The car is handed back and payment is settled between the workshop and the insurer.

We handle both comprehensive and third-party repairs with the leading insurers in Bulgaria and coordinate the approval directly, instead of sending you back and forth between offices.

Before you leave the car

• Take your personal belongings and documents out of the cabin and glovebox.
• Remove anything valuable from the boot too — including child seats and electronics.
• Photograph the car from all sides on the day you drop it off. That is in your interest and ours.
• Tell us about any pre-existing damage that is not part of the claim, so it is not mixed in at the inspection.
• Leave a working phone number. Insurer approvals sometimes arrive within hours, and a delay there costs days.

Frequently asked questions

Can I choose the workshop myself? With a casco policy this depends on the policy terms — some restrict you to approved workshops. With third-party liability, as the injured party you usually have a free choice.

Will I pay anything myself? Possibly, if the policy has an excess or if part of the damage is not recognised as related to the incident. We tell you this up front, not at handover.

How long does it take? The repair itself is usually shorter than the approval. That is why we start coordinating with the insurer immediately, rather than after the car is already sitting with us.