By the end of 2025, drivers from Bucharest and Ilfov will continue to face the highest RCA insurance costs in Romania. The new reference rates, published by the Financial Supervisory Authority (ASF), show an average increase of over 5% for passenger cars and commercial vehicles. Although these rates are only indicative, they reflect real market trends and influence the final prices offered by insurers.

According to ASF, the differences between Bucharest and the rest of the country remain significant, especially for young drivers and those who own high-powered cars. The Bucharest-Ilfov region has the highest accident rate and, consequently, the highest repair costs, which keeps RCA prices well above the national average.

How the new RCA rates look in Bucharest and Ilfov

The new ASF reference RCA rates indicate an average increase of 5.4% for passenger cars and 5.2% for freight vehicles, compared to the previous period.

At the top of the list are young drivers under the age of 30 from Bucharest and Ilfov who drive cars over 300 KW, facing a reference rate of 5,129 lei. Across the rest of the country, the same driver profile pays around 3,821 lei, nearly 35% less.

For drivers aged 41–50 with vehicles between 201 and 300 KW, the Bucharest/Ilfov rate reaches 3,821 lei, up by 55 lei from the end of last year. In other counties, the reference price for the same category stands at 2,258 lei.

However, there are also slight decreases. For drivers aged 51–60 with cars between 151–200 KW registered in Bucharest-Ilfov, the reference rate dropped by 3.5%. A small reduction also applies to drivers under 30 with vehicles over 200 KW.

For passenger transport vehicles, the average reference rate increased by just 0.4%, which practically means a stagnation in costs.

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What the RCA reference rate is and why it matters for drivers

The RCA reference rate is not the actual price paid by drivers but an indicator calculated by ASF based on data from all insurers in the market. It is valid for a 12-month period and applies to the B0 class (drivers with no previous claims).

Although purely indicative, the reference rate is crucial for high-risk drivers. By law, if a driver receives at least three RCA offers exceeding the reference rate by more than 36%, they can contact BAAR (the Motor Insurers’ Bureau of Romania) to obtain a capped premium.

The reference rates are updated twice a year, based on analyses conducted by KPMG using statistical data from January 1, 2020 – December 31, 2024.

Why RCA is more expensive in Bucharest and Ilfov

The large differences between Bucharest, Ilfov, and the rest of the country have both statistical and economic explanations. In the capital, the accident frequency is almost double the national average due to heavy traffic, the high number of vehicles, and daily car use.

Additionally, repair and spare part costs are significantly higher in Bucharest workshops, increasing the total compensation paid by insurers. These factors translate into a higher risk profile and, consequently, higher RCA premiums.

Bucharest also has a greater concentration of high-performance vehicles (over 200 KW), which further amplifies the pricing gap compared to other regions.

How RCA prices have evolved in recent years

The evolution of RCA rates over the past three years shows a steady upward trend, in line with inflation and the rising costs of car parts and repair services. In 2022, prices spiked sharply after Euroins exited the market, causing instability and prompting temporary price-cap measures.

In 2023, rates stabilized slightly, while in 2024, increases were moderate, around 4–5%. The year 2025 brings a similar rise, but unevenly distributed across regions. Bucharest and Ilfov remain the most expensive areas in Romania, followed by Cluj, Constanța, and Timiș, while counties in Moldova and central Transylvania remain the most affordable.

ASF experts estimate that in the first half of 2026, the RCA market will remain stable, although final premiums may still vary depending on the cost of claims, spare parts, and overall inflation.