Whether you're moving to Austria with your car or looking for a new set of wheels, you'll find everything you need to know about car insurance in Austria here.
Before I deal with itdrive in austria, you must make sure that you know the traffic rules and that you are insured. Fortunately for expats moving to Austria, there is a wide range of car insurance to choose from, as well as other types of insurance such as home insurance, life insurance, and liability insurance.
To help you get set up, this guide provides the following information:
- Car insurance in Austria
- Types of car insurance in Austria
- Other forms of car insurance in Austria
- Car insurance premiums and penalties in Austria
- Car insurance in Austria
- Choose a car insurance in Austria
- How to apply for car insurance in Austria
- Apply for car insurance in Austria
- Cancel contract or change provider
- File a car insurance claim in Austria
- Travel assistance to Austria
- useful resources
Car insurance in Austria
OAustrian Insurance Associationregulates car insurance in Austria. If you want a car there, you have to buy it.liability insuranceInsurance (to third parties) before leaving. Covers damages caused to third parties in the event of an accident. However, you will find that many companies that offer car financing in Austria require more comprehensive insurance to approve the financing.
In general, there are a number of factors that determine the price of your insurance in Austria. For example, inexperienced drivers pay more than those who have been driving longer. Cars with smaller, less powerful engines will also pay less, as will those who live in rural areas rather than busy urban centers. If you have a valid and undamaged driving license at your current place of residence, you can also prove it in Austria. You will need a letter from your current insurance company to give to your new representative in Austria. In general, Austria is consideredcarowith car insurance and you have to pay between €60 and €150 per month.
Read our Austria insurance guide
In Austria, the vehicle owner (policy holder) is insured, just like all other licensed drivers. Trailers must be insured and registered separately from cars. You can insure up to three cars with the same license plate, as long as they are of the same type of vehicle.
Can you use car insurance from another country in Austria?
If you temporarily move to Austria from another EU country, your existing insurance contract will remain in force for the duration of the contract. However, if you move permanently, your vehicle must be registered within a month of moving to Austria. You must take out liability insurance with an approved Austrian insurer to register your car at the vehicle registration office (orAdmission Office).
Types of car insurance in Austria
There are three main types of car insurance in Austria, but the only mandatory insurance is liability insurance. The rest are optional but generally recommended. Below is an overview of all three.
liability insurance
This is required by law to register your car. Liability extends to damage to the health or property of others.
partial coverage
Partial insurance is optional additional insurance. This covers damage to your car from events ranging from theft, broken glass, and damage while parked to things like pet damage, fire, and theft.
full coverage
Also optional, as its name suggests, the all-risk insurance includes all the above services, as well as damage to your car after an accident.
Announcement
Other forms of car insurance in Austria
In Austria, you can get a very useful green insurance card (Green Card), which proves that you have the minimum legal cover to drive in the country you are visiting. currently thegreen card systemcovers 47 countries, including most but not all European countries. The Green Card is primarily a European system. If you are stopped at the border of a country covered by the green card system, you only need to show your green card there to confirm that you have valid car insurance.
Car insurance premiums and penalties in Austria
Austrian insurers use theBonus-Malus(Latin for "good-evil") system. In other countries, this is called a no-claims bonus. This system regulates the periods of no claims, which in turn reduce the premium. Essentially, premiums increase as claims are made. Essentially, this means that your claims history affects your insurance premiums. Also, different insurers offer different bonus-malus discounts. Fortunately, although insurers in Austria are not required to acknowledge claims histories from other EU countries, they generally do.
Typically, your score will be lowered by three levels in the case of a motor vehicle liability claim. There are 18 levels in the Austrian system.
If you are wondering where you currently stand in the bonus-malus system, you can ask your insurance company for a record of all claims made in the last five years. You must send them within 15 days.
Announcement
Car insurance in Austria
To get you started, here are some of the top insurers in Austria:
- Allianz– an award-winning international insurer with a proven commitment to sustainability
- Graben– an independent Austrian group that has been growing across Europe since 1828
- Zurich– an international group with big CSR goals and many awards to its credit
- it does not work– an InsurTech company that uses smart technologies to protect customers
- VAV– an online full service insurance broker and provider
Search our insurance provider directory
you will find onecomplete list of insurersto choose from on the VVO website.
Announcement
Choose a car insurance in Austria
It is important when choosing your Austria auto insurance provider that you have a checklist of things you are looking for such as:
- How extensive is the coverage?
