RCA (MTPL, or Motor Third-Party Liability Insurance) is the mandatory motor third-party liability insurance policy in the Republic of Moldova. It covers damage caused to third parties in a road accident resulting from the driver's fault: up to 1,000,000 MDL for property damage, up to 1,000,000 MDL for each injured person, and up to 5,000,000 MDL in total per accident. The policy can be calculated and purchased online in just a few minutes.
If a driver is responsible for a road accident, the damage suffered by the injured party is covered under the RCA policy within the limits and conditions of the insurance. This may include damage to another vehicle, property, road infrastructure, or harm caused to people's health. That is why RCA is considered the basic and mandatory type of motor insurance.
Today, you can calculate the cost of RCA and purchase a policy online. Drivers no longer need to visit an office, call several insurance companies, or manually compare offers. It is enough to enter the vehicle and owner details, check the price, pay for the policy, and receive the document electronically.
In this article, we will explain what RCA is, what determines the cost of the policy, how the bonus-malus system works, which documents are required, and how to buy insurance online in Moldova without making mistakes.
What is MTPL insurance (RCA)
RCA (Motor Third-Party Liability Insurance) is mandatory motor liability insurance. Simply put, it is a policy that covers damage caused to other people or their property as a result of an accident caused by the insured driver.
For example, if a driver accidentally damages another vehicle, a fence, a storefront, a road sign, or other property, compensation for the injured party may be paid by the insurance company. At the same time, the vehicle of the driver responsible for the accident is not repaired under RCA. To protect your own vehicle against damage, theft, or other risks, you need another type of insurance — CASCO.
An RCA policy is mandatory for all owners of vehicles registered in the Republic of Moldova, as well as owners of motorcycles and other motorized vehicles, and individuals operating a vehicle under a leasing agreement. Its validity may be checked during roadside inspections, vehicle registration procedures, vehicle sales, and other situations related to vehicle use.
Driving without RCA is illegal. Penalties include a fine and vehicle impoundment. If an accident occurs without a valid policy, the driver is personally responsible for covering the full amount of damage caused to the injured party.
What are the RCA coverage limits in Moldova
Unlike paying compensation out of pocket, under an RCA policy compensation to the injured party is paid by the insurer within the limits established by law.
RCA liability limits:
Type of damage | Compensation limit |
Property damage (regardless of the number of injured parties) | up to 1,000,000 MDL |
For each injured or deceased person | up to 1,000,000 MDL |
Maximum total limit per accident | up to 5,000,000 MDL |
These limits mean that in most cases an RCA policy fully covers the damage suffered by the injured party. If the damage exceeds the established limits, the driver must pay the difference personally.
What factors affect the cost of the policy
The cost of RCA in Moldova is not the same for every driver. The price is calculated individually and depends on several factors. Therefore, two owners of similar vehicles may receive different insurance quotes.
The price is usually affected by:
- the policyholder’s status (individual or legal entity);
- vehicle characteristics, including engine power and vehicle category;
- the vehicle’s registration district (județ);
- the age and driving experience of the policyholder;
- bonus-malus class and insurance history;
- policy validity period;
- current tariffs and coefficients.
To find out the current cost, you need to start the online RCA application process, enter the required information, and receive a personalized quote before making payment. This allows you to see the actual price of the policy for your specific vehicle instead of relying on estimated rates or outdated pricing tables.
How RCA is calculated in Moldova
RCA pricing in Moldova is based on a combination of the base insurance premium and additional coefficients. These coefficients take into account the characteristics of the vehicle, the owner, and the insurance history. That is why the final price may differ from one vehicle and driver to another.
The cost of RCA is determined individually during the policy issuance process. The system considers vehicle data, owner information, the policy period, insurance history, and other relevant parameters. As a result, instead of using a traditional calculator, the driver effectively receives a personalized quote during the online application process. Before payment, the cost can be reviewed, the accuracy of the entered data can be verified, and only then can the policy be purchased.
How the bonus-malus system works
The Bonus-Malus system takes a driver's insurance history into account when calculating the cost of an RCA policy.
