Car Insurance in Norway: A Complete Guide

Car insurance is not only a legal requirement in Norway but also a crucial financial safeguard for anyone who owns or operates a vehicle in the country. With its challenging winter roads, mountainous terrain, and strict legal standards, Norway presents a unique landscape for car ownership — and car insurance plays a central role in ensuring road safety and financial protection.

This article offers a comprehensive overview of car insurance in Norway, including the legal framework, types of coverage available, insurance costs, the claims process, and advice for both residents and foreign drivers.

---

1. Overview of Car Insurance in Norway

Car insurance in Norway is regulated by the Financial Supervisory Authority of Norway (Finanstilsynet) and governed by both national traffic laws and insurance laws. The country has a well-established and competitive insurance market, offering policies from both domestic and international insurers.

Every vehicle driven on Norwegian roads must be insured with at least Third Party Liability Insurance, which is mandatory. This regulation applies whether the vehicle is privately owned, leased, or rented.

---

2. Mandatory Car Insurance: Liability Insurance

The minimum legal requirement for car insurance in Norway is Trafikkforsikring — Third Party Liability Insurance. This insurance is compulsory for all motor vehicles, including cars, trucks, motorcycles, and even electric scooters or mopeds that exceed specific speed or power thresholds.

What it Covers:

• Bodily injury to other people in an accident

• Damage to other people's vehicles or property

• Compensation for passengers in your car

• Legal costs resulting from claims or lawsuits

What it Does Not Cover:

• Damage to your own car

• Theft or vandalism of your car

• Fire damage

• Injury to the driver (in some cases)

You are not allowed to register or operate a car in Norway without this insurance. Uninsured vehicles are subject to high daily fines through the Norwegian Motor Insurers' Bureau (TFF).

---

3. Optional Types of Car Insurance in Norway

Beyond the legally required third-party coverage, there are two main optional insurance types that offer broader protection:

A. Partial Coverage (Delkasko)

Delkasko is a semi-comprehensive policy that includes third-party liability and additional protections such as:

• Theft and attempted theft

• Fire damage

• Broken windows and windscreens

• Towing expenses

• Vandalism (limited)

• Damage caused by natural disasters (such as flooding or landslides)

It is ideal for drivers who want more than basic coverage without paying for full comprehensive insurance.

B. Comprehensive Insurance (Kasko)

Comprehensive insurance is the most complete type of car insurance in Norway. It includes:

• All features of Delkasko

• Accidental damage to your own vehicle, even if you're at fault

• Collision with animals or road hazards

• Vandalism and malicious damage

• Coverage for single-vehicle accidents (e.g., sliding off an icy road)

• Towing, repair, and rental car coverage

Some providers offer Super Kasko (also known as Utvidet Kasko), which may include:

• Personal accident insurance

• Legal protection

• New-for-old replacement (if your new car is totaled within a set period)

---

4. Specialized Add-Ons and Coverage

In addition to standard policies, drivers in Norway can opt for customized add-ons, including:

• Legal Assistance: Covers lawyer fees in disputes related to driving or vehicle ownership.

• Roadside Assistance: Available throughout Norway and often includes towing, battery jump-starts, and tire changes.

• No-Claims Bonus Protection: Protects your bonus status after your first accident.

• Glass Coverage: Full reimbursement for windshield replacement without affecting your claims bonus.

• Rental Vehicle Cover: Covers the cost of a temporary vehicle while yours is being repaired.

Many insurers allow you to build a policy tailored to your driving habits, location, and type of car.

---

5. Cost of Car Insurance in Norway

The cost of car insurance in Norway can vary significantly depending on a range of factors:

Key Influencing Factors:

• Driver’s age and experience: Younger and inexperienced drivers pay more.

• Car make, model, and year: High-performance or luxury cars have higher premiums.

• Driving history: A clean record results in discounts through the bonus system.

• Region: Premiums may be higher in urban areas due to higher accident rates.

• Annual mileage: Less driving can reduce risk and lower premiums.

• Coverage type: Comprehensive policies cost more than basic liability.

Average Costs:

• Third Party Liability: NOK 4,000–7,000/year

• Delkasko (Partial): NOK 6,000–9,000/year

• Full Kasko (Comprehensive): NOK 8,000–15,000/year

• Young drivers (under 25) can pay double or more

---

6. The No-Claims Bonus System

Norway uses a bonus-malus system, which rewards safe drivers and penalizes risky ones. For each year you go without filing a claim, your bonus increases, reducing your premium. The scale typically starts at 20% (new drivers) and increases up to 75% or more over several years.

If you make a claim that is your fault, your bonus may drop, and your premiums will increase.

---

7. How to Get Car Insurance in Norway

To purchase car insurance in Norway, you will need:

• A registered vehicle

• Norwegian identification number (fødselsnummer) or D-number (for foreign residents)

• Valid driver’s license

• Proof of address and ownership

You can buy insurance:

• Directly from insurance companies online or in person

• Through banks (some banks offer bundled financial services)

• Via brokers who compare offers from multiple companies

Popular car insurance providers in Norway include Gjensidige, If Skadeforsikring, Tryg, Fremtind, and DNB.

---

8. Insurance for Foreign Drivers and Expats

Foreign residents living in Norway for more than 6 months must register their vehicle in Norway and obtain local insurance. EU and EEA driver’s licenses are valid, but non-EU license holders may need to convert their license within a specific time frame.

Tourists and short-term visitors can use Green Card insurance from their home country or buy temporary insurance at the border or through rental agencies.

When moving to Norway with a foreign-registered car, you have up to 30 days to insure and register it locally. Failure to do so can result in heavy fines or the car being impounded.

---

9. What to Do in Case of an Accident

If you are involved in an accident in Norway, follow these steps:

1. Ensure Safety: Move out of the traffic if possible. Turn on hazard lights.

2. Call Emergency Services: Dial 112 (police), 113 (ambulance), or 110 (fire).

3. Document the Scene: Take pictures and write down details.

4. Fill Out the European Accident Statement Form (Skademelding), which should be kept in your vehicle.

5. Exchange Information: Get the name, contact info, and insurance details of other parties.

6. Contact Your Insurer: Submit your claim as soon as possible, ideally within 24 hours.

Your insurance company will guide you through the claims process, including damage assessment, repair estimates, and compensation.

---

10. Challenges and Trends

Challenges:

• High premiums for young and new drivers

• Long processing times for certain claims

• Complex registration and insurance processes for expats

• Increased costs for electric and hybrid car repairs

Emerging Trends:

• Usage-based insurance: Premiums based on actual driving habits

• Telematics: Devices or apps that monitor safe driving

• Climate resilience: Policies covering flood, landslides, or extreme winter damage

• Digital insurance platforms: Fully online policy management and claims

With electric vehicles (EVs) becoming increasingly popular in Norway, insurers are adapting to offer tailored coverage, including battery protection and EV-specific roadside assistance.

---

Conclusion

Car insurance in Norway is a legal requirement and an essential part of responsible vehicle ownership. With its multi-tiered system of mandatory and optional coverage, drivers have the flexibility to choose a policy that matches their needs and budget.

Whether you're a Norwegian citizen, an expat, or a short-term visitor, understanding how the system works — from coverage types to claims procedures — will ensure you stay protected and compliant. With a focus on safety, innovation, and customer service, Norway’s car insurance market continues to evolve, providing drivers with comprehensive support on the road.