ansvarsforsikringen

Ansvarsförsäkringen, directly translated as “the liability insurance,” is a compulsory insurance that provides financial protection for individuals and entities against claims for damages caused to third parties. In Sweden, the most common form is the traffic liability insurance (trafikförsäkring) mandated for motor vehicles, while other sectors such as construction, professional services, and private households may also be covered by voluntary liability policies.

The legal framework for the compulsory version is established by the Traffic Insurance Act (1994:124) and administered by the Swedish Transport Agency. The insurer, typically a private insurance company approved by the Swedish Financial Supervisory Authority, pays compensation for bodily injury, death, and property damage resulting from the insured's use of a vehicle. Compensation limits are set by law and are adjusted periodically to reflect inflation and judicial precedents.

Voluntary liability insurance, often referred to simply as “ansvarsförsäkring,” can be tailored to specific risks. General liability policies cover accidents that occur in everyday activities, while professional liability (ansvarsförsäkring för yrkesutövare) addresses claims arising from errors or omissions in the provision of professional services. These policies usually include exclusion clauses for intentional wrongdoing, contractual breaches, and punitive damages.

The market for liability insurance in Sweden is dominated by a few large insurers, such as Länsförsäkringar, Trygg‑Hansa, and Folksam, which together hold the majority of premiums. Competition is regulated to ensure that premiums remain affordable and that coverage standards meet the minimum requirements set by legislation.

Critics occasionally argue that compulsory traffic liability insurance does not fully cover all victims, especially in incidents involving multiple parties, and that the statutory limits may be insufficient in severe accidents. Nonetheless, ansvarsförsäkringen remains a cornerstone of Swedish risk management, promoting financial security for both claimants and insured parties while supporting the broader principle of shared responsibility in society.