+(47) 23 89 88 63
.jpg "Things to Know Before Choosing Car Insurance in Norway | localmarket.no")
Car insurance in Norway (Bilforsikring) is mandatory, as it is in all EEA countries and the United Kingdom. It is not only a legal requirement but also a crucial safeguard against unexpected costs after accidents, theft and other incidents. With Norway's demanding terrain and road conditions, the right cover matters for both your safety and your finances.
The Motor Liability Act and compensation after traffic accidents
In Norway, the Motor Liability Act (Bilansvarsloven) regulates liability in traffic accidents and ensures that injured parties receive compensation for personal injury and property damage. The responsible insurance company must cover the claim regardless of whether the driver was at fault. If another driver caused the accident, their liability insurance pays for the damage to your car.
Injured parties have the right to claim compensation for expenses, loss of income and permanent medical disability. A lawyer with experience in traffic injury cases can help you get the right traffic accident compensation and support you through the claims process.
Read Also: CAR INSURANCE FOR EXPATS IN NORWAY - A GUIDE FOR EXPATS
Daily fees for an uninsured car
Chapter 4 of Bilansvarsloven requires every motor vehicle to have valid liability insurance. The owner is responsible for taking out and keeping insurance that covers the damage specified in the law. If the vehicle is not insured, the Norwegian Motor Insurers' Bureau (Trafikkforsikringsforeningen, TFF) charges a daily fee, depending on the type of vehicle:
| Vehicle type | Fee per day | Fee for 30 days |
|---|---|---|
| Passenger cars and motorcycles | NOK 150 | NOK 4,500 |
| Mopeds and tractors | NOK 50 | NOK 1,500 |
| Buses and trucks | NOK 250 | NOK 7,500 |
These fees add up quickly — an uninsured private car costs NOK 4,500 in just one month, far more than an insurance policy. On top of that, you must pay the state traffic insurance tax (Trafikkforsikringsavgift) for every day the vehicle is registered. Current rates are published by TFF.
Driving without insurance has even more serious consequences. Without an insurer to cover the damage, you are personally liable for any harm you cause to others.
Four main levels of cover
Norwegian insurers offer four main levels of cover, each with a different degree of protection. Understanding them will help you choose the right car insurance for you and your car.
1. Liability insurance (Ansvar)
Ansvar is the mandatory, basic level of car insurance in Norway. It covers damage to third parties if you cause an accident, including:
- repair costs for other people's vehicles and property,
- compensation for personal injury to other people, including passengers in your car.
For full protection, you may need additional accident insurance for the driver and passengers (Fører- og passasjerulykke). Some insurers include it automatically, others sell it separately.
2. Partial cover (Delkasko)
Delkasko extends Ansvar to more than road accidents. On top of Ansvar, it typically includes:
- glass damage — windscreen, side and rear windows and panoramic glass roofs,
- theft and vandalism,
- fire and explosion,
- roadside assistance (Veihjelp) after a breakdown or accident.
3. Comprehensive cover (Kasko)
Kasko includes everything in Ansvar and Delkasko, plus:
- repair or compensation for collision damage to your own car, even if you were at fault, minus your deductible (excess, Egenandel),
- roadside assistance across the EU/EEA, with the right to a rental car (Leiebil),
- rollovers, off-road incidents and collisions,
- additional equipment, with some limitations.
4. Premium cover (Superkasko)
Superkasko is the broadest cover, combining everything in Ansvar, Delkasko and Kasko. Depending on the insurer, it also includes:
- engine, gearbox and axle damage (Maskinskade) up to a certain mileage or age — often 200,000 km or 10–12 years; for electric cars, the motor and battery,
- no loss of Bonus after parking damage (often up to NOK 20,000),
- extra compensation if the car is written off.
Read Also: 5 TIPS FOR FINDING THE BEST CAR INSURANCE IN NORWAY
Legal expenses insurance (Rettshjelpforsikring)
Rettshjelpforsikring is usually included in car insurance in Norway. It covers legal costs if you end up in a legal dispute related to the car — for example after buying or selling it, or after an accident. It does not cover disputes with your own insurer. A deductible usually applies, so check the terms.
Why choose comprehensive cover in Norway?
Norway's demanding and varied landscape increases the risks for drivers. More than 1,000 tunnels, long distances between towns and harsh weather with slippery roads all make road safety a priority. Repairs are also expensive, which makes comprehensive insurance a sensible way to avoid large bills.
What affects the price
In Norway, the price of your insurance depends heavily on your no-claims discount (Bonus). For every year without a claim you build up a larger discount, and causing an accident can mean losing part of it. Other factors include your annual mileage (Kjørelengde), where you live, the car model and the driver's age.
Read Also: ELECTRIC AND HYBRID CAR INSURANCE IN NORWAY IS GETTING MORE EXPENSIVE
Transferring a foreign no-claims bonus
Not all Norwegian insurers accept a no-claims bonus earned abroad, and there is no legal requirement for them to do so. Ask a local insurance adviser (Forsikringsrådgiver) or insurance agent (Forsikringsagent) whether your foreign no-claims certificate (Skadefrihetsattest) can be used and how much it could reduce your premium.
Key takeaways
- Every registered car in Norway must have at least Ansvar — an uninsured car costs NOK 150 a day in fees.
- Choose between Ansvar, Delkasko, Kasko and Superkasko depending on the car's value and the protection you need.
- Check whether accident cover for the driver and passengers is included.
- Ask about your foreign no-claims history and compare offers from several insurers.
To check whether a car is insured, or which insurer covers a vehicle involved in an accident, visit the Norwegian Motor Insurers' Bureau at tff.no. Other policies are in our insurance in Norway section.
Read Also: GET A RIGHT COVERED NOT JUST PRICE MATCH | HOW TO FIND THE BEST INSURANCE QUOTES IN NORWAY?