- the amount of the deductible you must pay
- if no mitigation is offered
- company reputation
- how easy/difficult they make the claim process
- when roadside assistance is offered
- company green performance
How to apply for car insurance in Austria
First of all, you must settle your insurance before you can register your vehicle in Austria. Approved insurers in the country also operate vehicle registration offices to simplify the process.
Almost all car insurers in Austria have onlinecar insurance calculator. Once you've chosen your insurance company, you can call or visit them (most insurance companies will provide online maps directing you to the nearest agency) to arrange your insurance details.
Read our guide to getting health insurance in Austria
Currently, with the climate of social distancing, most are already offeringOnline application formsalso where you can fill in all the data without picking up the phone. These smart forms will guide you through all the details of insuring your car. They will send you your policy so you can register your car and go.
METROmiClaim vehicle insurance damage in Austria
Ideally, most auto insurers in Austria have an online claim form and a claims hotline. You will be asked to provide your name, license plate number, and contact information, as well as the claim information. You can also send crash reports via email.
The statute of limitations for making claims is generally three years. However, the insurer may shorten the statute of limitations under certain conditions. However, all insurers recommend reporting the damage immediately after the damage has occurred. Most insurers will contact you to fix your vehicle. They will ask you if you want the damage money to go directly to a garage and fix it themselves, or if you want them to do the repair work for you.
After making a claim, many of themodern insurersHave an online claim tracker so you can track the status of your claim. It's like tracking a package you've been waiting for.
Cancel contract or change provider
AAustrian law change2019 simplified the cancellation of all insurance contracts, including auto insurance. Now all policyholders can cancel their policies within 14 days. The only exception is life insurance, which is for 30 days. Before this new law, there were five separate termination dates for each type of insurance.
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In principle, your insurance contract is automatically extended for another year if you do not cancel it in writing within the notice period. In addition, you can cancel the motor vehicle liability insurance without justification in case of damage or sale of the vehicle. In principle, you can cancel your car insurance by fax. However, most insurers recommend sending a notice by certified mail.
File a car insurance claim in Austria
luck ofemigrants in Austria, there are options if you disagree with an insurance payment. You can send your complaint to the Austrian Insurance Association by email at[Email protected]or by calling 0043 1 71156 -250. Alternatively, you can also go in person at Schwarzenbergplatz 7, 1030 Vienna.
Travel assistance to Austria
If you haven't been keeping an eye on your gas tank, your car is breaking down, or something more serious is going on, there are two major auto clubs you can turn to for help. They'll fix you up and be on your way in no time.
Fortunately, you don't need to be a member to callARBÖ roadside assistanceIf you need help you can simply call 123 (no area code) at any time of the day or night and they will bring their tow truck to help you anywhere in Austria. You can call the non-emergency number 050 123 123 for more information.
the same appliesAutomobile Club ÖAMTC. Dial 120 and help is on the way. They also offer telephone information, as well as roadside and towing assistance services. You do not need to be a member and you can access the hotline 24/7 from anywhere in Austria. Of course, the costs vary depending on the problem. However, call rates usually start at around €100.
For an assistance service throughout Europe,ALDcan help you on the site in German and English. In case of theft or if you also need a repair, they can arrange a replacement car. You can call the free national number – 0800 24 00 44 – and the international number +43 1 526 52 25-150.
useful resources
- VVO– The Association of Austrian Insurance Companies (VVO) represents the interests of all private insurance companies operating in Austria and supports its members in legal, tax, economic and international matters.
- vehicle law- Know all the details of the consolidated federal law updated for 2020.
FAQs
What are the 3 types of car insurance? ›
- Liability coverage. Protects you if you cause damage to others and/or their stuff. ...
- Collision coverage. Covers your car if you hit another car, person or non-moving object (like those darn ornamental rocks cousin Todd has at the end of his driveway). # ...
- Comprehensive coverage.
Health insurance is mandatory in Austria. If you are staying in the country for a longer period (more than six months), you are considered a resident and you will have to pay contributions for medical care to one of the local insurance institutions (Sozialversicherungsträger).
What is the requirement to drive in Austria? ›Visitors must be aged 18 or over and hold a full, valid driving licence to legally drive in Austria. Riders of motorcycles up to 125cc must be aged 16 or over, while moped (not exceeding 50cc) riders must be aged 15 or over. Driving licences issued in EU and EEA countries are accepted.