- Bonus (-5%): for each year without accidents, the cost of the next policy is reduced by 5%.
- Malus (+10% and more): if the driver is responsible for an accident that resulted in an insurance payout, the cost of the next policy increases by at least 10%.
For individuals, the bonus-malus class is linked to the policyholder and their insurance history, while for legal entities it is linked to the vehicle. Careful drivers receive more favorable terms, while drivers with a claims history pay more. This makes RCA pricing fairer and more personalized.
You can check your current bonus-malus class and claims history on the official portal rca.bnm.md. The class is also automatically taken into account when calculating the cost of a policy online.
If you do not understand why your insurance has become more expensive, one possible reason may be a change in your bonus-malus class. Therefore, it is useful to check which data is being used in the calculation before purchasing a policy.
What is the validity period of an RCA policy in Moldova
The validity period of an RCA policy depends on the category of the vehicle and the type of registration plates.
Vehicle type | Minimum period | Maximum period |
Vehicle with Moldovan registration plates | 1 year (12 months) | 1 year |
Vehicle with temporary PROBE plates | 1 month | 1 year |
Agricultural machinery | 1 month | 1 year |
Vehicle with foreign registration plates | 1 month | 1 year |
For most passenger vehicles in Moldova, the policy period is fixed at 12 months. If your current policy is about to expire, it is advisable to arrange a new one in advance. Even one day without a valid RCA policy constitutes a legal violation and may result in vehicle impoundment.
What documents are required for purchasing a policy
To purchase RCA online, you typically need information about the vehicle and its owner. It is best to prepare the necessary documents in advance to avoid entering information from memory.
In most cases, you will need:
- the vehicle registration certificate (Pașaport tehnic), which contains the technical specifications required for tariff calculation;
- the owner's details OR a document confirming the right to use the vehicle (power of attorney, leasing agreement, or rental agreement);
- the desired policy start date and insurance period.
The most important thing is to carefully verify all information against the documents. Incorrectly entered data — such as a personal identification number, vehicle registration number, or registration certificate number — may result in the policy being issued for a different owner or vehicle.
If the vehicle registration certificate is issued to a legal entity, the insurance policy must also be issued to that legal entity. This rule also applies when a company uses a vehicle rented from an individual: the policy is still issued to the legal entity.
→ Calculate your RCA cost online at Superpolis.md — it takes less than 3 minutes
Step-by-step guide to purchasing RCA online
You can purchase RCA online in Moldova in just a few steps. The process is quite simple, but it requires attention when entering information.
- Go to the RCA application page. Select the mandatory motor insurance service on the Superpolis.md website.
- Enter vehicle and owner information. You need to provide the owner's personal identification number or tax code, as well as information about the person acting under a power of attorney, rental agreement, or other legal basis. You will also need the vehicle registration certificate number.
- Fill in the owner's details. The information must match the registration certificate and other official documents. If the vehicle belongs to another individual or company, this must be taken into account when completing the application.
- Select the policy period. Specify the policy start date and insurance period. If your current policy is about to expire, it is advisable to arrange a new one in advance to avoid any gap in coverage.
- Calculate the price. The system will display the cost based on the entered information and applicable coefficients.
- Review the information. Before making payment, carefully verify: the vehicle registration number, the owner's information, the policy validity period, the final price.
- Pay for the policy online. After reviewing the information, you can proceed with payment using available electronic methods: Visa, Mastercard, Google Pay, Apple Pay.
- Receive your policy. Once the application is successfully completed, the document is sent electronically by email or made available for download. A paper original may also be delivered free of charge by courier within Chișinău.
This format is particularly convenient for residents of Chișinău and other cities across Moldova, as insurance can be purchased online without visiting an office or waiting in line.
How to verify information before payment
Before paying for an RCA policy, you should carefully verify all entered information. This is an important step that should not be skipped, even if the policy is needed urgently.
Check that:
- the vehicle registration number is correct;
- the owner's details match the official documents;
- the correct validity period has been selected;
- the policy start date is correct;
- the appropriate vehicle type has been selected;
- the calculated price is correct;
- there are no typing errors in the personal information.
