Car Insurance in Poland: Everything You Need to Know (2025 Guide)
Car insurance is a legal and practical necessity in most countries, and Poland is no exception. Whether you’re a resident, expatriate, or just planning to stay in Poland for an extended period and own a car, understanding the local car insurance system is essential. This article will give you a comprehensive overview of the car insurance landscape in Poland as of 2025, including types of coverage, legal requirements, pricing, insurance companies, and tips for finding the best policy.
Is Car Insurance Mandatory in Poland?
Yes, third-party liability insurance (OC – Odpowiedzialność Cywilna) is mandatory in Poland for all vehicle owners. This insurance covers damages you may cause to other people, vehicles, or property while driving. It is required by law, and driving without it is a punishable offense.
If you're caught driving without OC insurance in Poland, you could face:
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Heavy fines (up to several thousand PLN),
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Vehicle impoundment,
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Legal consequences in case of an accident.
Types of Car Insurance in Poland
There are several types of car insurance available in Poland, falling into mandatory and optional categories:
1. OC Insurance (Odpowiedzialność Cywilna) – Mandatory
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Covers damage to third parties.
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Does not cover your own vehicle or personal injuries.
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Must be purchased immediately after buying a car.
2. AC Insurance (Autocasco) – Optional
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Covers damage to your own vehicle regardless of fault.
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Covers theft, vandalism, natural disasters, and collisions.
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Highly recommended for new or expensive vehicles.
3. NNW Insurance (Personal Accident Insurance) – Optional
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Covers injuries or death of the driver and passengers.
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Offers compensation for medical costs, disability, or death.
4. Assistance Insurance – Optional
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Offers roadside assistance.
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Includes towing, technical help, or car replacement.
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Ideal for people who travel long distances or frequently.
Who Needs to Buy Insurance?
If you own or use a car registered in Poland, you are required to have OC insurance. This includes:
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Polish citizens,
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Foreigners residing in Poland,
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Expats who bring their own car (must insure the car in Poland after registering it).
How to Get Car Insurance in Poland
Step 1: Choose an Insurance Provider
There are many local and international insurance companies operating in Poland. Some of the most popular include:
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PZU (Powszechny Zakład Ubezpieczeń)
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Warta
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Allianz
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Ergo Hestia
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AXA
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Generali
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Link4
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Compensa
Step 2: Compare Prices and Offers
Use online comparison websites like:
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Rankomat.pl
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Mubi.pl
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Ubea.pl
These platforms allow you to input your vehicle data and personal information to get instant quotes.
Step 3: Prepare Necessary Documents
To buy car insurance in Poland, you typically need:
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Personal ID or passport
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Vehicle registration certificate
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Proof of ownership
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Previous insurance details (if applicable)
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Polish address and contact information
Step 4: Purchase the Policy
You can purchase the policy online, over the phone, or in person at the insurance company’s branch. Make sure to receive confirmation and a physical or digital copy of your policy.
Average Cost of Car Insurance in Poland (2025)
The cost of OC insurance depends on several factors:
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Age and driving experience of the policyholder
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Type and age of the vehicle
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Engine size and power
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Location (big cities like Warsaw or Kraków usually have higher rates)
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Claim history (no-claims discounts apply)
Sample Costs:
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OC Insurance: 400–1,200 PLN/year (approx. €90–€270)
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AC Insurance: +300–1,000 PLN/year (depending on coverage)
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NNW: around 50–150 PLN/year
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Assistance: around 50–200 PLN/year
Young drivers and owners of powerful sports cars can expect to pay more.
Discounts and Bonuses
Most insurers offer bonuses and discounts such as:
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No-claims bonus (zniżki za bezszkodową jazdę) – the longer you drive without accidents, the bigger the discount.
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Bundle discount – buying OC + AC together.
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Multi-car discount – insuring multiple vehicles under the same policy.
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Loyalty rewards – for renewing with the same insurer.
What Happens if You Change or Sell the Car?
If you sell your vehicle, the OC insurance is automatically transferred to the new owner, but:
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The new owner can cancel it within 30 days.
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The insurer can also recalculate the price based on the new owner's profile.
If you buy a used car, you should:
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Check the validity of its OC policy.
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Either continue the policy or switch to a new one.
Accidents and Claims in Poland
If you're involved in an accident:
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Stop immediately and turn on hazard lights.
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Provide first aid if needed.
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Call the police if:
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Someone is injured,
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There’s a dispute about the cause,
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Damage is serious.
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Then:
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Exchange contact and insurance information.
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Fill out the European Accident Statement (common in the EU).
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Contact your insurer to report the claim.
Driving in Poland as a Foreigner
If you’re staying in Poland short-term:
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You can drive using your foreign license (EU/EEA accepted).
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Your foreign insurance may be valid for a limited time.
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For long-term stays or vehicle ownership, you must register and insure the car in Poland.
Tips for Choosing the Right Insurance
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Don’t automatically go for the cheapest OC – service quality matters.
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If your car is new or expensive, consider AC.
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Add roadside assistance if you travel a lot.
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Use comparison sites to get better deals.
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Read the policy details carefully – especially the exclusions.
Final Thoughts
Car insurance in Poland is relatively affordable and straightforward, but understanding the local laws and choosing the right coverage can save you a lot of money and stress in the long run. Always make sure you’re properly insured before hitting the road, and take advantage of the many comparison tools available to get the best deal.
Whether you're a Polish resident, a foreign student, or an expat, having proper car insurance ensures you're protected—and legal—while driving in Poland.