How Swedish Car Insurance Handles International Travel

Understanding International Coverage for Swedish Vehicles

With Sweden's proximity to other European countries and the ease of cross-border travel within the European Union, many Swedish drivers take their vehicles abroad each year. Whether it's a weekend trip to Denmark, a summer holiday to southern Europe, or a winter escape to the Alps, it's crucial to understand how your Swedish car insurance works once you cross the border.

International coverage for Swedish car insurance operates under a framework of international agreements and varies depending on:

• Your destination country
• The type of insurance you have in Sweden
• The duration of your international travel
• Your specific insurance provider's policies

This article will guide you through what Swedish drivers need to know before taking their vehicles across international borders.

The Green Card System and EU Directives

The foundation of international motor insurance recognition is the Green Card System, established in 1949 and now operated by the Council of Bureaux. This system facilitates international road traffic and ensures that victims of traffic accidents receive compensation regardless of where the accident occurs.

What is the Green Card?

The Green Card (also known as the International Motor Insurance Certificate) is an internationally recognized document that proves you have the minimum required insurance coverage for the country you're visiting. For Swedish drivers:

• The Green Card is not physically green anymore - it's now printed on white paper
• It serves as proof of your third-party liability insurance
• It contains your policy details, vehicle information, and countries where coverage is valid

Do Swedish Drivers Need a Green Card?

The requirements depend on your destination:

• EU/EEA countries plus Switzerland, Serbia, and Andorra: No Green Card is required, as your Swedish registration plate serves as proof of insurance
• Other European countries (e.g., Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Moldova, Turkey, Ukraine): Green Card is mandatory
• UK post-Brexit: Currently, no Green Card is required, but this may change, so check before travel

Even in countries where it's not mandatory, having a Green Card can simplify the claims process if an accident occurs, so it's recommended to have one regardless.

How to Obtain a Green Card

In Sweden, obtaining a Green Card is straightforward:

1. Contact your insurance company directly (via phone, app, or website)
2. Request an International Motor Insurance Card (Green Card)
3. Specify the countries you'll be visiting and travel dates
4. The card will be issued free of charge by most Swedish insurers

Most insurers can email a digital version immediately, with a physical copy following by post if needed. Request your Green Card at least one week before your departure date.

"While the Green Card system simplifies international travel with your vehicle, it's important to remember that it only confirms the minimum legally required insurance - typically third-party liability. For comprehensive protection abroad, additional coverage may be necessary." — Swedish Motor Insurers

Coverage Limitations by Insurance Type

Different types of Swedish car insurance provide varying levels of international coverage. Understanding these differences is crucial for ensuring appropriate protection when traveling abroad:

Third-Party Liability Insurance (Trafikförsäkring)

This mandatory insurance provides the following international coverage:

• EU/EEA countries: Equivalent protection to the minimum required insurance in the country you're visiting
• Green Card countries outside EU/EEA: Minimum required coverage in those countries
• Coverage limitations:
  • Only covers damage to others and their property
  • May offer lower compensation limits than your Swedish policy
  • Does not cover damage to your own vehicle

Partial Insurance (Halvförsäkring)

Partial insurance typically adds these coverages internationally:

• Fire and theft protection: Usually valid abroad with the same terms as in Sweden
• Legal expenses: May have limitations in foreign legal systems
• Glass damage: Typically covered internationally
• Roadside assistance: Often limited or reduced when abroad
• Coverage limitations:
  • Still no collision coverage for your own vehicle
  • May have higher deductibles for claims originating abroad
  • Some benefits may have reduced compensation levels

Comprehensive Insurance (Helförsäkring)

Comprehensive insurance offers the most international protection:

• Collision coverage: Protection for your vehicle in accidents typically extends abroad
• Full range of coverages: Most aspects of your domestic policy apply internationally
• Coverage limitations:
  • Time limitations — many policies restrict international coverage to a specific number of days (often 30-90 days)
  • Higher deductibles may apply for international claims
  • Some premium benefits may have geographical restrictions

Policy-Specific Variations

Significant differences exist between Swedish insurance companies regarding international coverage:

Common Variations	Potential Impact	What to Check
Time limitations	Coverage may expire during extended trips	Maximum days abroad per trip and per year
Geographical restrictions	Some countries may have limited or no coverage	Specific country limitations, particularly for non-EU destinations
Roadside assistance variations	You may have reduced towing benefits or higher costs	Foreign assistance networks and reimbursement processes
Claims process differences	More complex documentation requirements	Foreign claim procedures and emergency contact numbers

Always review your specific policy documents or contact your insurer directly to understand exactly what coverage you have when traveling abroad.

