Frequently Asked Questions

In Denmark, the minimum required insurance is third-party liability (ansvarsforsikring). This covers damage to other people's property and injuries to others in accidents where you're at fault. The minimum coverage amounts are substantial compared to many other countries: 121 million DKK for personal injuries and 24 million DKK for property damage.

Insurance costs in Denmark vary significantly based on factors like your vehicle type, age, driving history, and location. On average, you can expect to pay:

• Basic liability coverage: 4,000-9,000 DKK (€535-1,200) annually
• Comprehensive coverage: 7,000-15,000 DKK (€940-2,000) annually

Premiums in Copenhagen and other urban areas are typically 30-50% higher than in rural regions.

Several well-established insurance providers operate in Denmark. The most popular include:

• Tryg: Denmark's largest insurer, offering competitive rates and comprehensive coverage
• Topdanmark: Known for good customer service and flexible policies
• Codan: Part of the RSA Group, with a wide range of coverage options
• Alm. Brand: A Danish company with over 200 years of history
• If: A Scandinavian insurer known for competitive pricing and digital services
• GF Forsikring: A member-owned insurance company often offering lower premiums

The best choice depends on your specific needs, vehicle type, and personal circumstances.

The Danish no-claims bonus system (skadefri kørsel) rewards drivers who don't make claims. Each claim-free year typically provides a discount on your premium, up to a maximum level (often after 5-8 years). The exact implementation varies between insurers, but discounts can reach 50-70% for drivers with many claim-free years.

If you make a claim, your bonus level may be reduced, resulting in higher premiums. Some insurers offer "bonus protection" (bonusbeskyttelse) for an additional fee, allowing you to make a claim without losing your bonus level.

If you're a resident of an EU or EEA country (including Denmark), your regular motor insurance policy automatically provides the minimum cover required by law in other EU/EEA countries, Switzerland, and the UK. You typically don't need a physical Green Card for these countries.

However, you will need a Green Card when traveling to non-EU/EEA countries that are part of the Green Card system (e.g., Turkey, Russia, Morocco).

Even when not legally required, it's advisable to carry your insurance documentation when traveling internationally.

When relocating to Denmark from another EU country:

• You'll typically need to register your vehicle in Denmark within 14 days if you plan to stay long-term
• Your existing insurance remains valid during this transition period, but you'll need Danish insurance once your vehicle is registered in Denmark
• Some Danish insurers recognize no-claims bonuses from other EU countries, though you'll likely need documentation from your previous insurer
• For temporary stays (less than 185 days per year), you can usually keep your original registration and insurance

It's advisable to contact Danish insurance providers before your move to arrange seamless coverage.

If you're involved in an accident in another European country:

1. Ensure safety and call emergency services if needed (112 works throughout Europe)
2. Exchange information with the other party (use the European Accident Statement form if available)
3. Document the scene with photos and gather witness information
4. Contact your insurance company as soon as possible
5. Report to local police if required by local law (typically needed for injuries or significant damage)

Thanks to EU regulations, you can typically file a claim with your own insurer even for accidents abroad, and they'll coordinate with the foreign insurer if necessary. This system is known as the "4th Motor Insurance Directive."

Danish car insurance typically covers you for temporary visits to other EU countries, but "temporary" usually means visits up to 3-6 months. For longer stays:

• Some insurers offer extended international coverage as an additional option
• If you're staying in another country for more than 6 months, you may be required to register your vehicle in that country and obtain local insurance
• The exact rules vary by insurer and destination country

Always inform your insurance company about extended stays abroad and get their confirmation in writing about your coverage.

Liability Insurance (Ansvarsforsikring): Covers damage you cause to others and their property. This is mandatory in all European countries and covers:

• Injuries to other people
• Damage to other people's property and vehicles
• Does NOT cover damage to your own vehicle

Comprehensive Insurance (Kaskoforsikring): Provides broader protection including:

• Everything covered by liability insurance
• Damage to your own vehicle regardless of fault
• Theft, fire, and vandalism
• Weather-related damage
• Often includes options for roadside assistance and replacement car provisions

Comprehensive insurance is not legally required but is highly recommended, especially for newer vehicles.

Beyond basic liability and comprehensive coverage, consider these valuable additions:

• Glass Coverage (Glasforsikring): Covers windshield and window damage with lower deductibles
• Roadside Assistance (Vejhjælp): Provides help if your car breaks down
• Driver's Accident Insurance (Førerulykkesforsikring): Covers the driver's personal injuries in single-vehicle accidents
• Value Protection (Nyværdierstatning): Ensures replacement with a new vehicle if your car is totaled within a certain period (typically 1-3 years)
• Courtesy Car (Lånebil): Provides a replacement vehicle while yours is being repaired
• Legal Protection (Retshjælp): Covers legal expenses related to vehicle disputes
• Contents Coverage (Indboforsikring til bilen): Protects personal belongings in your car

The best options depend on your driving habits, vehicle value, and personal risk tolerance.

