Car Insurance in Norway: A Complete Guide for Residents and Expats
Car insurance in Norway is more than just a legal requirement—it's a crucial aspect of responsible car ownership. Whether you're a Norwegian resident or an expat planning to live and drive in this beautiful Scandinavian country, understanding how car insurance works is essential to ensure you're fully covered in case of accidents, theft, or damage.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore everything you need to know about car insurance in Norway: types of coverage, legal requirements, costs, how to choose the right insurer, and tips for saving money on your policy.
Is Car Insurance Mandatory in Norway?
Yes, it is mandatory to have car insurance in Norway. According to Norwegian law, all motor vehicles used on public roads must be insured with at least liability coverage—known locally as ansvarsforsikring.
This insurance protects you from the financial responsibility of damages or injuries you may cause to other people or their property while driving. Without this insurance, you’re not legally allowed to drive your car.
Types of Car Insurance in Norway
Norwegian insurance companies offer three main types of car insurance:
1. Liability Insurance (Ansvarsforsikring) – Mandatory
This is the minimum legal requirement. It covers:
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Damage to other people’s vehicles
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Injury to other people (passengers, pedestrians)
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Property damage caused by your vehicle
However, it does not cover:
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Damage to your own car
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Theft or vandalism
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Fire damage
2. Partial Coverage (Delkasko)
This is a mid-range option, which includes liability insurance plus limited protection for your own vehicle. It usually covers:
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Theft
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Fire damage
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Broken windows
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Certain natural disasters
Delkasko is suitable for drivers who want extra protection without the cost of full coverage.
3. Full Coverage (Kasko or Fullkasko)
This is comprehensive insurance, and it includes everything in the above two types, plus:
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Damage to your own vehicle (even if you are at fault)
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Vandalism
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Accidents (whether you caused them or not)
Full coverage is ideal for new or expensive cars, or for those who want complete peace of mind.
Additional Coverage Options
You can also add optional insurances to your policy for even more protection, such as:
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Legal aid insurance (Rettshjelp): Covers legal costs in case of disputes.
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Roadside assistance (Veihjelp): Helps you if your car breaks down.
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Driver and passenger accident insurance: Provides compensation in case of injury or death.
How Much Does Car Insurance Cost in Norway?
Car insurance in Norway is generally more expensive than in many other countries, but prices vary based on several factors:
Factors That Affect the Cost:
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Age and Driving Experience: Young or new drivers pay more.
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Location: Urban areas like Oslo or Bergen tend to have higher rates.
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Car Type: Expensive or high-performance cars cost more to insure.
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Driving History: If you have a clean record, you may get discounts.
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Annual Mileage: The more you drive, the higher the premium.
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Bonus System (Bonusordning): A no-claims bonus system that rewards safe drivers with discounts over time.
On average, basic liability insurance for a typical car might range from 4,000 to 10,000 NOK per year, while full coverage can go up to 15,000–25,000 NOK or more depending on the car and driver profile.
How to Choose a Car Insurance Provider in Norway
There are many insurance companies in Norway, including:
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Gjensidige
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If Skadeforsikring
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Tryg
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SpareBank 1
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Fremtind
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Eika
When comparing insurers, consider:
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Price vs. coverage: Don’t go for the cheapest option without reviewing what’s included.
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Customer service: Read reviews and check their claims handling.
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Online tools: Many insurers allow you to calculate and purchase insurance online.
You can also use comparison websites like Finansportalen.no to get multiple quotes.
Car Insurance for Expats and Foreigners in Norway
If you're moving to Norway and bringing a foreign car, you can drive with your home country’s insurance for a limited time—usually up to 6 months. After that, you must:
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Register your car in Norway
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Get Norwegian license plates
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Obtain Norwegian car insurance
Some insurers may require a Norwegian social security number (fødselsnummer) or D-number. If you have limited Norwegian language skills, it’s advisable to contact insurance companies that offer English-speaking support.
Making a Claim
If you're involved in an accident, here's what you should do:
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Ensure safety: Move to a safe location if possible and help anyone injured.
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Call the police if there's serious damage or injury.
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Document the scene: Take pictures and exchange contact information.
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Report the incident to your insurance company: This must be done as soon as possible.
Most companies allow you to submit a claim online. Some will send an adjuster to inspect the damage before offering a repair or compensation.
Tips for Saving on Car Insurance in Norway
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Build your bonus (No-Claims Discount): Drive safely to increase your bonus level.
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Bundle your insurances: Buying home, life, and car insurance from the same provider may give discounts.
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Increase your deductible (Egenandel): A higher deductible lowers your premium.
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Choose a smaller or less expensive car: It costs less to insure.
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Ask for student or senior discounts, if applicable.
Electric Car Insurance in Norway
Norway is a global leader in electric vehicle (EV) adoption. If you drive an electric car, insurance is generally cheaper than for petrol or diesel cars due to:
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Government incentives
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Fewer moving parts = less maintenance
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EV-specific policies and discounts
However, be sure to check if your policy includes battery coverage and roadside assistance.
Conclusion
Car insurance in Norway is a must-have and comes with several options based on your needs and vehicle. From basic liability coverage to full protection, Norwegian insurers offer flexible policies to suit both locals and newcomers.
If you’re planning to drive in Norway—whether as a resident, expat, or student—it’s wise to compare insurance providers, understand what’s included in each policy, and make informed decisions to protect yourself and your car on the road.