JSC Centras Insurance** is one of the dynamically developing insurance companies on the Russian market, specializing in motor insurance (MTPL/CASCO), property insurance and life protection. The company positions itself as a reliable partner with transparent conditions and flexible tariffs, but how does this correspond to reality? In this article we will analyze current programs, customer reviews, the nuances of issuing policies and comparing Centras Insurance with its competitors.
The company's distinctive feature is its focus on digitalization of processes: You can issue a policy online in 10 minutes, and use your own discount system to calculate the cost. However, like any insurer, there are pitfalls here: from difficulties with payments to controversial issues in contracts. We analyzed official data, reviews on forums and expert assessments to give an objective picture.
Who is Centras Insurance: history and reputation
JSC Centras Insurance** (formerly Centras Insurance) was founded in 2015 and initially focused on corporate insurance. Today the company is among the top 50 insurers in Russia in terms of premiums (according to the Central Bank of the Russian Federation for 2023) and is actively expanding its presence in the regions. Main directions:
- 🚗 Car insurance: OSAGO, CASCO, driver and passenger insurance (DSAGO).
- 🏠 Property insurance: apartments, country houses, commercial real estate.
- 👨👩👧👦 Personal insurance: life, health, accidents.
- 💼 Business insurance: responsibility of entrepreneurs, cargo transportation.
In 2022–2023, the company faced a wave of criticism due to delays in payments under CASCO (especially in cases of total thefts or accidents with the culprit without insurance). However, according to RSA (Russian Union of Auto Insurers), the share of satisfied applications under MTPL at Centras is higher than the market average - 92% versus 88%. This suggests that problems arise more often with voluntary types of insurance.
⚠️ Attention: In 2023, the Central Bank of the Russian Federation issued an order to the company to eliminate violations in terms of insufficient reserves of funds for future payments. This does not mean bankruptcy, but it does signal risks for clients with long-term policies (for example, endowment life insurance).
Centras Insurance services: what does the company offer?
The company's main emphasis is on car insurance, but there are other products. Let's look at the key areas with current tariffs for 2026.
1. OSAGO and CASCO
"Centras Insurance" works through the system UAIS OSAGO, therefore, rates for compulsory insurance are fixed (like all insurers). However, the company offers:
- 🎁 Discounts up to 15% when registering online (via the website or mobile application).
- ⚡ Express payments for compulsory motor liability insurance - up to 5 working days if all documents are available.
- 🔄 Free policy replacement when changing a car (within one contract).
By CASCO tariffs are flexible and depend on:
| Parameter | Minimum tariff | Maximum tariff |
|---|---|---|
| Vehicle age | New (0–3 years) | Over 10 years old |
| Region | Little Russian cities | Moscow, St. Petersburg, Krasnodar region |
| Franchise | From 0 ₽ (without franchise) | Up to 50,000 ₽ |
| Policy cost (per year) | From 12,000 ₽ | Up to 180,000 ₽ |
An important nuance: CASCO policies often contain a condition regarding mandatory installation of an alarm system (For example, StarLine or Pandora). In its absence, the company may refuse to pay in case of theft.
- OSAGO
- CASCO
- Life insurance
- Property insurance
- Another option
2. Property insurance
Programs offered for:
- 🏢 Apartments (including mortgage insurance).
- 🏡 Private houses and cottages (taking into account the risks of fire, flooding, natural disasters).
- 🏢 Commercial real estate (offices, warehouses).
The cost of the policy is calculated individually, but the average rate is 0.1–0.3% of the sum insured. For example, for an apartment worth 5 million rubles, the policy will cost 5,000–15,000 rubles per year.
⚠️ Attention: Contracts often exclude risks associated with wear and tear of engineering systems (for example, burst pipes older than 20 years). Before registration, check the technical condition of the object.
How to apply for a policy at Centras Insurance: step-by-step instructions
You can get insurance online (via a website or application), at the company’s office or at partners (for example, in car dealerships). Let's look at the process using an example OSAGO:
- Fill in your car details: make, model, year of manufacture, VIN, STS number.
- Provide driver information: Full name, date of birth, length of service, presence of an accident over the last 3 years.
- Select insurance period: from 3 months to 1 year.
- Pay for the policy by bank card, through SBP or in cash at the office.
For CASCO Additional documents will be required:
PTS or STS of a car |
Owner's passport|
Car photo (4 angles)|
Diagnostic card (if the car is older than 3 years)|
Purchase and sale agreement (for new cars) -->
After registration, the policy arrives by email within 10 minutes. The electronic version has the same legal force as the paper version.
If you are applying for CASCO insurance for a used car, ask the company preliminary inspection. This will help avoid disputes when paying out (for example, if the insurer considers the scratches to be “pre-existing”).
Reviews of Centras Insurance: pros and cons
Analysis of reviews on Yandex.Maps, Banki.ru and forums (for example, Drive2) shows a contradictory picture. Basic advantageswhich clients note:
- ✅ Fast online registration (without visiting the office).