Electric vehicle (EV) insurance has several unique considerations:

• Battery Coverage: Specialized policies for EVs include specific provisions for battery damage, which can represent 30-40% of the vehicle's value
• Charging Equipment: Many EV policies cover home charging stations and cables
• Specialized Repairs: EVs require specially trained technicians, which can affect repair options and costs
• Breakdown Coverage: For EVs, this often includes assistance if you run out of charge and towing to charging stations

Pricing varies across Europe: in Nordic countries like Denmark, EV insurance is often competitively priced, while in Southern Europe, it tends to be more expensive due to less developed EV service infrastructure.

The main factors affecting your car insurance premium include:

• Driving history: Previous claims and traffic violations significantly impact rates
• Age and experience: Younger drivers (under 25) and new drivers face higher premiums
• Vehicle type: More expensive cars, performance vehicles, and models with higher theft rates cost more to insure
• Location: Urban areas (especially Copenhagen) have higher rates than rural areas
• Annual mileage: Higher mileage typically means higher premiums
• Coverage level: Comprehensive policies cost more than basic liability coverage
• Deductible amount: Higher deductibles (selvrisiko) lower your premium
• Security features: Alarms, immobilizers, and tracking systems may reduce costs
• Parking situation: Secure, off-street parking can lower premiums

Insurance companies weigh these factors differently, which is why comparing quotes from multiple providers is important.

To make an insurance claim in Denmark:

1. Contact your insurer promptly: Most have 24/7 claim hotlines
2. Provide initial information: Policy number, description of the incident, date, time, location, and parties involved
3. Complete a claim form (skadeanmeldelse): This can typically be done online, through a mobile app, or via paper forms
4. Submit documentation: Photos, police reports (if applicable), witness statements, and repair estimates
5. Vehicle inspection: For physical damage claims, an assessor may need to examine your vehicle
6. Repair coordination: Your insurer will either direct you to approved repair shops or review estimates from your chosen shop

Danish insurers typically process straightforward claims efficiently, often within 1-2 weeks. Most companies now offer digital claim submission through their websites or mobile apps.

If your car is stolen while traveling in Europe:

1. Report to local police immediately: File a police report and obtain a copy or reference number
2. Contact your insurance company: Report the theft as soon as possible
3. Provide documentation: Insurance policy details, vehicle registration, police report, and any evidence of theft
4. Contact your embassy or consulate: If you need assistance with local procedures or translation
5. Arrange alternative transportation: Your insurance may cover rental car costs

Most comprehensive policies cover vehicle theft, but the claims process might take longer for thefts abroad. Some policies include accommodation costs if you're stranded due to theft while traveling.

Effective strategies to reduce your car insurance premiums include:

• Compare quotes: Get offers from multiple insurers, ideally 3-5 companies
• Increase your deductible: Higher deductibles (selvrisiko) lower your premium
• Bundle policies: Combine car insurance with home insurance for multi-policy discounts
• Drive safely: Build and maintain a claim-free record
• Pay annually: Monthly payments often include administration fees
• Install security devices: Approved alarms and immobilizers may qualify for discounts
• Consider usage-based insurance: Lower rates for low-mileage drivers
• Ask about group discounts: Some insurers offer discounts for professional organizations, unions, or alumni groups
• Review coverage annually: Adjust coverage as your vehicle ages and its value decreases
• Take advanced driving courses: Some insurers offer discounts for additional training

Remember that the cheapest policy isn't always the best value—focus on finding the right balance of cost and coverage for your needs.

When driving across European borders, you should carry:

• Driver's license: A valid license is essential (International Driving Permit may be needed for non-EU licenses)
• Vehicle registration document: Original document, not a copy
• Insurance documentation: Proof of insurance (your insurance certificate or green card if traveling to non-EU countries)
• Identification: Passport or national ID card for EU citizens
• European Accident Statement form: For documenting accidents (available from your insurer)
• Vehicle safety equipment: Required items vary by country but often include warning triangle, reflective vests, first aid kit, and spare bulbs

Additionally, if you're not the registered owner of the vehicle, carry a letter of authorization from the owner or rental company. For company cars, bring documentation proving you're authorized to drive the vehicle internationally.