Yes, third-party liability insurance (Trafikförsäkring) is legally required for all vehicles in Sweden. This covers damage to other people, vehicles, and property, but not your own vehicle. Our Basic Package includes this mandatory coverage plus some additional protections.

Driving without this insurance is illegal and can result in fines. The vehicle owner is responsible for ensuring the vehicle is insured, even if they're not the primary driver.

There are three main types of car insurance in Sweden:

• Traffic Insurance (Trafikförsäkring): The legally required minimum that covers damage to other people and their property
• Half Insurance (Halvförsäkring): Includes traffic insurance plus protection against fire, theft, and glass damage, as well as roadside assistance
• Full Insurance (Helförsäkring): The most comprehensive option that includes all of the above plus collision damage to your own vehicle

Insurance companies also offer various add-ons and specialized policies, such as those for classic cars, electric vehicles, or temporary coverage.

Swedish car insurance premiums are typically calculated based on several factors, including:

• Driver's age and driving history
• Vehicle make, model, age, and value
• Where you live (urban areas typically have higher premiums)
• Annual mileage
• Coverage level and deductible amount
• No-claims bonus (bonus for claim-free years)

Premiums can vary significantly between insurance providers, which is why comparing quotes is so important.

"Självrisk" is the Swedish term for deductible - the amount you pay out of pocket when making a claim. In Swedish insurance policies, there are often different deductible amounts for different types of claims. For example, you might have a higher deductible for collision claims than for windshield repairs.

Generally, choosing a higher deductible results in lower premiums. When selecting a policy, it's important to consider whether you could comfortably afford the deductible if you needed to make a claim.

The general process for filing a car insurance claim in Sweden includes these steps:

1. Document the incident (take photos, gather witness information if applicable)
2. Contact your insurance company as soon as possible through their app, website, or phone
3. Complete the claim form (skadeanmälan) with all relevant details
4. Submit any supporting documentation requested by the insurer
5. Have your vehicle inspected if required
6. Receive the claim decision and payment or repair authorization

For a more detailed guide, see our blog post How to File a Car Insurance Claim in Sweden.

Most Swedish car insurance policies provide coverage in Sweden and other Nordic countries (Norway, Denmark, Finland, and Iceland) by default. Coverage in other European countries varies by policy:

• Basic Traffic Insurance typically covers you throughout the EU due to international agreements
• Half and Full Insurance coverage may be limited or require additional premium for non-Nordic European countries
• Premium packages often include European-wide coverage
• For travel outside Europe, special international coverage is usually required

Always check with your insurance company before driving abroad to confirm your coverage extent and any requirements.

Standard and Premium packages generally cover winter-related incidents, but there are important considerations for winter driving:

• Winter tires are legally required in Sweden when winter conditions are present (typically December through March)
• Failure to have appropriate tires could affect your coverage if you have an accident
• Consider roadside assistance coverage, which is especially valuable during winter months
• Our Premium Package includes enhanced roadside assistance specifically designed for Swedish winter conditions

For more information, read our Winter Driving Insurance Tips for Swedish Roads blog post.

In Sweden, car insurance generally follows the vehicle, not the driver. This means:

• If you lend your car to someone and they have an accident, your insurance typically covers the damage (subject to policy terms and deductibles)
• The accident may affect your premium and no-claims bonus, even if you weren't driving
• If the driver was not authorized to use the vehicle or was under the influence of alcohol or drugs, the insurance company may deny the claim

There are some exceptions and limitations, so it's always best to check your specific policy terms before lending your vehicle.

In Sweden, most insurance companies offer a "no-claims bonus" (skadefria år) system that rewards drivers who don't make claims. Each claim-free year typically results in a premium discount, up to a maximum level after several years.

If you make a claim, your bonus level may be reduced, resulting in higher premiums. Some minor claims (like windshield repairs) might not affect your bonus level.

When switching insurance companies, your new insurer will usually honor your no-claims bonus from your previous company if you can provide documentation.

Yes, Swedish insurance companies offer various discounts, including:

• Multi-policy discount: For insuring your home, car, and other policies with the same company
• Multi-car discount: For insuring more than one vehicle
• Safe driver discount: For maintaining a claims-free record
• Low mileage discount: For drivers who use their cars infrequently
• Security discount: For vehicles with approved security devices
• Age-related discounts: Some insurers offer special rates for mature drivers
• Green vehicle discount: For electric or eco-friendly vehicles
• Professional organization discounts: Through unions or employer groups

Availability and amount of discounts vary by insurer, so it's worth asking specifically about discount opportunities when getting quotes.

Electric vehicles have some unique insurance considerations in Sweden:

• Battery coverage: Specialized policies may cover the expensive battery separately with different terms
• Charging equipment: Some policies include coverage for home charging stations or cables
• Green discounts: Many insurers offer reduced premiums for zero-emission vehicles
• Specialized roadside assistance: For EV-specific issues like battery depletion

For a comprehensive overview, read our article Electric Vehicle Insurance in Sweden: What's Different?

Classic cars (typically 20+ years old) have specialized insurance options in Sweden:

• MHRF Insurance: The Swedish Motor Historical Federation offers specialized policies through Folksam
• Agreed value coverage: Rather than market value, the insurer agrees to a specific value for your classic car
• Limited mileage policies: Lower premiums if you drive the vehicle infrequently
• Laid-up insurance: Reduced coverage for vehicles in storage
• Restoration coverage: Special policies during restoration projects

Classic car insurance is often significantly cheaper than standard policies due to the careful ownership patterns and limited use of these vehicles.

Learn more in our article Insuring Classic and Vintage Cars in Sweden.

Some Swedish insurance companies will recognize a claims-free driving history from other countries, particularly from the EU, but policies vary:

• You'll typically need to provide documentation from your previous insurer showing your claims history
• Some companies may only recognize history from certain countries
• Translation of documents may be required if not in English or a Scandinavian language
• Recognition of foreign history is at the discretion of each insurer, so shop around if one doesn't accept your records

It's worth asking specifically about this when requesting quotes, as it can significantly affect your premium.

You don't necessarily need a Swedish driving license to obtain car insurance in Sweden, but license status does affect your options:

• EU/EEA licenses are valid in Sweden and generally treated similarly to Swedish licenses for insurance purposes
• Non-EU licenses are valid for up to one year for new residents, after which you need to obtain a Swedish license
• Some insurers may charge higher premiums or impose restrictions for non-Swedish licenses
• International driving permits (IDP) may be required in addition to your foreign license

Always disclose your license status accurately when applying for insurance to ensure valid coverage.

Insuring a car you're importing to Sweden involves several steps:

1. Temporary insurance: You'll need transit insurance while importing the vehicle
2. Vehicle inspection: The car must pass a technical inspection (besiktning) at a Swedish inspection station
3. Registration: Register the vehicle with the Swedish Transport Agency (Transportstyrelsen)
4. Standard insurance: Once registered, you can obtain regular Swedish car insurance

Note that some imported vehicles may be more expensive to insure if they're uncommon in Sweden (due to parts availability and repair costs). It's advisable to get insurance quotes before finalizing an import to understand the ongoing costs.