A practical guide to car insurance in Serbia — mandatory third-party liability, comprehensive kasko coverage, green card for cross-border travel, major insurers, and what to do after an accident.
The information in this guide may be incomplete or outdated. Laws and regulations in Serbia may change. Before making important decisions, be sure to consult official sources or professionals.
Mandatory Insurance (obavezno osiguranje)
Every vehicle registered in Serbia must have mandatory third-party liability insurance (osiguranje od autoodgovornosti, commonly known as TPL). Without this policy, you cannot register your vehicle or pass the annual technical inspection. The policy covers damage you cause to other people and their property, including both material damage and bodily injury.
Key points:
The policy is valid for one year and must be renewed with your annual vehicle registration
The cost depends on engine size, vehicle age, region, and driving history
For a mid-size passenger car, expect to pay approximately 10,000 to 30,000 dinars per year
You can purchase the policy from any licensed insurance company
Comprehensive Insurance (kasko osiguranje)
Kasko is voluntary comprehensive insurance that covers damage to your own vehicle. Unlike mandatory TPL, kasko protects against a wider range of risks:
Traffic accidents (including those caused by you)
Theft or attempted theft
Natural disasters (hail, flooding, fire)
Vandalism
Collisions with animals
Kasko comes in two main types: full kasko (pun kasko) and partial kasko (delimičan kasko). Full kasko covers virtually all risks, while partial kasko only covers specific events (for example, theft and natural disasters only). Full kasko typically costs 3–7% of the vehicle's market value per year. A deductible (učešće u šteti) can reduce the premium.
Green Card (zelena karta)
If you plan to drive outside Serbia, you will need a green card — an international certificate of motor insurance. It proves that your vehicle is insured in the destination country.
The green card is issued as an add-on to your mandatory insurance policy
It is valid in most European countries
The cost depends on the duration and coverage zone — typically 2,000 to 8,000 dinars
You should obtain it from your insurance company before traveling
Major Insurance Companies
Several large insurance companies operate in Serbia and offer car insurance products:
DDOR Novi Sad — one of the oldest insurers in the country
Compare offers from multiple companies, as prices and terms can vary significantly. A full list of licensed insurers is available on the National Bank of Serbia website, which regulates the insurance market.
What to Do After an Accident
If you are involved in a traffic accident:
Stop your vehicle, turn on hazard lights, and place your warning triangle
Check for injuries. Call an ambulance (194) if anyone is hurt
Call the police (192) if there are injuries, significant damage, or a dispute about what happened
For minor accidents with no injuries, fill out the European accident report form (evropski izveštaj o saobraćajnoj nezgodi) — every vehicle should carry a copy
Take photos of the scene, damage to all vehicles, license plates, and the other driver's documents
Report the incident to your insurance company within 15 days
Costs at a Glance
| Coverage | Approximate Annual Cost |
|---|---|
| Mandatory TPL (mid-size car) | 10,000 – 30,000 RSD |
| Full kasko (mid-range car) | 3–7% of car value |
| Partial kasko | 1–3% of car value |
| Green card (15 days) | 2,000 – 4,000 RSD |
| Green card (1 year) | 5,000 – 8,000 RSD |
Useful Tips
Always keep your insurance policy and green card in the vehicle — police may ask to see them during routine checks
When buying a used car, make sure the insurance is transferred to your name
A clean driving record (bonus) lowers your premium each year without a claim
If the accident was the other driver's fault, you can file a claim directly with their insurer
Do not sign any documents you do not fully understand — ask for a translation if needed