Car Insurance in Norway: A Complete Guide for Residents and Expats
Norway is known for its breathtaking landscapes, high standard of living, and excellent road infrastructure. Whether you're living in the vibrant cities of Oslo or Bergen or traveling through fjords and snowy mountains, owning a vehicle in Norway provides freedom and convenience. However, with car ownership comes a legal and financial responsibility—car insurance.
Car insurance in Norway is not only a legal requirement, but also a critical safeguard against the high costs of accidents, theft, and damage. Whether you’re a Norwegian citizen or an expatriate, understanding how the car insurance system works in Norway is essential. This article explores the types of car insurance available, legal requirements, policy options, cost factors, and how to choose the right coverage for your situation.
1. Is Car Insurance Mandatory in Norway?
Yes. Car insurance is legally required in Norway. All motor vehicles must have, at a minimum, third-party liability insurance (ansvarsforsikring) to be allowed on the road. Driving without insurance is not only illegal but can also result in heavy fines, liability for damages, and even the suspension of your driver’s license.
Even if the vehicle is not driven regularly, it must be insured unless it is officially deregistered with the Norwegian Public Roads Administration (Statens vegvesen).
2. Types of Car Insurance in Norway
There are three primary types of car insurance in Norway:
A. Liability Insurance (Ansvarsforsikring)
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Mandatory for all vehicles.
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Covers personal injury and property damage caused to other people in an accident where you are at fault.
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Does not cover damage to your own vehicle, theft, or vandalism.
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Required to register a vehicle in Norway.
B. Partial Comprehensive Insurance (Delkasko)
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Includes all benefits from liability insurance.
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Also covers:
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Theft or attempted theft of the vehicle
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Fire damage
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Broken windows (like windscreen cracks)
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Vandalism
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Certain natural disasters (flood, storm, etc.)
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A good middle-ground for older vehicles or those not requiring full coverage.
C. Comprehensive Insurance (Kasko / Full kasko)
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The most extensive coverage available.
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Includes all of the above.
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Also covers:
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Damage to your own vehicle regardless of fault
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Collisions
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Accidental damage
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Towing and roadside assistance
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Strongly recommended for new or valuable cars, especially in winter-prone areas.
Some insurers also offer “super kasko” or “premium packages”, which may include rental cars, zero deductible repairs, or protection against depreciation for newer vehicles.
3. Optional Add-ons and Coverage Enhancements
Many insurance companies in Norway allow you to customize your policy by adding optional services such as:
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Roadside assistance (veihjelp) – 24/7 towing and emergency services
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Legal aid (rettshjelp) – Assistance with legal costs in disputes
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Rental car coverage (leiebil) – Coverage for a rental vehicle while your car is being repaired
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No-claim bonus protection – Keeps your bonus intact after a claim
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Extended glass insurance – Covers damage to all glass parts, not just the windshield
These add-ons can increase your premium but offer greater peace of mind.
4. How Much Does Car Insurance Cost in Norway?
Car insurance premiums in Norway vary depending on several factors:
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Driver’s age and experience: Young and inexperienced drivers pay more.
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Location: Urban areas like Oslo may have higher premiums due to higher traffic and theft risks.
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Vehicle type and age: Luxury, sports, or high-performance cars cost more to insure.
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Usage: Annual mileage and use of the car (private or business) affect premiums.
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Driving history: A clean record helps reduce costs.
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No-claim bonus (bonusordning): The longer you drive without making a claim, the higher your discount.
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Coverage level: Full kasko will cost more than liability-only policies.
On average, car insurance in Norway ranges from 5,000 to 15,000 NOK per year, depending on these factors.
5. No-Claim Bonus System (Bonusordning)
Norway uses a bonus system similar to other European countries. When you purchase car insurance, you typically start at a 20% discount (bonus level), and for each claim-free year, your bonus increases—often by 10% annually—until it reaches a maximum of 75% or more.
If you make a claim where you are at fault, the bonus drops (commonly by 10–20%). Some insurers offer bonus protection, so your level doesn't drop after a single claim.
6. Insurance Providers in Norway
There are many reputable insurance companies operating in Norway. Some of the most popular include:
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Gjensidige
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If Skadeforsikring
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Tryg Forsikring
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Fremtind (SpareBank 1)
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DNB Forsikring
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Codan
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Eika Forsikring
These insurers offer digital platforms to get quotes, compare policies, file claims, and manage your insurance documents.
Comparison sites like Finansportalen.no (run by the government) can help you compare car insurance offers and save money.
7. Car Insurance for Foreigners and Expats
If you're moving to Norway and planning to drive, you must ensure your car is insured as soon as it is registered in Norway. Important points to note:
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If you're importing a car, you need to arrange Norwegian insurance before registration.
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You must have a Norwegian national identity number (fødselsnummer) or D-number to take out most insurance policies.
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Some foreign licenses are valid for up to 3 months; after that, you may need to convert it depending on your country of origin.
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Rental cars always include basic insurance, but extra coverage is recommended for peace of mind.
8. Making a Claim
If you’re involved in an accident or your vehicle is damaged:
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Ensure safety first – move to a safe place and assist others if needed.
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Call emergency services (113) if there are injuries.
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Document everything – take photos, exchange details, write a statement.
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Report the incident to your insurer as soon as possible.
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Submit necessary documents, including police reports (if required).
Most insurers offer mobile apps or online portals to make the claims process more convenient.
9. Tips to Reduce Car Insurance Costs in Norway
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Compare quotes annually – don’t automatically renew.
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Maintain a clean driving record – this builds your bonus.
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Increase your deductible (egenandel) – higher deductibles lower premiums.
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Avoid unnecessary add-ons – only choose what you need.
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Drive a less risky vehicle – smaller, safer cars cost less to insure.
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Bundle insurance policies – insuring home and car with the same provider can yield discounts.
10. Final Thoughts
Car insurance in Norway is more than just a legal formality—it’s a smart investment in your safety and financial well-being. Whether you're a local resident or an expat new to the Norwegian lifestyle, choosing the right level of coverage ensures you're protected on icy roads, long rural stretches, and busy city streets.
Understanding the different types of coverage, knowing your legal obligations, and comparing insurance policies can help you make informed decisions and get the most out of your insurance. With the right provider and a little due diligence, you can enjoy peace of mind as you explore the scenic roads of one of the world’s most beautiful countries.