How does car insurance work in Denmark for expats?
Every car registered in Denmark must have third-party liability insurance (ansvarsforsikring). You need it before the car can get Danish number plates. Comprehensive cover (kasko) is optional, but lenders and leasing companies usually require it.
If you move to Denmark with a foreign-registered car, Motorstyrelsen (the Danish Motor Vehicle Agency) says it must be on Danish plates no later than 30 days after you arrive. Bring your claims history from your previous insurer. It can help you avoid starting from scratch on price.
Checked and updated November 2026
What insurance is mandatory in Denmark?
Danish law requires third-party liability insurance on cars, motorcycles and mopeds used on public roads.
Liability (ansvar)
Mandatory. Covers damage you cause to other people and their property. It does not cover your own car.
Comprehensive (kasko)
Optional. Covers damage to your own car, for example after a collision, theft or vandalism.
No insurance
borger.dk says the police can confiscate your plates if the insurance is not paid. An uninsured registered car is also charged a daily fee of DKK 250.
Moving to Denmark with a foreign-registered car
Motorstyrelsen states that residents may not drive foreign-plated cars on Danish roads, and that the car must be on Danish plates no later than 30 days after you arrive. Before registering the car you must take out Danish third-party liability insurance.
Registering the car also means paying Danish registration tax (registreringsafgift), based on the car’s market value. There are exceptions, for example if you keep your residence abroad and stay under 185 days, or do fixed-term work of up to six months.
Check your cover during the first 30 days
We have not found an official source on how a foreign policy covers the car while it is driven in Denmark before registration. Ask your current insurer before you drive here.
Plates and fees
Motorstyrelsen lists number plates at DKK 1,180 plus a DKK 200 service fee. Valuation for registration tax is done via an inspection and Motorstyrelsen’s E-tax service, which uses MitID. Without CPR or MitID you can contact Motorstyrelsen by e-mail.
Source: Motorstyrelsen, if you bring a vehicle with foreign number plates to Denmark.
Can you use your claims history from abroad?
Under EU rules your previous insurer must give you a claims history statement covering the last five years within 15 days of your request. EU guidance says a new insurer may not treat you less favourably because of your nationality or previous residence in another EU country, and should apply your history to discounts as it would for local customers.
We have not found Danish insurers that publish exactly which foreign documents they accept. Ask the insurer before you buy and bring the EU claims history statement or a letter from your previous insurer. Without accepted documentation, you build up a claims-free history in Denmark year by year.
Get the paperwork before you leave
If I were moving to Denmark, I would ask my old insurer for a claims history statement before cancelling the policy. It is much easier to get while you are still a customer, and it is the document that can make the biggest difference to your first Danish price.
Christian Brodersen, Bilforsikringsinfo
Your foreign driving licence
| Licence from | Can you drive on it? | Exchange |
|---|---|---|
| EU/EEA | Yes, if you meet Danish age requirements. | Not required. Voluntary exchange usually without a test. |
| Non-EU group 1 and 2 (e.g. UK, USA, Canada, Australia, Japan, Switzerland) | Yes, for 180 days after you take up residence. | Must be exchanged after 180 days, without a test but with declarations. |
| Other non-EU countries | Yes, for 180 days after you take up residence. | Must be exchanged after 180 days, with theory and practical tests. |
Source: Life in Denmark and the Danish Road Traffic Authority (Færdselsstyrelsen), checked 31 October 2026.
Keep your licence valid
Insurers expect the driver to hold a valid licence. If your non-EU licence is no longer valid in Denmark after 180 days, exchange it in time.
What affects the price for newcomers?
Danish insurers price car insurance individually. As a newcomer, a few factors tend to matter more.
Insurance history
Without an accepted claims history you may not get a claims-free discount in your first years.
Age and experience
Drivers under 25 typically pay more and may get a higher minimum excess.
Car and address
The car’s value, model and fuel type, and where you live in Denmark, all affect the price.
Excess and mileage
A higher excess and an honest, lower mileage can reduce the premium.
Insurers with English-language service
Tryg says all its employees speak English, that English-language policies are available, and that it has experience with insurance for internationals living in Denmark. Comparison site Samlino has an English car insurance page. For other insurers we have not been able to confirm English-language car insurance pages, so ask when you request a quote.
Driving abroad with a Danish car
Liability cover from your Danish policy is valid in other EU countries. Cover for your own car abroad can be limited. Ask your insurer about the green card (grønt kort), which proves you are insured abroad, and about roadside assistance before you travel.
Sources: borger.dk and Your Europe (European Commission).
Frequently asked questions about car insurance in Denmark
Is car insurance mandatory in Denmark?
Can I drive my foreign car in Denmark after moving?
Will Danish insurers accept my no-claims history from abroad?
Do I need a CPR number to get car insurance?
Can I use my foreign driving licence in Denmark?
Which insurers offer service in English?
Related guides
Want to compare car insurance prices in Denmark?Use your own car and driver profile. Then compare cover, excess and terms. We may be paid if you buy via a link. It does not affect your price.
Show me pricesSources and updates
- Motorstyrelsen: if you bring a vehicle with foreign number plates to Denmark. Checked 31 October 2026.
- borger.dk: bilforsikringer. Checked 31 October 2026.
- DFIM: daily fee for uninsured vehicles. Checked 31 October 2026.
- Your Europe: car insurance validity in the EU. Checked 31 October 2026.
- Life in Denmark: driving licence. Checked 31 October 2026.
- Danish Road Traffic Authority: foreign driving licences. Checked 31 October 2026.
- Tryg: udlands- og ambassadeservice. Checked 31 October 2026.
- Samlino: car insurance (English). Checked 31 October 2026.
Author: Christian Brodersen. Last updated: November 2026.
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Forsikringsekspert Christian Brodersen
Artiklen er skrevet og kvalitetssikret af vores forsikringsekspert.
Christian Brodersen har flere års erfaring fra den danske forsikringsbranche med fokus på bilforsikring, skadeshåndtering og rådgivning af private og erhvervskunder.