Car Insurance in Austria for Expats
Last updated: March 2026
Updated March 2026. Car insurance (Kfz-Versicherung) is mandatory in Austria. Third-party liability (Haftpflicht) is legally required, starting from EUR 300/year. Comprehensive (Vollkasko) and partial comprehensive (Teilkasko) are optional but recommended for newer vehicles. You can compare providers on durchblicker.at to find the best rates.
What Types of Car Insurance Exist in Austria?
Austria offers three levels of car insurance. Understanding the differences will help you choose the right level of coverage for your vehicle and budget.
Haftpflichtversicherung (Third-Party Liability)
Legally mandatory for all vehicles. Covers damage you cause to other people, their vehicles, and their property. Does NOT cover damage to your own vehicle. Minimum coverage is EUR 7.6 million for personal injury and EUR 1.5 million for property damage.
Teilkasko (Partial Comprehensive)
Includes third-party liability plus coverage for theft, fire, storm damage, hail, glass breakage, and animal collisions. Does NOT cover damage from accidents that are your fault. Recommended for cars up to 5-8 years old.
Vollkasko (Full Comprehensive)
The highest level of coverage. Includes everything in Teilkasko plus damage to your own vehicle from accidents that are your fault, vandalism, and unknown causes. Recommended for new cars and leased vehicles. Most leasing companies require Vollkasko.
Is Car Insurance Mandatory in Austria?
Yes. Under Austrian law (Kraftfahrzeug-Haftpflichtversicherungsgesetz), third-party liability insurance is mandatory for every registered motor vehicle. You cannot register a car at the Zulassungsstelle (vehicle registration office) without proof of valid insurance. Driving without insurance is a criminal offense, not just an administrative one.
Penalties for Driving Uninsured
Driving without valid car insurance in Austria can result in fines up to EUR 5,000, impoundment of your vehicle, and criminal prosecution. Your insurance must be active before you can receive license plates.
How Much Does Car Insurance Cost in Austria?
Car insurance costs depend on the vehicle type, engine power (kW), your age, residence location, annual mileage, and your no-claims bonus (Schadenfreiheitsklasse). Here are typical annual costs as of 2026:
| Coverage Type | Annual Cost (approx.) | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Haftpflicht only | EUR 300-600/year | Older cars with low market value |
| Teilkasko | EUR 400-800/year | Cars 3-8 years old |
| Vollkasko | EUR 600-1,500/year | New, leased, or high-value cars |
Save with No-Claims Bonus
Each year without a claim, your Schadenfreiheitsklasse (no-claims class) improves, reducing your premium by up to 50%. Ask your previous insurer for a confirmation letter if you are transferring from abroad.
How Do You Register a Car in Austria?
To register a car in Austria, you need proof of insurance (Versicherungsbestatigung), your passport or residence permit, your Meldezettel (registration certificate), and the vehicle documents (Typenschein or Einzelgenehmigung). The registration is done at the Zulassungsstelle, which is often located at an insurance company office. Many insurers handle the registration process directly when you purchase a policy. For more on registration requirements, see our Vienna registration guide.
Foreign Cars
If you bring a car from another EU country, you must re-register it in Austria within one month of establishing residency. Non-EU vehicles require a technical inspection (Einzelgenehmigung) and may need modifications to meet Austrian standards.
Top 3 Car Insurance Providers in Austria
These providers offer competitive car insurance for expats in Austria:
Allianz Kfz-Versicherung
Allianz is one of Austria's most trusted car insurance providers, offering all three coverage levels with competitive pricing for expats. Their English-speaking support and acceptance of foreign no-claims bonuses make them particularly popular among newcomers.
Best for: Expats who want premium coverage with a 24/7 English-language emergency hotline and fast claims processing
Pros
- +24/7 English emergency hotline
- +Accepts foreign no-claims bonus from most EU countries
- +Fast online claims processing
Cons
- −Higher premiums than budget providers
- −Vollkasko requires deductible of EUR 500+
- Third-party liability, Teilkasko, and Vollkasko options
- Accepts foreign no-claims bonus from EU countries
- 24/7 emergency hotline with English support
- Roadside assistance included in Teilkasko and Vollkasko
- Online claims submission and tracking
- Starting from approximately EUR 300/year (Haftpflicht)
Uniqa Kfz-Versicherung
Uniqa offers competitive car insurance with flexible options and an easy-to-use online portal. Their comparison tools help you find the right coverage level, and bundling with other Uniqa insurance products can reduce your total costs.
Best for: Expats who want flexible deductible options and competitive pricing with good online tools
Pros
- +Flexible deductible options to lower premiums
- +Good online comparison and management tools
- +Bundling discounts available
Cons
- −Foreign no-claims bonus acceptance varies
- −In-person support mainly in German
- All coverage levels from Haftpflicht to Vollkasko
- Flexible deductible options (EUR 300-1,000)
- Online portal for quotes, changes, and claims
- Bundle discounts with household or health insurance
- Roadside assistance available as add-on
- Starting from approximately EUR 280/year (Haftpflicht)
Wiener Staedtische Kfz-Versicherung
Wiener Staedtische offers reliable car insurance with the convenience of handling vehicle registration at their branch offices. Their local presence across Austria makes them a practical choice for expats who prefer face-to-face service.
Best for: Expats who prefer in-person service at local branches and want vehicle registration handled on-site
Pros
- +On-site vehicle registration at branch offices
- +Extensive local branch network
- +Competitive pricing for Haftpflicht
Cons
- −Limited English-language online resources
- −Claims process can be slower
- All coverage levels available
- Vehicle registration handled at branch offices
- Strong local branch network across Austria
- Bundle discounts with other policies
- Roadside assistance available
- Starting from approximately EUR 290/year (Haftpflicht)
Car Insurance in Austria: Frequently Asked Questions
Is car insurance mandatory in Austria?
Yes, third-party liability insurance (Haftpflichtversicherung) is legally required for all registered vehicles. Driving without it is a criminal offense with fines up to EUR 5,000 and potential vehicle impoundment.
How much does car insurance cost in Austria?
Third-party liability starts from EUR 300/year. Teilkasko adds EUR 100-200/year, and Vollkasko costs EUR 600-1,500/year total. Costs depend on your vehicle, driving history, age, and location.
Can I use my foreign no-claims bonus in Austria?
Some Austrian insurers accept foreign no-claims bonuses from EU countries, which can reduce your premium significantly. Request an official letter from your previous insurer and compare which Austrian providers accept it.