Country-Specific Considerations

The coverage provided by your Swedish car insurance can vary significantly depending on your destination. Here are key considerations for common travel destinations from Sweden:

Nordic Countries (Norway, Finland, Denmark, Iceland)

Nordic travel tends to be the most straightforward for Swedish drivers:

• Coverage: Generally equivalent to your Swedish coverage with minimal limitations
• Documentation: No Green Card required, but bring your insurance certificate
• Special considerations:
  • Norway: Be aware of toll roads and different winter driving regulations
  • Finland: Similar driving conditions to Sweden with minimal insurance adjustments
  • Denmark: Bridge tolls apply; driving rules are largely similar
  • Iceland: Some Swedish insurers have limitations for vehicle damage on Iceland's F-roads (mountain roads)

Western Europe (Germany, France, Italy, Spain, etc.)

Common vacation destinations for Swedes have these considerations:

• Coverage: Your Swedish insurance is valid, but compensation limits may follow local minimums
• Documentation: No Green Card required, but highly recommended
• Special considerations:
  • Germany: Autobahn driving has unique risks; consider additional accident coverage
  • France: Required to carry safety equipment (warning triangle, reflective vests)
  • Italy: ZTL zones (limited traffic zones) in cities can result in hefty fines
  • Spain: Different regions may have different traffic regulations

Eastern Europe (Poland, Czech Republic, Hungary, etc.)

Swedish drivers visiting Eastern Europe should note:

• Coverage: Valid within EU countries but with potentially lower compensation limits
• Documentation: Green Card not required for EU members but recommended
• Special considerations:
  • Higher vehicle theft risks in some areas - verify comprehensive theft coverage
  • Road conditions may vary significantly from Swedish standards
  • Many countries require highway vignettes (toll stickers)

Non-EU European Countries (Serbia, Albania, Turkey, etc.)

For countries outside the EU, Swedish drivers need:

• Coverage: Check specifically with your insurer as limitations may apply
• Documentation: Green Card mandatory
• Special considerations:
  • Some Swedish insurers exclude or severely limit coverage in certain non-EU countries
  • Additional border insurance may be required at some crossings
  • Consider supplemental travel insurance with robust vehicle coverage

United Kingdom (Post-Brexit)

Following Brexit, there are new considerations:

• Coverage: Still recognized but may be subject to change
• Documentation: Currently no Green Card required, but bring proof of insurance
• Special considerations:
  • Regulations may change with limited notice
  • Additional documentation may be required at border crossings
  • Verify coverage details with your insurer specifically for UK travel

Common Coverage Gaps and Additional Protections

Even comprehensive Swedish auto insurance policies often have international coverage gaps that travelers should address before departure:

Time Limitation Gaps

Most Swedish policies limit international coverage duration:

• Typical limitations: 30-90 days per trip abroad
• Potential solution: Extended foreign use coverage available from most insurers
• Cost implications: Typically 10-30% premium increase for extended international coverage

Roadside Assistance Limitations

Swedish roadside assistance often has reduced benefits abroad:

• Common limitations:
  • Shorter towing distances (often limited to nearest garage rather than back to Sweden)
  • Higher service fees or deductibles
  • Slower response times in remote areas
• Potential solutions:
  • International roadside assistance add-on from your insurer
  • Separate European breakdown cover from organizations like Falck or SOS International
  • Membership in automobile clubs with reciprocal international benefits

Rental Car Coverage Gaps

If your vehicle breaks down abroad:

• Standard policies: Often provide limited or no rental car coverage outside Sweden
• Potential solution: Specific foreign travel rental car coverage
• Alternative: Separate travel insurance with car rental benefits