What should you not say in an insurance statement? ›Some key phrases to avoid saying to an insurance adjuster include: “I'm sorry.” “It was all/partly my fault.” “I did not see the other person/driver.”
How do I understand my insurance policy? ›- 1) Ascertain who qualifies as an insured. ...
- 2) Confirm all forms and endorsements are included. ...
- 4) Read the insuring agreement first. ...
- 5) Read the exclusions. ...
- 6) Read the exceptions to the exclusions. ...
- 7) When the policy refers to another section, read that section immediately.
The best liability coverage for most drivers is 100/300/100, which is $100,000 per person, $300,000 per accident in bodily injury liability and $100,000 per accident in property damage liability. You want to have full protection if you cause a significant amount of damage in an at-fault accident.
Which type of car insurance is best? ›Comprehensive Car Insurance Policy
This type of insurance policy provides complete protection. It covers both third-party liabilities as well as damages to your vehicle. Also, with a comprehensive cover, you can get compensation if the accident results in your death; the family members will receive the benefit.
A Third-party car insurance is one of the most common types of car insurance; in which only damages & losses caused to a third-party person, vehicle or property are covered.
How does insurance work in Austria? ›Health insurance in Austria is universal and legal residents have the option of getting public or private health insurance. In fact, some people choose to have both. Overall, health insurance in Austria is highly developed and inclusive. For those with low or no income, healthcare is also free.
How much is insurance in Austria? ›The average cost of private health insurance in Austria is approximately 220 EUR (243 USD) per month. However, prices vary considerably depending on factors such as age and the features included in each health insurance plan.
Do Americans need insurance in Europe? ›
Travel insurance is a must-have for any international trip, including Europe. Tourists often assume factors such as favorable political climates, and more extensive access to world-class medical facilities, meaning that travel insurance isn't a necessity for sightseeing in Europe.
Can I use my US driver's license in Austria? ›A U.S. driver's license alone is not sufficient to drive in Austria.
Can you rent a car in Austria with a US driver's license? ›An International Drivers License is required for car rentals in Austria. Drivers under the age of 25 may incur a young driver surcharge. Seat belts are mandatory and children up to age 12 are required to use an appropriate restraint.
Can foreigners drive in Austria? ›Non- EU / EEA driving licences
Holders of a non- EEA licence who move their place of residence to Austria may usually continue driving vehicles for six months. After this point, their licence will expire and must be converted. Usually, it is only possible to convert foreign licences if they are still valid.
Insurance fraud examiners should vigilantly watch for red flags associated with insurance fraud, such as claimants having extensive knowledge of the insurance industry, refusing to provide personal information, being unemployed, or having an extensive history of making insurance claims.
What do insurance companies don't want you to know? ›- Your car insurance may not be tied to the driver.
- The type of car you drive matters.
- Prior claims and questions raise rates.
- You can check your report for errors.
- Your credit score impacts your car insurance costs.
- Private Mortgage Insurance. ...
- Extended Warranties. ...
- Automobile Collision Insurance. ...
- Rental Car Insurance. ...
- Car Rental Damage Insurance. ...
- Flight Insurance. ...
- Water Line Coverage. ...
- Life Insurance for Children.
- Type of Plan and Provider Network. Do the health care. ...
- Premiums. How much will you pay per month for coverage? ...
- Deductibles. What is the amount you must pay out of pocket before your coverage kicks in? ...
- Co-pay or Coinsurance. ...
- Coverage of Medicines.
When you buy insurance, you make payments to the insurance company. These payments are called "premiums." In exchange for paying your premiums, you are covered from certain risks. The insurance company agrees to pay you for losses if they occur.
What are the 4 key elements of an insurance policy? ›Like most common-law concepts, it has taken many individual cases and many decades—in some cases, centuries—to develop a settled view of the necessary elements for a valid insurance policy. These elements are a definable risk, a fortuitous event, an insurable interest, risk shifting, and risk distribution.
What is the most trusted insurance company? ›
- USAA. 4.3. U.S. News Rating. USAA is the best insurance company in our ratings. ...
- State Farm. 4.2. U.S. News Rating. ...
- Farmers. 4.1. U.S. News Rating. ...
- Nationwide. 4.1. U.S. News Rating. ...
- Geico. 4.1. U.S. News Rating. ...
- Allstate. 4.0. U.S. News Rating. ...