Particular attention should be paid to the policy start date. If the previous RCA policy has already expired, the new policy generally becomes effective no earlier than the following day. Therefore, it is important to monitor the expiration date of your motor insurance and renew it before it expires.
It is also advisable to save the payment confirmation and the policy itself after purchase. This will help you quickly locate the document when needed.
How to receive your policy after payment
After paying for your RCA policy, it is issued in electronic format. You can receive it by email or download it once the application process has been completed. An electronic policy is convenient to store on your phone. You can also save a copy in cloud storage or print the document.
In Moldova, an electronic RCA policy is legally valid and has the same legal status as a paper policy issued at an insurance company's office.
After receiving the document, it is advisable to immediately verify:
- the policy number;
- the vehicle details;
- the owner's details;
- the validity period;
- the insurance company;
- the QR code or any other verification elements included in the document.
Do not wait until a roadside inspection or an accident occurs to open the file for the first time. It is better to make sure in advance that the document has been received, can be opened, and contains the correct information.
What is the RCA Data system
All RCA policies issued in Moldova — whether purchased at an insurance office or online — are generated through the government-operated automated platform RCA Data. This is established by CNPF (National Commission for Financial Markets) Resolution No. 50/8 of November 30, 2012.
What this means for you:
- An electronic policy issued through Superpolis has the same legal validity as a paper document obtained from an insurance company.
- Every policy contains a QR code that allows you to access the authorized authority's website and view all policy information.
- The policy can be verified online at any time through rca.bnm.md.
- Policy data is automatically transmitted to government authorities, allowing road inspectors to verify it instantly.
→ Purchase an RCA policy online through Superpolis.md — fast and without visiting an office
What to do in the event of an accident under an RCA policy
If you become involved in a road accident in Moldova, follow these steps:
Do not move the vehicle until the circumstances of the accident have been documented. If the police are called, officers must record the accident and take photographs of the scene. If the accident is documented using a Constatare amiabilă (amicable accident report), the insurance company may also request photos and videos from the accident scene.
Notify the police immediately. Request that an official accident report (proces-verbal) be prepared.
Notify the insurer within 48 hours. This is a mandatory requirement under the insurance contract.
Gather the required documents. Prepare the following: the police report, your driver's license, the vehicle registration certificate, the technical inspection certificate.
Provide access to the vehicle if requested.
RCA claim settlement deadlines:
Stage | Deadline |
Claim opening and damage assessment by the insurer | 5 business days |
Compensation payment for property damage | 15 days |
Compensation payment for bodily injuries | 10 days |
If you encounter difficulties during the claims process, Superpolis specialists can help. We support our clients from policy issuance through to claim resolution.
Common mistakes when purchasing RCA online
When purchasing RCA online, drivers often make similar mistakes. Most of them are caused by rushing or inattention.
The first mistake is entering incorrect information. An error in the personal identification number, vehicle registration certificate number, or other vehicle data may cause the system to retrieve information about a different vehicle or owner.
The second mistake is selecting the wrong policy start date. The policy may become effective on a different date than the one on which the driver intends to use the vehicle.
The third mistake is issuing the policy to the wrong owner. If the vehicle is registered to another person or company, the information entered must match the official documents.
The fourth mistake is choosing a policy based solely on price. Cost is important, but it is even more important that the policy is correctly issued and functions properly when needed.
The fifth mistake is failing to review the policy after payment. Even if the purchase process was successful, you should open the document and verify that all information is correct.
The sixth mistake is waiting until the last minute. Buying online does save time, but you should avoid allowing your current policy to expire. If the previous RCA policy has already expired, the new policy generally becomes effective no earlier than the following day.
What to do if the policy has not arrived
If your policy does not arrive immediately after payment, first check your email. Sometimes the message may end up in: “Spam”, “Promotions”, “Newsletters”. Also make sure that the correct email address was entered during the purchase process.
If the email cannot be found, check the payment status. The payment may not have been completed, or the bank may have delayed processing the transaction. If the payment was successful but the document still has not arrived, contact the support team of the service through which the policy was purchased.