Repatriation Cost Coverage

The cost of returning a severely damaged vehicle to Sweden:

• Standard coverage: Many policies don't cover or severely limit vehicle repatriation costs
• Potential expenses: Returning a damaged vehicle from southern Europe can cost 15,000-25,000 SEK
• Solution: Specific repatriation coverage add-on or premium motor insurance

Supplemental Coverage Options

To address these gaps, Swedish drivers have several options:

1. Insurance policy add-ons: Most Swedish insurers offer international extensions
2. Travel insurance with vehicle coverage: Can complement auto insurance abroad
3. European breakdown coverage: Dedicated services for international road trips
4. Credit card benefits: Some premium credit cards offer supplemental auto coverage

What to Do Before Traveling Abroad with Your Vehicle

Follow this pre-travel checklist to ensure you're properly covered when driving internationally:

1-2 Months Before Travel

1. Review your current policy: Check your insurance documentation for international clauses
2. Contact your insurer: Discuss your specific travel plans and coverage needs
3. Consider upgrades or add-ons: Evaluate international coverage extensions if needed
4. Research destination requirements: Understand local driving laws and insurance minimums

2-3 Weeks Before Travel

1. Request your Green Card: Even if not required, it simplifies the claims process
2. Verify roadside assistance coverage: Confirm international emergency numbers
3. Create digital copies: Scan all insurance documents and store them online
4. Check vehicle requirements: Verify what safety equipment is legally required at your destination

Documentation to Carry

Ensure you have these documents with you:

• Driver's license (consider an International Driving Permit for non-EU travel)
• Vehicle registration papers (original, not copies)
• Insurance certificate
• Green Card (if applicable)
• European Accident Statement form (available from your insurer)
• Emergency contact information for your insurance company

If You Have an Accident Abroad

Knowing what to do if you're involved in an accident in a foreign country can save considerable stress and complications:

Immediate Steps at the Accident Scene

1. Ensure safety: Move to a safe location if possible and use warning triangles
2. Contact authorities: Call police if there are injuries or significant property damage
3. Exchange information: Collect details from all involved parties
   • Names and addresses
   • Insurance information
   • Vehicle details including registration numbers
   • Driver's license information
4. Document the scene:
   • Take photographs from multiple angles
   • Note weather and road conditions
   • Record the location precisely (GPS coordinates if possible)
5. Find witnesses: Collect contact information from any witnesses

Using the European Accident Statement

This standardized form (Europeiska skadeanmälan) simplifies accident reporting across Europe:

• Available in multiple languages with matching formats
• Both parties complete and sign the same form
• Each driver keeps one copy
• Do not alter the form after signatures have been added

Contacting Your Insurance Company

Notify your insurer as soon as possible:

• Use the emergency number provided on your insurance documents
• Most Swedish insurers have 24/7 international assistance lines
• Follow their specific guidance for the country you're in
• Ask about preferred repair facilities in the area

Claims Handling Abroad

Understanding how claims work internationally:

• Claims representatives: Your Swedish insurer likely has partner representatives in major destinations
• Documentation requirements: May need to be translated or certified
• Payment process: May involve different procedures than domestic claims
• Repair authorization: Get approval before proceeding with repairs
• Vehicle repatriation: Discuss options if your vehicle can't be repaired locally

Conclusion

Taking your Swedish-insured vehicle abroad requires preparation and understanding of how your coverage changes once you cross the border. While the European insurance framework provides basic protection throughout the region, significant variations and limitations exist that could leave you with unexpected costs or complications.

The most important steps for Swedish drivers planning international travel with their vehicles are:

1. Verify your specific policy's international coverage limits and restrictions
2. Obtain appropriate documentation, particularly the Green Card for non-EU travel
3. Consider supplemental coverage for extended trips or high-risk destinations
4. Understand the claims process and emergency procedures for your destination countries

With proper preparation, you can enjoy the freedom of exploring Europe with your own vehicle while maintaining appropriate insurance protection. Remember that requirements and regulations can change, so always check the most current information before each international journey.