- Travelers. 4.0. U.S. News Rating. ...
- Progressive. 3.9. U.S. News Rating.
LIC Life Insurance Company
Life Insurance Corporation of India (LIC) is the largest government-owned life insurance and Investment Corporation for individual insurance needs.
- Per-occurrence limits: The maximum amount an insurer will pay for a single event/claim.
- Per-person limits: The maximum amount an insurer will pay for one person's claims.
- Combined limits: A single limit that can be applied to several coverage types.
- Increase your deductible.
- Check for discounts you qualify for.
- Compare auto insurance quotes.
- Maintain a good driving record.
- Participate in a safe driving program.
- Take a defensive driving course.
- Explore payment options.
- Improve your credit score.
Full coverage auto insurance is a term simply used to describe a policy that covers all the main parts of car insurance. This is typically a combination of comprehensive insurance, collision insurance, and liability insurance.
What are the 3 most important insurance? ›The Bottom Line
Most experts agree that life, health, long-term disability, and auto insurance are the four types of insurance you must have.
- Age. Age is a very significant rating factor, especially for young drivers. ...
- Driving history. This rating factor is straightforward. ...
- Credit score. ...
- Years of driving experience. ...
- Location. ...
- Gender. ...
- Insurance history. ...
- Annual mileage.
The main driver (or vehicle policyholder) is the person who drives the vehicle most often and earns no claims discount.
How does car insurance work internationally? ›Your U.S. policy likely only covers you in the U.S. and Canada, so you'll need a separate policy when driving in all other countries. Whether you plan to drive across a border or rent or purchase a car overseas, you have plenty of options for getting the international auto insurance coverage each country requires.
How do I get an e-card in Austria? ›An e-card is also automatically issued for newborns. If you have not automatically received an e-card for your baby after a few weeks, please contact your health insurance provider.
How to get public insurance in Austria? ›
- the completed application form.
- a Photo ID (copy) or e-card (copy)
- a Meldezettel (Austrian address registration)
- a certificate of enrollment.
- a confirmation of the duration of previous studies (in case you have already studied in an EU/EEA country or Switzerland)
| Ranking | Country | AVG Annual insurance cost (USD) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Denmark | $651 |
| 2 | Germany | $717 |
| 3 | Finland | $720 |
| 4 | UK | $692 |
Switzerland offers the best healthcare in the world. Swiss residents are required to secure private insurance through federally approved insurers.
Are glasses covered by insurance in Austria? ›All optical care is free in Austria, including check-ups. The only exception is if you want to choose your own cosmetic options, such as designer frames.
What happens if an American gets sick in Europe? ›Special care if you become ill or injured while traveling
Contact the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate for a list of local healthcare providers and medical facilities. If your illness is serious, consular officers can help you find medical assistance, and, if you desire, inform your family and/or friends.
Most US health insurance plans including Medicare offer little to no coverage outside US borders. It is important for US citizens to buy good travel insurance for Europe.
What countries accept US Medicare? ›You can only use Medicare in the USA and its territories. This includes the 50 US States as well as its territories: Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands, Guam, American Samoa, and the Northern Mariana Islands.
How difficult is it to drive in Austria? ›Driving in Austria is generally uncomplicated, but there are two things that can land tourists in hot water with the local authorities. They are the failure to buy a vignette (Austrian toll sticker) and not adhering to the speed limit. Also, driving in Austria in winter provides its own set of challenges.
What is the speed limit tolerance in Austria? ›The tolerance is defined below 100 km/h with concrete numbers above that in percent. For example, anyone who exceeds the speed limit of 50 km/h in the city can expect a tolerance deduction of five kilometers per hour. The tolerance is five percent on the federal highway (speed 100 allowed) and the freeway.
Is it easy to drive in Austria in winter? ›During the winter, the roads in alpine areas can become dangerous due to snow, ice, and avalanches. Some mountain roads may be closed for extended periods. Between November 1 and April 15, it is mandatory to use winter tires. All-season tires comply if they carry the M S mark and have at least 4mm of tread.
What documents do I need to drive in Austria? ›
Documents for driving in Austria
Proof of ID (passport) Motor insurance certificate. V5 registration document.
Physical Toll Sticker
Please obtain one from your car rental agency. You must display the sticker on the inside of the windshield of your vehicle as you enter Austria. Please note, the vignette must be stuck to your windshield in order to be valid. Failure to do so will mean a heavy, on-the-spot fine.