- ✅ Flexible tariffs for CASCO (you can choose a franchise to suit your budget).
- ✅ Loyalty to newcomers: discounts for drivers with less than 3 years of experience.
Main disadvantages:
- ❌ Delays in CASCO payments (up to 30–45 days in controversial cases).
- ❌ Difficulties with signs of theft: The company often requires a certificate from the police about the initiation of a criminal case.
- ❌ Low limits for DSAGO (maximum 500,000 ₽ for treatment).
On Banki.ru company rating - 3.8 out of 5 (as of May 2026). Moreover, 60% of negative reviews are related to refusals to pay under CASCO due to “non-compliance with the terms of the contract.”
Example of a real failure
In 2023, a client from Moscow submitted an application for payment after an accident with the culprit without a compulsory motor liability insurance policy. “Centras Insurance” refused, citing a clause in the contract about “the inadmissibility of driving a car by a person not included in the policy.” Although there was no such restriction in the CASCO rules, the court sided with the insurer.
Comparison of Centras Insurance with competitors
To understand how favorable the company’s conditions are, let’s compare it with market leaders in key parameters:
| Criterion | "Centras Insurance" | "Ingosstrakh" | "RESO-Garantiya" | "AlfaStrakhovanie" |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average cost of OSAGO (Moscow, 1.6 l, 100 hp) | 7 200 ₽ | 7 500 ₽ | 7 000 ₽ | 7 800 ₽ |
| Maximum payout under CASCO (total) | 100% of the cost of the car | 100% | 95% | 100% |
| Period for consideration of an application for payment | 5–15 days | 3–10 days | 7–20 days | 5–12 days |
| Online registration of CASCO | Yes | Yes | Partially | Yes |
Centras Insurance wins OSAGO price And ease of registration, but loses in payout speed And customer loyalty (for example, AlfaStrakhovanie is less likely to refuse in controversial cases).
If speed of payments is important to you, consider Ingosstrakh or AlfaStrakhovanie. If the priority is the low price of OSAGO and online service, Centras may be a good option.
Common customer problems and how to avoid them
Most disputes with insurance arise due to incorrect execution of documents or misunderstanding of the terms of the contract. Let's consider typical situations:
1. Refusal to pay under CASCO
Reasons:
- 🔧 Unspecified vehicle modifications (for example, tinting or tuning).
- 🚨 No alarm (if it is specified in the contract).
- 📝 Late notification of an accident (must be reported within 5 days).
How to avoid:
- 📋 Read carefully exclusions in the policy (section “What is not an insured event”).
- 📸 Do it car photo before issuing CASCO insurance (to confirm its condition).
- 📞 Call the company immediately after an accident (even if the damage seems minor).
2. Delays in payments
The average processing time for an application is 10 days, but in complex cases (for example, a dispute over guilt in an accident), the process can take up to 1–2 months. To speed up payment:
- 📂 Provide all documents at once (traffic police report, accident certificate, repair receipts).
- 📧 Write official requests to the company’s email marked “Urgent”.
- 🏛 Contact RSA or Central Bank of the Russian Federation, if the delay exceeds 30 days.
⚠️ Attention: If the company refuses to pay, demand written justification with links to the clauses of the contract. Without this document, it will be difficult to challenge the decision.
FAQ: answers to frequently asked questions
Is it possible to apply for compulsory motor liability insurance at Centras Insurance without visiting the office?
Yes, the MTPL policy can be issued entirely online via official website or mobile application. You will need vehicle data (VIN, STS) and driver information. An electronic policy has the same force as a paper one.
What documents are needed for CASCO insurance for a new car?
To apply for CASCO insurance for a new car you will need:
- Owner's passport.
- PTS or STS.
- Purchase and sale agreement (or leasing agreement).
- Photo of the car (4 angles).
If the car is on loan, the bank may require an additional agreement.
How long does it take to pay out under CASCO?
According to the internal regulations of Centras Insurance, the application review period is up to 15 working days. However, in practice:
- Simple cases (for example, minor repairs) - 5–7 days.
- Complex cases (theft, total) - up to 30–45 days.
If payment is delayed, contact support and request an interim response.
What to do if Centras Insurance refuses to pay?
If you consider the refusal to be unreasonable, follow the algorithm:
- Inquire from the company written refusal with justification.
- Contact RSA (Russian Union of Auto Insurers) with a complaint.
- If RSA does not help, file a claim in court (the review period is up to 2 months).
In 60% of cases, the courts side with clients if the insurance company violated the terms of the contract.
Does Centras Insurance have a loyalty program?
Yes, the company offers discounts to regular customers:
- 5% for each year of driving without insurance (maximum 30%).
- 10% when taking out two or more policies (for example, OSAGO + CASCO).
- Special conditions for corporate clients (for example, 15% discount when insuring 5+ cars).