Start with your situation rather than the price. Is your car new or used? Do you drive every day or travel abroad? How difficult would it be for you to pay for repairs or replace the car? Your answers will help you choose cover that makes sense for you.
Checklist
• Note your car’s make, model and first registration date
• Prepare its engine power and fuel type
• Find out your Bonus-Malus level
• Estimate your annual mileage
• Decide whether you want cover for damage to your own car
• Consider trips abroad and whether you need roadside assistance
Step 2 · Choose the main type of insurance
Recommendations
Third-party liability insurance (Kfz-Haftpflicht) is mandatory in Austria. It covers damage your vehicle causes to other people or their property. It does not replace cover for damage to your own car.
Partial comprehensive insurance (Teilkasko) is optional. Depending on the policy, it can cover risks such as theft, fire, broken glass, severe weather and collisions with animals.
Fully comprehensive insurance (Vollkasko) provides broader protection and may also cover damage to your own car after an accident you caused. Always check the exact cover, exclusions and deductible in the offer.
Common mistakes
Assuming that third-party liability insurance will pay to repair your own car after an accident you caused. Another common mistake is choosing comprehensive cover without checking the deductible (Selbstbehalt) — the amount you would have to pay yourself in a claim.
Liability, partial comprehensive or fully comprehensive insurance? Understand what protection your car needs, which extras may be useful and what affects the price of your policy.