Once a year, almost every driver faces the same task: renew their insurance or choose a new option. Some automatically buy the same policy again, while others look for a mix of “fair price + real protection.” To avoid overpaying and being disappointed when you file a claim, it’s important to compare not only the price, but also the terms and conditions.

In Poland, mandatory OC insurance follows the same rules regardless of the insurer. This means the scope of liability under OC doesn’t change from one company to another — the difference is usually only in price and service.

But additional products can vary significantly:

• AC (autocasco)
• Assistance
• NNW
• glass and tire insurance

That’s why you should compare “packages” not by their name, but by the specific policy terms.

Before you buy, open the OWU (General Terms and Conditions of Insurance). This is where you’ll find:

• when coverage applies and what requirements you must meet;
• exclusions — situations where no payout will be made;
• limits and coverage amounts (up to what sum the insurer will cover repairs/losses);
• how the damage is calculated, deductibles, depreciation (especially important for AC).

In short: the marketing card is a promise — the OWU is reality.

A low price for add-on cover often means narrower protection:

• fewer covered scenarios;
• lower limits;
• more exclusions;
• harder to get assistance or compensation.

The right approach is to compare several options and check whether a slightly more expensive package offers significantly better value. Sometimes the price difference is small, but the coverage difference is huge.

The price of OC is calculated individually based on details about the driver and the vehicle. Typically, insurers take into account:

• car make, type, and age;
• engine capacity and power (in some cases this has a major impact);
• driver’s age and driving experience;
• insurance history and no-claims discounts;
• annual mileage.

In practice, young drivers and cars with larger engines often receive noticeably higher premiums. Experienced drivers with discounts usually pay much less.

In Poland, mandatory OC terms are regulated by law (in particular, the Act of 22 May 2003 on compulsory insurance, the Insurance Guarantee Fund, and the Polish Motor Insurers’ Bureau). That’s why, when choosing OC, it makes sense to focus on:

• the final price;
• convenient purchase and payment;
• support quality (ease of contact and how quickly claims and requests are handled).

Even a good policy includes situations where the insurer is not required to pay. The most common reasons for denial or recourse are violations by the driver/owner, for example:

• driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs;
• using the vehicle in violation of operating rules;
• no valid technical inspection;
• driving by a person without a valid licence.

Also, some products (especially add-ons) include limitations related to force majeure and emergency events — this must be checked in the OWU of the specific offer.

AC (autocasco): Suitable if you want to protect your car against damage, theft, vandalism, and various unexpected events. But AC terms can differ dramatically: what counts as an insured event, how repairs are calculated, which parts are covered, and whether a deductible applies.

NNW: Helps you receive a payout for injuries to the driver or passengers after an accident. Pay attention to limits and the list of covered situations.

Assistance: Useful for those who often travel long distances or simply want backup in case of a breakdown: towing, jump-starting, fuel delivery, replacement car. Limits matter most here (towing distance in km, number of call-outs, replacement-car conditions).

Ubezpieczenie szyb i opon: A good option if you often park outside, drive on highways, or in places where chips or punctures are likely. The advantage is that repairs for these parts usually don’t reduce your AC limit (if you also have AC), but this depends on the terms of the specific policy.

Many insurers sell bundles: OC + AC + NNW + Assistance + Ubezpieczenie szyb i opon. A bundle is often cheaper than buying everything separately, but it only makes sense if you’ll genuinely use this protection.

Examples of how to choose:

• lots of highway driving and trips — choose Assistance with solid limits;
• your car is often parked outside — consider glass cover;
• a newer or more expensive car — AC is more often worth it.

A good policy isn’t the “cheapest” or the “most popular” one — it’s the one that matches your driving habits, risks, and real needs. At a minimum, before buying: compare a few options, open the OWU, and check exclusions, limits, and key terms.