What to Do After a Car Accident in Sweden: A Step-by-Step Guide

Car accidents can happen to anyone, regardless of how carefully you drive. Being involved in a collision is stressful and disorienting, especially when you're uncertain about the proper procedures to follow in Sweden. This comprehensive guide outlines exactly what steps to take immediately after an accident, how to document the scene properly, when to contact authorities, and how to file an insurance claim efficiently to ensure a smooth resolution.

Immediate Actions: The First 10 Minutes After an Accident

1. Ensure Safety First

Your first priority should always be safety:

• Check yourself and your passengers for injuries
• Turn on hazard lights to alert other drivers
• If possible and safe to do so, move your vehicle to the side of the road
• Place a warning triangle at least 50-100 meters behind your vehicle (legally required in Sweden)
• If on a highway or busy road, stay behind the guardrail if possible

2. Call Emergency Services if Needed

In Sweden, you should call emergency services in the following situations:

• Call 112 immediately if there are injuries
• Call 114 14 (police non-emergency) if there's significant property damage but no injuries
• Remember that in Sweden, police must be called if:
• Anyone is injured
• There's damage to public property (guardrails, traffic signs, etc.)
• There's a dispute about who caused the accident
• One of the drivers appears to be under the influence of alcohol or drugs

3. Exchange Information

Exchange the following information with all other involved parties:

• Full names and contact information
• Driver's license numbers
• Vehicle registration numbers
• Insurance company names and policy numbers
• Vehicle owner information (if different from the driver)

In Sweden, drivers are legally required to provide this information after an accident. If a driver refuses to share their details, note their license plate and, if possible, take a photo of their vehicle, then report this to the police.

Documenting the Accident Scene

1. Take Comprehensive Photos

Thorough documentation is crucial for insurance claims in Sweden:

• Take wide-angle shots showing the position of all vehicles
• Photograph damage to all vehicles from multiple angles
• Document any relevant road conditions (ice, snow, construction, etc.)
• Photograph the surrounding area, including traffic signs and signals
• Take pictures of skid marks if present
• If safe to do so, take photos before moving the vehicles

2. Gather Witness Information

Independent witnesses can be invaluable if there's a dispute about what happened:

• Ask any witnesses if they're willing to provide their contact information
• Note their names, phone numbers, and email addresses
• If possible, ask if they would be willing to provide a brief statement about what they saw

3. Complete a "Skadeanmälan" (Damage Report)

Swedish insurance companies typically provide standardized accident report forms ("Skadeanmälan"). If you have one in your vehicle:

• Fill it out completely at the scene with the other driver
• Draw a clear sketch of the accident
• Have all involved drivers sign the form
• Each driver should receive a copy

If you don't have a physical form, many insurance companies now offer mobile apps where you can complete this process digitally.

At SwedishAutoGuard, our mobile app includes an accident reporting feature with guided prompts to ensure you collect all necessary information.

When to Contact the Police in Sweden

Swedish regulations regarding police involvement in traffic accidents differ from many other countries. You should contact the police if:

• Injuries: Any accident resulting in personal injury requires police notification
• Hit and run: If another driver leaves the scene without exchanging information
• DUI suspicion: If you suspect another driver is under the influence of alcohol or drugs
• Foreign vehicles: Accidents involving vehicles with foreign registrations
• Damaged infrastructure: If the accident damaged public property
• Disagreement: If there's a dispute about how the accident occurred

In non-injury accidents with minor damage where both parties agree on what happened, police involvement is typically not required in Sweden.

Notifying Your Insurance Company

1. Report the Accident Promptly

In Sweden, you should notify your insurance company as soon as possible after an accident. Most Swedish insurance policies require you to report accidents within a specific timeframe (typically 48 hours to one week).

SwedishAutoGuard customers can report accidents:

• Through our 24/7 claims hotline: +46 8 123 456
• Via our mobile app
• Through your online account at swedishautoguard.com
• By visiting one of our branch offices

2. What Information to Provide

When reporting the accident, you'll need to provide:

• Your policy number
• Date, time, and location of the accident
• Description of how the accident occurred
• Information about other involved vehicles and drivers
• Details of any witnesses
• Police report number (if police were involved)
• Photos of the damage and accident scene

3. Understanding "No-Fault" Insurance in Sweden

Sweden operates under a primarily "no-fault" insurance system. This means:

• Your insurance company handles your vehicle's damages regardless of who caused the accident
• Personal injuries are typically covered by each person's traffic insurance
• Behind the scenes, insurance companies may later determine fault and settle between themselves

This system allows for faster claims processing but can be confusing if you're used to fault-based insurance systems.

