Traffic Accident with Foreign Car in Norway: How to Fill Out the Damage Report and Get the Right Info

When one of the cars is foreign, a typical traffic accident often becomes a bit more stressful: language, unfamiliar documents, and uncertainty regarding insurance and settlements. Fortunately, the process is usually the same as with accidents between Norwegian cars – the key is to gather the correct information and fill out the damage report accurately. Below, you will find a practical checklist and tips to expedite the process with insurance companies.

1) First Step at the Scene: Safety and Calm

Always start by securing the accident scene and taking care of people before paperwork. The Norwegian Public Roads Administration reminds you to secure the area and notify authorities if needed (113 in case of acute personal injury). See advice on traffic incidents at Norwegian Public Roads Administration.

• Secure: Turn on hazard lights, wear a reflective vest, set up a warning triangle, and move the cars off the roadway if it can be done safely.
• Check for personal injury: Call 113 in case of injury and provide a clear location description.
• Avoid discussion: Focus on facts and documentation, not blame at the scene.

2) When to Contact the Police?

In certain situations, it’s important to call the police to the scene (112 in case of emergency) or contact them for guidance. On the Police website, you can find updated information on when to notify the police.

• Personal injury (regardless of severity).
• Suspicion of substance use, aggressive behavior, or lack of driving license.
• Disagreement over the course of events or if the other party refuses to provide information.
• Significant material damage or risk to traffic flow.

3) What Information Must You Gather from a Foreign Car?

For foreign vehicles, it is particularly important to obtain complete and correctly spelled information. This is typically what the insurance company needs to identify the policy and handle recovery/settlement:

Driver Information

• Full name (as it appears on ID), address, phone, and email
• Date of birth (or other identification if a driver’s license/ID is not provided)
• Driver's license number and country

Vehicle Information

• Registration number and country code (e.g., DE, SE, PL)
• Car make, model, and color
• Chassis number (VIN) if possible

Insurance (the Most Important)

• Name of the insurance company
• Policy number
• Green Card if the driver has it available – take a picture of both the front and relevant fields

Tip: Always take photos of the documents (ID, driver's license, vehicle registration, green card) in addition to writing down the information. Photos reduce the risk of errors with names and policy numbers.

4) How to Fill Out a Damage Report When the Other Party is Foreign

The most common form in Europe is the “European Accident Statement.” The form is designed so that parties who speak different languages can check standard fields. In practice, it’s about being specific, consistent, and documenting well.

What You Should Always Include

• Time and place: exact address/road, direction, weather, and road conditions.
• Sketch: draw simply but clearly (direction of travel, lanes, signs, stopping points, collision points).
• Check the boxes: select the correct event boxes (e.g., “changed lanes,” “reversed,” “stopped”).
• Damages: indicate where the damages are on the cars and take photos from several angles.
• Witnesses: names and contact numbers, especially important if you disagree.

Important: Do not sign anything you do not understand. If the other party has a form in their language, request to use the standard European damage report or fill out a common digital version that both can read.

5) Documentation that Saves Time (and Money)

Good documentation makes it easier to clarify responsibility and can reduce the risk of deduction or disputes. NAF has several practical tips on what to do in case of an accident; see NAF (note that content and terms may be updated).

• Photos of the cars at rest, their position in the road, and close-ups of damages
• Photos of road markings, signs, intersections, visibility conditions, and any skid marks
• A note of what was said (brief and fact-based) and if anyone admitted/denied responsibility
• Name and number of any towing company

6) Digital Damage Report: Easier When You Speak Different Languages

In 2026, many expect this to be solvable on mobile – and it’s often an advantage with a foreign party. With DamageReports.no, you can fill out the same damage report together (each on their phone), ensure that both see the same version, and sign digitally there and then. This makes it harder for “two different explanations” to arise later, and provides a tidy basis that can be sent to the insurance company.

7) Who Pays – and What About Bonus, Deductible, and Rental Car?

What you end up paying (deductible/bonus loss) depends on responsibility, coverage, and the terms of your insurance company. Finance Norway provides general explanations about car insurance and settlements; see Finance Norway. Terms and practices may vary between companies, and especially with a foreign party, the processing time may be affected by gathering information.

• If you are not at fault: The damage is usually covered by the other party's liability insurance.
• If responsibility is unclear: The companies investigate, and you may in some cases get your car repaired via your own comprehensive insurance while the liability distribution is clarified (then the deductible may apply until the case is resolved).
• Rental Car: This is often covered by comprehensive insurance/rental car coverage or via the responsible party, but conditions vary.
• Bonus Loss: Can be avoided if the responsibility is proven to be with the other party, but details are company-specific.

8) Practical Checklist You Can Save on Your Mobile

• Take photos of both cars, damages, position, signs, and road markings
• Note registration number + country code, and gather driver and insurance info
• Request a green card/policy number and take a picture of the document
• Fill out the European damage report (preferably together) and get signatures
• Contact the police in case of personal injury, suspicion of substance use, disagreement, or missing information
• Send the damage report quickly to the insurance company and provide witnesses

In summary: In the event of an accident with a foreign car in Norway, it’s about securing the scene, gathering the correct insurance and identity information, and filling out the damage report clearly. The more precise the documentation is, the easier the dialogue with the garage and insurance company will be – and the faster you can get the case closed.

Sources: Norwegian Public Roads Administration, the Police, Finance Norway, NAF.