Car Insurance in Slovakia: PZP, KASKO and the New 2026 Rules

A car cannot be driven in Slovakia without PZP insurance — that is the law, not advice. From 2026 the checks are automatic: the system itself verifies whether a vehicle is insured and fines the owner. Here is what PZP is, what it costs and how it differs from KASKO.

PZP and KASKO: two different things

• PZP (povinné zmluvné poistenie) — compulsory third-party liability insurance. It covers damage you cause to others: their car, their health, their property. Without it a car cannot be registered and cannot be driven.
• KASKO (havarijné poistenie) — voluntary. It covers your own car: an accident that was your fault, theft, hail, vandalism.

In other words, PZP will not repair your car if you drive into a lamppost yourself. For that you need KASKO.

What changed in 2026

The so-called LEX PZP came into force, and it tightened the rules considerably:

• Automatic checks. The Slovak Insurers’ Bureau (SKP) keeps a record of every vehicle without valid PZP and passes the data to the authorities.
• New fines for driving without insurance.
• Removal from the register. Vehicles that remain uninsured for a long time can be struck off the register — meaning the car effectively ceases to exist as a vehicle.

It used to be possible to “not notice” that your insurance had run out. Now the system notices for you.

What PZP costs in 2026

Prices are still rising, but more slowly than before: market estimates put the average increase at 7-9% a year, without double-digit jumps.

The special levy on PZP has risen separately — from 8% to 10%. That adds roughly 2.2% to the price: on an annual premium of 200 euros it works out at about 204.44 euros.

What your price depends on: engine size and power, the driver’s age and experience, the region of registration, accident history (the bonus-malus system), and the cover limits and add-ons you choose.

A practical tip: compare quotes using the online calculators of several insurers — the spread between companies for the very same car can be substantial. And do not renew automatically out of habit: switching insurer often brings the price down.

How to arrange PZP

1. Have the vehicle registration document ready (osvedčenie o evidencii vozidla) — all the data for the calculation comes from it.
2. Compare prices in the calculators and choose an insurer.
3. Sign the contract — online this takes a few minutes.
4. Get your “white card” (biela karta) — proof of insurance. Carry it with you.
5. Pay on time. If the premium is unpaid the policy can lapse, and the car ends up on the register of uninsured vehicles.

What else a car needs in Slovakia

• STK — the roadworthiness test. Compulsory; how often depends on the age and type of vehicle.
• EK — the emissions check (emisná kontrola), usually done together with the STK.
• A vignette for motorways — bought online; the fine for not having one is steep.

On buying a car, registering it and the pitfalls involved, see the article on how to buy a car in Slovakia. Car classified-ad sites are covered in our piece on Slovak car marketplaces.

The price of PZP for identical cover differs from insurer to insurer, so it is worth comparing quotes before you sign: compare offers on Netfinancie.

Affiliate link: if you take out a policy, we receive a commission from the insurance company. This does not affect the price you pay.

If you want fuller protection for your car, read our guide to KASKO in Slovakia: how it differs from PZP and when it makes sense.

Frequently asked questions

Is Ukrainian insurance valid in Slovakia?

A car registered in Slovakia needs Slovak PZP. If the car is on Ukrainian plates, the matter is handled through a “green card” — but if you settle here permanently, sooner or later the car will have to be re-registered.

What happens if I have an accident without PZP?

The SKP guarantee fund will pay the injured party, but that amount will then be recovered from you — plus a fine. It is the most expensive way to save money.

Can I transfer my no-claims bonus from Ukraine?

Some insurers take into account a confirmed accident-free history from another country, but they require an official certificate from your previous insurer. Ask when you apply — it can lower the price noticeably.

Do I need insurance if the car is parked and not being driven?

Yes, for as long as the car is on the register. If you are not using it, there is a procedure for temporarily taking it out of service — the obligation to insure it then ends.

This information has been compiled from public sources and is current as of August 2026. Rates and rules change — check the terms of the specific insurer before you sign. For questions that concern you personally, consult a specialist in the field.