Vehicle Repairs and Claims Processing

1. Damage Assessment

After reporting your claim, the next step typically involves damage assessment:

• Swedish insurance companies usually require an inspection by an approved assessor
• You'll be directed to an approved inspection center
• Some minor damages can now be assessed via photo submission

At SwedishAutoGuard, our Standard and Premium packages include simplified digital assessment options for claims under 20,000 SEK, allowing for faster processing.

2. Choosing a Repair Shop

In Sweden, you generally have the right to choose your preferred repair shop, though there are some considerations:

• Using an insurance-approved repair shop ("Försäkringsverkstad") often streamlines the process
• Insurance-approved shops typically offer guarantees on repairs
• For newer vehicles, manufacturer-authorized repair facilities are recommended

SwedishAutoGuard maintains partnerships with over 200 approved repair facilities throughout Sweden, all holding quality certification and providing repair guarantees.

3. Rental Cars and Transportation During Repairs

Depending on your policy, you may be entitled to a rental car while your vehicle is being repaired:

• Basic insurance packages typically don't include rental coverage
• Standard packages often include rental coverage for a limited period
• Premium packages usually offer comprehensive rental car coverage

SwedishAutoGuard's Premium package includes up to 30 days of rental car coverage with a similar vehicle class to your own.

Understanding Deductibles and Claim Impact

1. Deductible Application

In Swedish insurance policies, deductibles (självrisk) work as follows:

• The deductible is the amount you pay out-of-pocket for repairs
• Different coverage types may have different deductible amounts
• If you're not at fault, you typically pay your deductible initially, but it may be reimbursed after insurance companies settle between themselves

2. Impact on Future Premiums

In Sweden, how an accident affects your future premiums depends on several factors:

• At-fault accidents typically impact your bonus class (bonusklass) and may increase premiums
• Multiple claims within a short period can lead to higher premiums
• Some insurers offer "claim forgiveness" for first accidents or after several claim-free years

SwedishAutoGuard's Premium package includes "First Accident Forgiveness," which means your first at-fault accident won't affect your bonus standing or premium level.

Special Circumstances in Swedish Traffic Accidents

1. Wildlife Collisions

Collisions with wildlife are common in Sweden and subject to specific procedures:

• You are legally required to report all wildlife collisions to the police (call 112)
• Mark the location of the accident (with a cloth or plastic bag tied to a tree)
• Insurance coverage for wildlife collisions typically falls under comprehensive coverage
• Many Swedish policies have reduced deductibles for wildlife collisions

2. Winter Weather Accidents

Given Sweden's harsh winters, many accidents occur in snowy or icy conditions:

• Document weather and road conditions thoroughly
• Note if roads were plowed or treated with salt/sand
• Be aware that "single vehicle" accidents (like sliding off the road) are typically considered at-fault, regardless of weather

3. Accidents Involving Foreign Drivers

For accidents involving foreign-registered vehicles:

• Contact police, as procedures may differ
• Document the foreign insurance "Green Card" if available
• Get contact information for the driver's foreign insurance
• Your Swedish insurance company can typically help navigate international claims

SwedishAutoGuard's Claims Support Services

At SwedishAutoGuard, we've developed comprehensive support services to assist our customers through the claims process:

24/7 Claims Assistance

Our claims hotline is staffed around the clock to provide immediate guidance after an accident.

Mobile App Support

Our app features:

• Guided accident documentation prompts
• GPS location recording
• Direct photo upload capability
• Voice recording for witness statements
• Digital claim submission

Personal Claims Advisor

Every claim is assigned a dedicated claims advisor who serves as your single point of contact throughout the process.

Claim Status Tracking

Track your claim's progress in real-time through our online portal or mobile app.

Conclusion: Be Prepared Before an Accident Happens

The best way to handle an accident smoothly is to be prepared before it happens:

1. Keep essential items in your vehicle: Warning triangle, first aid kit, insurance information, and accident report forms
2. Download your insurance company's app: The SwedishAutoGuard app includes all the tools you'll need to document an accident properly
3. Review your coverage annually: Ensure you understand what's covered and what your deductibles are
4. Save emergency numbers: Program insurance claims numbers, roadside assistance, and emergency services into your phone

Being involved in a traffic accident is stressful, but knowing the proper steps to take can make the experience significantly less challenging. By following this guide and taking advantage of the support services offered by SwedishAutoGuard, you can navigate the post-accident process efficiently and get back on the road as quickly as possible.

Remember, our claims team is always available to answer questions and provide guidance specific to your situation.