Do I need extra insurance when renting a car in Norway?
What is included, the excess, add-ons and when cover stops applying.
Short answer
Extra insurance is optional when renting a car in Norway, since liability, damage and theft cover are normally included, but you still pay an excess for damage. Add-ons such as Avis's Super Collision Damage Waiver can remove that excess. Very few personal policies cover hire cars, and Sixt's waivers do not apply in cases of gross negligence.
Why
- Visit Norway notes that every vehicle in Norway must carry third-party insurance, and Sixt's Norwegian terms oblige the company to keep vehicle liability insurance.
- Avis says every rental automatically includes third-party, collision damage waiver and theft cover, but you still pay a fixed excess for damage unless you upgrade.
- Under Sixt's terms the renter's liability is capped at the agreed excess, except for wilful misconduct or gross negligence, when the renter pays the full damage.
Details
Avis sells extra cover such as Super Collision Damage Waiver and Super Theft Protection online or when you collect the car, and says such cover can eliminate the excess. The size of the excess depends on the car and the country, so check it in your booking. If your own insurance covers hire cars, Avis will not lower its price, but you may be able to claim the excess back from your insurer.
Tip
Before you buy cover at the desk, check the exact excess in your booking and whether your travel insurance or payment card already covers it.
What may differ
Avis warns that bookings made on its US website may not include damage and theft cover, because some American credit cards provide that insurance.
Common misconception
Your car insurance at home also covers a rental car in Norway.
What actually happens
Avis notes that very few insurance policies cover you to drive a hire car, and even if yours does, the rental price stays the same.
People also ask
- Is extra car rental insurance worth it in Norway?
- What insurance is included when renting a car in Norway?
Sources
- Avis: How much is the excess charge?Checked at:
- Avis: Insurance questions and answersChecked at:
- Avis Norway: InsuranceChecked at:
- Sixt Norway: rental terms and conditionsChecked at:
- Visit Norway: Getting around by carChecked at:
This answer is for reference only. Terms can change, so check the rental company's conditions before you travel.
Costs of renting a car in NorwayRelated questions
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Are Norway's mountain roads open in May, or is it too early for a road trip?
Some seasonal mountain roads in Norway are open by May, but others, such as Trollstigen and Gamle Strynefjellsvegen, have opened as late as June in previous years.
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Has Norway banned the sale of new petrol and diesel cars?
No, Norway has not banned the sale of new petrol and diesel cars, but it has a political goal that all new passenger cars should be zero-emission by 2025.
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Can other electric cars use Tesla Superchargers in Norway?
Yes, most Tesla Supercharger stations in Norway are now open to other electric cars with a CCS charging port, and you start and pay for charging in the Tesla app.
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Can I get E5 or 98 octane petrol in Norway?
Yes, you can still buy 98 octane petrol labelled 98 E5 in several places in Norway, but every pump marked 95 now sells E10 with up to 10 percent ethanol.