Private insurance in Denmark
Statutory insurance
Some insurance policies are required by law in Denmark:
- If you own a registered motor vehicle, you must have liability insurance.
- If you have a dog, you must have dog insurance.
- If you have a mortgage on your home, your bank will often require you to have fire insurance.
You can find more information about types of insurance in the Insurance Guide. Forsikringsguiden.dk is a collaboration between the Danish Consumer Council and Forsikringsoplysningen (Insurance Information).
Common types of insurance in Denmark
It is a good idea to have at least home contents insurance and liability insurance for your home. You can often take out a comprehensive package which covers fire, home contents and liability insurance. Such a package is usually called a home insurance policy. It can also be an advantage to have accident insurance.
Home contents insurance covers you if your personal belongings, such as your clothes, furniture or bicycle, are stolen or vandalised. Your home contents insurance also covers you in the case of water damage in your home, or if you have a traffic accident.
Liability insurance covers you if you cause damage or injury in an inattentive moment. Private liability insurance covers the liability you or your family may incur as the result of an accident. This means that the insurance will cover you if you are required to pay compensation or legal costs in connection with a claim for damages.
If you or a member of your family is involved in an accident, it can be a very good idea to have accident insurance.
There are two types of accident insurance: full-time insurance that covers you both at work and at home, and leisure-time insurance that covers only your leisure time.
There are many other types of insurance in Denmark. You can obtain more information about these types of insurance at the website of Forsikringsoplysningen (in Danish).
You should also be aware that unemployment insurance in Denmark is in the private sector, and is handled by the unemployment insurance funds.
Young people and insurance
In many cases, you will be covered by your parents' insurance until you reach the age of 21.
This applies if you live at home and have your registered address with your parents. It also applies if you live alone in an apartment or student accommodation.
However, if you for example move in with your girlfriend or boyfriend, or have a child, you must have your own home contents insurance.
Find an insurance company
At forsikringsguiden.dk you can compare the prices and terms of insurance policies from a number of Danish insurance companies.
Please fill in our contact form if you have any questions or if you have encountered an obstacle in another Nordic country.
NB! If you have questions regarding the processing of a specific case or application, or other personal matters, please contact the relevant authority directly.