Direct Answer
In Austria, third-party car liability insurance (Kfz-Haftpflicht) is mandatory under § 59 KFG (Kraftfahrgesetz 1967) for every registered vehicle. Partial (Teilkasko) and full (Vollkasko) coverage are optional. Premiums are largely driven by the bonus-malus system with 19 levels (0 to 18). According to the Austrian Insurance Association (VVO) and the Financial Market Authority (FMA), an annual tariff review can save several hundred euros.
Key Takeaways
- Third-party liability is mandatory under § 59 KFG
- Partial Kasko (3-6 yrs) and full Kasko (0-3 yrs) are optional
- Bonus-malus: 19 levels, lower level means lower premium
- Savings up to €950 per year via annual tariff review
- Supervisor: FMA (Financial Market Authority), industry body: VVO
- Roadside assistance via ÖAMTC and ARBÖ is independent of insurance
Third-party car liability insurance is mandatory in Austria under § 59 KFG for every registered vehicle. It covers personal injury and property damage you cause to others with your vehicle. Partial and full Kasko coverage protect your own vehicle on top. The Austrian Insurance Association (VVO) lists 18 licensed providers with partly significant tariff differences, and FMA data confirm that annual reviews deliver measurable savings.
Types of Car Insurance in Austria
Third-Party Liability (Haftpflicht)
Legally required under § 59 KFG. Covers personal injury and property damage you cause to others with your vehicle. Minimum sums are set by the KHVG (Motor Liability Insurance Act).
Partial Kasko (Teilkasko)
Optional, recommended for vehicles aged 3 to 6 years. Covers theft, natural events (storm, hail), glass damage, animal collisions and marten bite damage.
Full Kasko (Vollkasko)
Optional, recommended for new cars (0 to 3 years) and financed vehicles. Includes partial Kasko plus self-caused accidents, vandalism and parking damage.
Savings Potential
An annual check pays off because tariffs change regularly (source: VVO tariff data).
The Austrian Bonus-Malus System
Austria uses a unified bonus-malus system with 19 levels (0 to 18). The lower the level, the cheaper the liability premium. The level transfers when switching providers.
What affects the premium?
Engine power
kW/PS of the vehicle
Bonus-malus level
0-18, lower is better
Driver age
Young drivers pay more
Residential area
Vienna often pricier than provincial areas
Occupation
Some professions get discounts
Annual mileage
Fewer km means lower premium
How the tariff overview works
Enter vehicle data
Brand, model, first registration, power
Review offers
18+ insurers at a glance
Complete online
Sign the contract directly online
All done
durchblicker handles cancellation and registration update
Insurers at a glance
Selection of Austrian providers per the VVO member list.
Authorities and bodies in Austria
Car Insurance Guides
Frequently Asked Questions
Is car insurance mandatory in Austria?
What is the bonus-malus system?
When does full Kasko make more sense than partial Kasko?
How do I cancel my car insurance in Austria?
Which insurers are licensed in Austria?
Is ÖAMTC or ARBÖ membership part of car insurance?
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Open the tariff calculator at durchblickerPrices and conditions vary by vehicle, location and personal factors. As of: 27 May 2026.