There is no single European bonus-malus formula. Some countries use regulated or standardised classes; others leave much more of the calculation to insurers.
Claims history is only one pricing factor
Insurers can also consider the vehicle, location, annual mileage, use, drivers, cover level and excess. A better claims record therefore does not guarantee a lower final renewal price.
Ask what the insurer actually records
Before switching, obtain the document or electronic record showing your claims history. Under EU rules, a standardised claims-history statement supports cross-border comparability, but each market still has its own pricing approach.
After a claim
Ask four separate questions:
- Was liability attributed to you?
- Will the event alter your claims-history class or discount?
- Does the policy include protected no-claims features?
- Could the base premium still change independently?
Do not assume that every glass claim, theft or non-fault accident has the same effect.
Comparing quotations
Use identical information for every quote: drivers, mileage, address, use, vehicle and claims history. Otherwise you are comparing different risks rather than different insurers.
Further reading
Your Europe — motor insurance validity and claims history. Ask the insurer how its own tariff uses your claims history.