Road Traffic Accidents in Bulgaria

All vehicles in Bulgaria must have a third party liability insurance (Гражданска отговорност) and proof of insurance must be carried at all times - all vehicles must have a policy, a card and an insurance sticker on the widescreen as proof of validity.

The procedure in the event of a road traffic accident in Bulgaria depends on the severity of the accident and if it is necessary for the police to be involved.
At the Scene of an Accident

* Stop immediately
* Alert oncoming traffic
* Preserve all evidence
* Inform the Traffic Police Tel: 112
* Help injured people, if there are any. Do not move an injured person unless they are in danger of a further injury.

All participants in a car accident must remain on the spot, except in the event of a minor car accident. If there are more than two vehicles involved, or a foreign registration vehicle is involved in the accident, everyone must remain at the scene of the accident, even if the accident is a minor one.

If an injured person needs immediate transport to a hospital, the person accompanying them to the emergency ward must come back to the scene of the accident as soon as possible.
Minor car accidents

In the event of a minor car accident an Accident Report Form (Протокол за регистриране на пътнотранспортно произшествие) is filled in by the responsible party and a copy is given to the second driver. The insurer provides the Accident Report Form which must be kept in the car. The following should be included on the Report Form:

* Name and identity card details of the other driver
* Full insurance details of the other driver including insurance number and expiry date
* Place of the accident, names and contact details of possible witnesses
* An explanation of the accident with details of the damage caused
* Both parties must agree and sign the Report Form so that it is valid for claims

Many insurance companies insist on receiving the completed report form within seven days of the accident - check if this is the case with the relevant insurer.
Serious car accidents

In the event of a serious car accident:

* Call the Police as soon as possible Tel: 112
* Help the injured
* Alert oncoming traffic
* Take the names, contact details, licence plate numbers of witnesses
* Preserve all evidence

The Accident Report Form is filled in by the Traffic Police who will give a copy to all parties involved. Do not sign any paperwork unless certain it's understood and agreed with. Send the report form to the insurance company (many demand it within seven days of the accident).
How to Claim Insurance

Following an accident, take the Report Form to the insurer and fill in an application form for claims, or contact the insurance company's emergency line for advice on the procedure for making a claim. The vehicle undergoes inspection and insurance is transferred to the insured person's bank account within a few days or up to two weeks.

If a third party driver is responsible, the insurer will contact the insured person.

If the driver has complementary insurance, such as Автокаско, the insurer may provide additional services, for example a replacement vehicle.

Can I add that you are entitled to request a translator if you're involved in a road accident or stopped by the police while driving.

Also common sense says don't hand over any money at the scene or sign any documents if you can't read/or understand what the document says.

Well done Suzee I never thought of that

Good information here Ashley I would have just done the same as I would do in the uk and exchange info and then get off on my way

Having had a few knocks in Bulgaria, also call the traffic police who will get you a translater but remember the person that is guilty will have to pay the 300lv for the traffic police report