Bonus-Malus (BM) Classes — Full OC Guide 2026
The Bonus-Malus (BM) system is a fundamental mechanism affecting OC premium amounts in Poland. Each claim-free year raises your class by one step, granting a larger discount — up to 60% of the base rate. After a claim the class drops by 2–3 steps and rebuilding full discount takes several years. Although BM rules are not legally standardized (each insurer keeps its own table), the general mechanism is similar across all companies and based on the UFG database.
How the BM system works in practice
A new driver starts in class zero (or class 0) — paying the full base rate. After one year of claim-free driving they move to class 1 with a 10% discount. Each subsequent claim-free year adds 5–10% more, until reaching class 6–9 (depending on the insurer) with the maximum 60% discount. According to industry data, around 45% of drivers in Poland have full BM discount.
What happens after reporting a claim
Each claim reported from an OC policy lowers the class by 2 steps (for the first claim in a year) or 3 steps (for subsequent ones). For someone with the maximum 60% discount, the first claim means dropping to class 4–5 (about 40% discount), which on a base premium of 1,200 PLN means an increase of 200–300 PLN annually for the next 2–3 years. Some insurers offer so-called BM protection — an additional option for 50–150 PLN whereby the first claim doesn't affect BM.
Does BM history transfer between people
No. Bonus-Malus history is individual and tied to the PESEL of the policy owner. It cannot be transferred to a spouse, child or other adult. The exception is when the vehicle has two registered owners — then BM history applies to both equally. After selling the car, BM history stays with the seller, and the buyer starts a new policy with their own BM class.
How long does BM history count
Most insurers consider history from the last 5–7 years. If the gap in OC policy ownership exceeds this period (e.g. after selling a car and buying another 8 years later), the BM class resets to zero. That's why drivers planning a longer break in vehicle ownership sometimes decide to maintain a minimum-premium OC policy to avoid losing accumulated discount.
Foreigners and BM history
People arriving from abroad can in many Polish companies have their EU or Ukrainian claim-free history recognized. An official certificate (attestation) from the previous insurer is required, translated by a sworn translator. In practice, some insurers recognize the history, others require starting from class zero — worth checking in the calculator before choosing an offer.
A full 60% discount means saving 700–1,200 PLN per year. One ill-considered claim reported from OC can cost you 2,000–3,000 PLN total over the next 3 years.
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