Securing a good deal on insurance is crucial for foreigners living in Norway, as it helps protect your assets while managing living costs in a new country.
Whether it's home, car, or health insurance, finding the right coverage at a competitive price ensures you're adequately protected without overspending.
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Moving to a new country often comes with a steep learning curve, and insurance is no exception. Whether it’s your home, your car, or your belongings, getting the right coverage in Norway means peace of mind in everyday life.
Insurance in Norway: The Basics
The insurance market in Norway is dominated by a handful of major companies, alongside a range of smaller, regional players. Most Norwegians collect their policies with a single provider, as multi-policy discounts are common.
For foreigners, the process can feel overwhelming at first. Norwegian insurers expect you to have a national identity number (fødselsnummer or D-number) before offering full coverage. Once you have this, you can compare policies just like locals.
Paying too much for insurance? In this time of rising cost of living, every krone counts. You can see if you're paying too much for your home or car insurance with this simple, free service from our friends at Tjenestetorget.
Car Insurance in Norway
Car insurance is mandatory. At a minimum, you must have liability insurance (ansvarsforsikring), which covers injuries to others and damage to their property. Driving without it is illegal and can result in heavy fines.
Beyond the minimum, most car owners choose partial (delkasko) or full coverage (kasko). Partial coverage includes fire, theft, and glass damage, while full coverage also protects against collisions and accidents that are your fault.
Premiums depend on your age, driving history, where you live, and the type of car you drive. Urban areas tend to see higher costs, and new or imported vehicles can attract higher premiums too.
Home & Contents Insurance
If you rent, contents insurance (innboforsikring) is strongly recommended.
It covers your belongings against fire, theft, and water damage, and often includes liability insurance if, for example, you accidentally cause damage to your building or a neighbour’s apartment.
If you own a home or apartment, you’ll also need building insurance (husforsikring or boligforsikring). In many cases, it’s required by your mortgage lender. Building insurance protects the structure itself, while contents insurance covers what’s inside.
Why Comparison Matters
Insurance costs in Norway can vary significantly between providers. The difference often comes down to the deductible you choose, the scope of coverage, and loyalty discounts.
For newcomers who don’t have a long history in Norway, it’s especially important to compare offers. Some insurers may charge more until you’ve built up a customer record, while others may specialise in competitive pricing for new residents.
How to Save on Insurance
While insurance is a necessary expense, there are ways to keep the costs manageable:
- Increase your deductible (egenandel). The higher the amount you’re willing to pay out-of-pocket, the lower your monthly premium.
- Bundle your policies. Having car, home, and even travel insurance with one company usually triggers a discount.
- Shop around regularly. Loyalty doesn’t always pay, and it’s wise to review your coverage every couple of years.
Compare Insurance Quotes in Norway
A good insurance deal provides peace of mind, knowing that your valuable assets and your financial stability are secure, allowing you to focus on enjoying life in Norway.
Our friends at Tjenestetorget (affiliate link) provide a free-to-use service where insurance companies compete for your business.
Here’s how it works:
- Select the type of insurance you want quotes for – you can choose multiple, such as home contents and car.
- Enter a few personal details so insurers can calculate your price.
- Receive up to three tailored quotes from relevant companies.
By comparing offers side-by-side, you can quickly see where the best deal lies, and make sure you’re not paying more than you need to.