Car Insurance in Poland: A Complete and Exclusive 2025 Guide

Car insurance in Poland is a highly regulated and essential part of vehicle ownership. Whether you are a resident, an expatriate, or a foreign driver living temporarily in the country, understanding how the Polish insurance system works is crucial. The combination of mandatory legal requirements, optional insurance products, and diverse market offerings can make the system seem complicated. However, once you know the structure, it becomes much easier to choose the right policy and avoid unnecessary expenses or legal issues.

This article provides an in-depth overview of the Polish car insurance system, including compulsory liability coverage, additional optional insurance, market prices, best practices, and tips for reducing your premium. By the end, you will have a full understanding of how car insurance works in Poland in 2025.

---

1. Understanding Car Insurance in Poland

Unlike many other countries where insurance laws may differ from one region to another, Poland has a unified national system. The most important fact is that car insurance is mandatory for all vehicles registered in the country, even if they are not being used.

There are two broad categories of car insurance in Poland:

1. OC – Odpowiedzialność Cywilna (Third-Party Liability Insurance) – Mandatory

2. AC – Autocasco (Comprehensive/Collision Insurance) – Optional, but highly recommended

Additionally, drivers can purchase several complementary policies to extend protection and reduce risk while driving or owning a vehicle.

---

2. Mandatory Car Insurance in Poland: OC Insurance

What is OC Insurance?

OC (Odpowiedzialność Cywilna) is the only compulsory car insurance in Poland. It covers any damage you cause to other people, their property, or their vehicles while driving.

This insurance does not cover damage to your own car. Instead, it ensures that victims of an accident are compensated, even if the driver responsible does not have sufficient financial resources.

What OC Covers

• Damage to other vehicles

• Damage to property (e.g., buildings, fences, infrastructure)

• Injury or death of other road participants

• Compensation for medical treatment of the victim

• Legal and civil claims filed by third parties

What OC Does Not Cover

• Damage to your own vehicle

• Theft of your car

• Vandalism

• Natural disaster damage (flood, hail, storms)

• Personal injuries of the driver who caused the accident

Penalties for Not Having OC Insurance

Driving or owning an uninsured vehicle in Poland results in severe penalties, especially if caught by the authorities or in an accident.

In 2025, the fines from the UFG (Ubezpieczeniowy Fundusz Gwarancyjny) can reach:

• up to 8,000 PLN for cars

• Higher penalties for trucks and buses

• Daily fines increase the longer the insurance has been expired

Additionally, if an accident occurs without OC insurance:

• The UFG will pay the victim,

• Then the driver must reimburse the full amount, which can reach hundreds of thousands of złoty.

Therefore, maintaining valid OC insurance is absolutely essential.

---

3. Optional Car Insurance in Poland

While OC is required by law, many drivers choose additional coverage for better security. Below is a breakdown of optional policies available on the Polish insurance market.

---

3.1 Autocasco (AC Insurance)

AC is a comprehensive coverage that protects your own vehicle. It is optional but extremely useful for new or expensive cars.

What AC Covers

• Damage caused by the policyholder (e.g., collision due to driver’s mistake)

• Damage caused by unknown offenders (e.g., vandalism)

• Theft of the vehicle or its parts

• Damage from weather events (hail, storms, floods)

• Fire and explosions

• Animal-related accidents

Types of AC Policies

• Full AC: Complete protection, including most risks

• Mini AC: Cheaper and covers basic risks like theft or total loss

• AC with deductible: Lower premium but with a required self-payment for repairs

---

3.2 Assistance (Roadside Assistance)

Assistance insurance provides help during unexpected road incidents.

It covers:

• Towing

• On-site repairs

• Fuel delivery

• Tire replacement

• Battery jump-start

• Car rental after an accident

There are different assistance packages, from basic to premium.

---

3.3 NNW Insurance (Personal Accident Insurance)

NNW (Następstwa Nieszczęśliwych Wypadków) covers personal injury for the driver and passengers.

