The four biggest insurance companies in Bulgaria – DZI, Bulstrad, Allianz Bulgaria and Bul Ins – have lost market share in 2006, Financial Supervision Commission statistics shows.

They lost share to smaller local rivals such as Lev Ins, Uniqa, Generali Insurance, Armeec, Euroins, etc.

In 2006 1% of the local insurance market equaled premium income of 10.601 mln leva versus 9.192 mln leva a year ago.

In the end of 2006 there were 21 insurance companies operating on the local market. The gross premium income from general insurance was 1.061 mln leva in 2006 which represents an incrase of 15.40% on an annual base.

General insurance compensations worth 363.472 mln leva were paid up 15.24% year-on-year.

The total assets of general insurers in the same period increased 28.04% to 1.122 bln leva.