When contacting support, it is advisable to have the following information ready:
- first and last name;
- vehicle registration number;
- date of purchase;
- payment confirmation;
- email address used for the order;
- contact phone number.
Do not purchase a second policy immediately until you have clarified the status of the first order. First, verify whether the document has been issued and where it was sent.
Why it is convenient to purchase RCA through Superpolis.md
Superpolis.md is a licensed insurance broker in Moldova. This means that we do not issue policies ourselves; instead, we act as an intermediary between drivers and the country's leading insurance companies. The activities of insurance brokers in Moldova are regulated by the CNPF (National Commission for Financial Markets). The legal entity behind Superpolis is Practic-Asig SRL.
What you get when purchasing RCA through a broker:
- Price comparison from multiple insurers in one place, without the need to contact each company individually.
- No additional broker service fees — the policy costs the same as when purchased directly from the insurer.
- Assistance from a specialist during the purchase process and in the event of an insurance claim. Call: 076 744 446 or 079 044 443.
- A choice between an electronic or paper policy. The electronic version is sent by email, while the paper original can be delivered free of charge by courier within Chișinău.
- Flexible payment methods — online by card (Visa, Mastercard, Google Pay, Apple Pay) or cash upon delivery.
- A policy registered in the government RCA Data system, including a QR code and instant online verification through rca.bnm.md.
Frequently asked questions about RCA
How much does RCA cost in Moldova?
The cost of an RCA policy is calculated individually. It depends on the vehicle's characteristics (engine power, category), the registration area, the driver's age and driving experience, and the bonus-malus class. The exact price for your vehicle can be obtained through the online calculation tool on superpolis.md in just a few seconds.
What is the validity period of an RCA policy?
For vehicles with Moldovan registration plates, the policy is issued for 12 months. For vehicles with temporary PROBE plates, agricultural machinery, and vehicles with foreign registration plates, the policy period can start from one month.
What are the compensation limits under an RCA policy?
- Up to 1,000,000 MDL for property damage.
- Up to 1,000,000 MDL for each injured person.
- Up to 5,000,000 MDL in total per road accident.
Can I purchase RCA online on the day my previous policy expires?
Yes. Online purchase through Superpolis takes less than three minutes. The electronic policy is sent by email immediately after the purchase is completed. However, it is better not to wait until the last day, as driving without a valid RCA policy is a violation of the law.
What happens if I drive without RCA?
You may receive a fine, and your vehicle may be impounded. If an accident occurs without a valid policy, the driver is personally responsible for covering the full amount of damage caused to the injured party.
Is an electronic RCA policy legal?
Yes, absolutely. According to Decision No. 106 of April 21, 2022, Article 8(1), all RCA policies are issued through the government RCA Data system, and the electronic version has the same legal validity as a paper document. Each policy contains a QR code for instant verification.
How can I check whether my RCA policy is valid?
The validity of an RCA policy can be verified through the official service rca.bnm.md. You can also scan the QR code printed on the policy.
What is the difference between RCA and CASCO?
RCA is mandatory insurance that covers damage caused to third parties, but it does not cover your own vehicle. CASCO is voluntary insurance that protects your own vehicle against accidents, theft, fire, and other risks.
What is the bonus-malus system?
It is a system that adjusts the cost of a policy based on the driver's insurance history. A 5% discount for each year without an accident. An increase of at least 10% for each accident caused by the driver.
Can I purchase RCA for someone else's vehicle?
Yes, but you will need a document confirming your right to use the vehicle, such as: a power of attorney, a leasing agreement, a rental agreement. The policy is linked to the vehicle, not to the driver.
Purchase RCA online
If your RCA policy is about to expire, do not postpone renewal. Driving without a valid RCA policy in Moldova may result in a fine and vehicle impoundment.
On Superpolis.md, you can calculate the cost, compare offers from multiple insurance companies, and purchase an RCA policy online in just a few minutes.
→ Calculate your RCA cost on Superpolis.md
Need advice on choosing a policy? Superpolis specialists are ready to help.
076 744 446
079 044 443