Only persons over 18 years (17 years under certain conditions) of age in possession of a valid driving licence are allowed to drive in Austria. When driving in Austria, you should always carry a full valid licence, car ownership documents, and insurance details.
Are highways free in Austria? ›In Austria, tolls are compulsory on all motorways and expressways. The toll can be paid in the form of a vignette, lorry toll (GO-Box) or route toll. The toll also ensures the expansion and operation of the high-level road network in Austria.
What happens if you have no vignette in Austria? ›Driving without a vignette is quickly fined, usually €120. The price is €9.60 for a 10-day motorway stamp in Austria.
How much are toll roads in Austria? ›Toll prices
In 2023, an annual toll sticker costs €96.40 for a car. The annual vignette actually remains valid for fourteen months: from December 1st of the preceding year to January 31st of the following one. So a 2023 annual toll sticker (once displayed properly) applies from December 1st, 2022 to January 31st, 2024.
Insurance is a way to manage your risk. When you buy insurance, you purchase protection against unexpected financial losses. The insurance company pays you or someone you choose if something bad happens to you. If you have no insurance and an accident happens, you may be responsible for all related costs.
How to pass an insurance interview? ›- Brush Up on the Industry. ...
- Prepare to Sell Yourself in a Minute. ...
- Talk About Your Selling Prowess. ...
- Be Ready for the Tough Questions. ...
- Find Out What You'll Be Doing All Day. ...
- Show You Know How to Learn. ...
- Come with Questions that Transcend the Obvious. ...
- Zip Your Lip on Money Until Late in the Game.
Only tell them your name, address and phone number if necessary. Do not volunteer any information about the accident, your injuries, your insurance company or your insurance claims.
What is the insurance answer? ›Insurance is a legal agreement between two parties – the insurer and the insured, also known as insurance coverage or insurance policy. The insurer provides financial coverage for the losses of the insured that s/he may bear under certain circumstances.
What are the 4 types of insurance? ›
Different types of general insurance include motor insurance, health insurance, travel insurance, and home insurance.
What are the 7 main types of insurance? ›- 1) Individual Health Insurance. ...
- 2) Family Floater Insurance. ...
- 3) Critical Illness Coverage. ...
- 4) Senior Citizen Health Insurance: ...
- 5) Group Health Insurance. ...
- 1) Car Insurance. ...
- 2) Bike Insurance. ...
- 3) Commercial Vehicle Insurance :
- Health Insurance.
- Motor Insurance.
- Home Insurance.
- Fire Insurance.
- Travel Insurance.
- What is your greatest weakness?
- Why should we hire you?
- What's something that you didn't like about your last job?
- Why do you want this job?
- How do you deal with conflict with a co-worker?
- Here's an answer for you.
- Tell me about yourself.
- Why are you interested in working for this company?
- Tell me about your education.
- Why have you chosen this particular field?
- Describe your best/worst boss.
- In a job, what interests you most/least?
- What is your major weakness?
- Where do you see yourself in five years time? ...
- What are your strengths/weaknesses? ...
- Why should I hire you? ...
- Tell me about yourself/your work experience. ...
- Why do you want this job? ...
- What are your salary expectations? ...
- Why are you the right fit to succeed in this role?
- Your name.
- The name of others involved in the crash.
- The date and time of the accident.
- The location of the accident.
- The insurance company of the other driver.
- The make and model of cars involved.
...
An adjuster may ask seemingly innocent questions like:
- How are you doing?
- Are you doing okay?
- How have you been feeling since the accident?
- Have you been having much pain?
Whether you can catch the culprit or not, you should call the police. Hit and runs are against the law, so you need to record the crime. The police might also be able to help you reach the other motorist, so they could help you get the compensation you need.
What are the 6 principles of insurance? ›In the world of insurance, there are six basic principles or forms of insurance coverage that must be fulfilled, including Utmost Good Faith, Insurable Interest, Indemnity, Proximate cause (proximal cause), Subrogation (transfer of rights or guardianship), and Contribution.
Which of the following is not true about insurance? ›
They do not provide security to wealth.
What are the 10 benefits of insurance? ›- Life Risk Cover.
- Death Benefits.
- Return on Investment.
- Tax Benefits.
- Loan Options.
- Life Stage Planning.
- Assured Income Benefits.
- Riders.