It usually includes:

• Compensation in case of disability

• Hospital benefits

• Death benefits

• Medical treatment costs

---

3.4 GAP Insurance

GAP (Guaranteed Asset Protection) is available for cars purchased on leasing or credit. It covers the difference between the market value of the vehicle and the amount remaining in the loan or leasing contract.

---

4. How the Insurance Pricing Works in Poland

Car insurance premiums in Poland are calculated individually for each driver and vehicle. Several factors affect the price.

4.1 Driver-Related Factors

• Age (young drivers pay the highest rates)

• Driving experience

• Accident history (claim-free years reduce premiums)

• Place of residence (big cities = higher risk)

4.2 Vehicle-Related Factors

• Car brand and model

• Engine size

• Manufacturing year

• Market value

• Vehicle usage (private, business, commercial)

4.3 Discount System: Bonus-Malus

Poland uses a bonus-malus system:

• If you drive without accidents, you earn discounts each year, up to 60% or more.

• If you cause accidents, you lose discounts and your premium increases.

---

5. Cost of Car Insurance in Poland in 2025

Prices vary widely depending on city, age, car model, and driving history.

Average OC Insurance Prices (2025)

• Young drivers (18–25): 1200 – 3000 PLN per year

• Adults (26–40): 600 – 1200 PLN per year

• Experienced drivers (40+): 450 – 900 PLN per year

Average AC Insurance Prices

• Small cars: 900 – 2000 PLN per year

• Mid-range cars: 1500 – 3000 PLN per year

• Expensive cars: 3000 – 6000 PLN per year

Full insurance package (OC + AC + Assistance + NNW) typically costs between:

👉 2000 – 6000 PLN per year depending on the vehicle.

---

6. How to Buy Car Insurance in Poland

There are several ways to purchase OC or AC insurance:

1. Insurance Companies (Direct Purchase)

Major insurers include:

• PZU

• Warta

• Allianz

• Link4

• Uniqa

• Ergo Hestia

• Compensa

2. Comparison Websites

Poland has many comparison tools that help drivers find the cheapest and best offers. These platforms often include discounts and promotions.

3. Insurance Agents and Brokers

Useful for foreign drivers or people who do not speak Polish fluently. Agents can help translate terms and negotiate better deals.

---

7. Can Foreigners Get Car Insurance in Poland?

Yes. Foreign residents, international students, and temporary visitors can all purchase car insurance.

Requirements usually include:

• Passport or ID

• Polish address (temporary is acceptable)

• Vehicle documents

• Ownership certificate

• PESEL number (not always required)

Some companies specialize in insurance for foreigners and English-speaking clients.

---

8. What Happens After an Accident?

If an accident occurs in Poland, follow these steps:

1. Ensure safety and check for injuries.

2. Call the police if:

   • Someone is injured

   • There is a dispute about fault

   • Alcohol is suspected

3. Exchange information with the other driver.

4. Take photos and videos of the scene.

5. Fill in a European Accident Report.

6. Inform your insurance company immediately (within 24 hours if possible).

Compensation is usually processed within 30 days.

---

9. Tips to Reduce Car Insurance Costs in Poland

• Choose a car with a smaller engine

• Park in a secure garage to lower AC prices

• Add experienced drivers to the policy

• Avoid unnecessary add-ons

• Buy insurance online (often cheaper)

• Pay annually instead of monthly

• Build claim-free years to maximize discounts

---

10. Final Thoughts

Car insurance in Poland is well-structured but requires understanding of the different types of coverage available. Whether you own a new vehicle or a used one, proper insurance provides financial protection, peace of mind, and legal compliance. With mandatory OC insurance and optional add-ons like AC, assistance, and NNW, drivers can build a comprehensive insurance package that fits their needs and budget.

In 2025, the Polish insurance market remains competitive, offering a variety of choices for every driver. Comparing options, understanding coverage, and choosing wisely can make a huge difference in what you pay and how well you are protected.