Swedish Driving Theory B: Reporting to Police and Insurance

Reporting Road Collisions to Police and Insurance in Sweden

Navigating the aftermath of a road collision can be a stressful experience for any driver. Beyond the immediate actions of ensuring safety and rendering assistance, there are crucial legal and administrative steps that must be taken, particularly when dealing with authorities like the police and your insurance company. This lesson, part of the Swedish Driving License Theory Course for Category B Cars, provides a comprehensive guide to these obligations, ensuring you are prepared to act responsibly and legally on Swedish roads.

Understanding Your Legal Obligations After a Traffic Accident in Sweden

In Sweden, following a road traffic collision, drivers are bound by specific duties designed to ensure the safety of all involved parties, facilitate accurate accident reconstruction, and enable fair compensation processes. These duties are not merely suggestions; they are legally mandated requirements that, if neglected, can lead to severe consequences, including fines, license suspension, or even criminal charges.

Immediate Post-Collision Duties: Stop, Secure, Assist

The very first legal obligation after any collision that causes damage, injury, or death is the duty to stop (stoppskyldighet). This means bringing your vehicle to a safe halt and remaining at the scene until all necessary obligations have been fulfilled. Immediately after stopping, you must prioritize the safety of the scene and anyone involved. This includes assessing for injuries and, if necessary, providing reasonable assistance to injured persons (plikt att lämna hjälp) by applying first aid and calling emergency services (112). These initial steps are covered in detail in the "Immediate Actions After a Collision" lesson (12.1) and "First-Aid Basics for Drivers" lesson (12.5).

Why Proper Reporting Matters: Safety, Legality, Compensation

Proper reporting of an accident serves several critical purposes. Firstly, it ensures safety by triggering rapid emergency response when injuries are present and preventing secondary accidents through proper scene management. Secondly, it establishes legal certainty by creating an official record (police report, insurance claim) that helps to determine fault, assess damages, and assign liability, thereby minimizing disputes between parties. Finally, accurate risk management through detailed documentation helps insurers process claims efficiently and fairly, preventing fraudulent claims and contributing to overall traffic safety data. Fulfilling these duties protects the rights of everyone involved and upholds the integrity of the Swedish legal and insurance systems.

When to Notify the Police (Polisanmälan) in Sweden

Not every minor fender-bender requires police presence in Sweden, but specific circumstances legally mandate police notification. Understanding these triggers is essential for compliance. The Trafikförordning (Swedish Traffic Ordinance) outlines these requirements clearly.

Mandatory Police Notification for Injuries or Fatalities

The most critical trigger for police involvement is when any person is injured (personskada) or killed as a result of the collision. This rule is absolute, regardless of the extent of property damage. Even a seemingly minor injury, such as a bump or bruise, requires police notification. This ensures that emergency medical services are dispatched promptly and that an official record of the incident, including any injuries, is created for legal and insurance purposes.

Property Damage Threshold for Police Involvement (SEK 2,000 Rule)

Beyond injuries, police notification is also mandatory if the property damage is estimated to be at or above a specific monetary threshold. In Sweden, if the estimated damage to any vehicle or property (e.g., road infrastructure, private property) resulting from the collision is SEK 2,000 or more, the police must be notified.

This threshold applies per incident, not per vehicle. Drivers must make a quick, reasonable estimate of the damage at the scene. If you are uncertain whether the damage meets or exceeds this threshold, it is always safer and advisable to contact the police.

Other Situations Requiring Police Notification

Several other scenarios also necessitate police involvement, even if no injuries occur and the damage is below the SEK 2,000 threshold:

• Vehicle Immobilisation: If a vehicle involved in the collision becomes immobilised (e.g., cannot be driven safely) and is stopped on a public road, obstructing traffic, the police must be notified. This ensures proper traffic management and safe removal of the vehicle.
• Hit-and-Run Suspect: If you suspect the other party has left the scene without fulfilling their duties (a "hit-and-run" or flykt), you must contact the police immediately.
• Involvement of Public Transport: Accidents involving buses, trams, or other public transport vehicles typically require police notification due to specialized protocols and the number of passengers involved.
• Foreign-Registered Vehicles: If one of the vehicles involved has a foreign registration and the driver lacks proof of valid Swedish insurance, police notification is mandatory.
• Wildlife Collisions: While not always a 'collision' in the traditional sense, hitting certain large animals (e.g., deer, moose, wild boar) requires immediate police notification (via 112), regardless of vehicle damage or personal injury.

How to Contact the Police: Dialing 112 and On-Scene Conduct

If any of the above criteria are met, you must call the emergency number 112 to report the accident. Be prepared to provide:

• Your exact location: Use street names, nearest intersections, motorway numbers, and any visible landmarks.
• A brief description of the incident: What happened, how many vehicles are involved, and if there are any injuries.
• Your contact details.

Calling the police while still at the scene is crucial. Leaving and calling later can raise suspicions and potentially lead to charges of failing to report promptly.

Exchanging Information with Other Involved Parties

After addressing immediate safety and police notification, the next critical step is to exchange specific information with all other parties involved in the collision. This exchange of information (uppgiftsutbyte) is a mandatory legal requirement under Trafikförordning 3 kap. 6 §.

Mandatory Data Exchange: What to Share and Collect

You must exchange the following details with every other driver or property owner involved:

• Full name and personal identification number (personnummer): This is essential for verifying identity and for insurance purposes.
• Current address and telephone number: For direct communication.
• Vehicle registration number (registreringsnummer): For identifying the specific vehicle.
• Insurance company and policy number: To facilitate claims between insurers.
• Driver's licence number: While not always strictly mandatory, it is highly recommended to collect this for additional verification.

It is good practice to note down the details yourself and also take photos of their driving license, vehicle registration, and insurance card (if available) to ensure accuracy. If any party is unwilling to cooperate with this exchange, you must inform the police immediately.

Importance of Witness Information

Collecting information from witnesses (vittnen) can significantly strengthen your case with both the police and your insurance company. Independent accounts can clarify disputes over fault and provide crucial details that might otherwise be overlooked.

If there are any bystanders who observed the collision, politely ask if they would be willing to provide their:

• Name and contact details (phone number, email).
• A brief description of what they saw.

Do not pressure witnesses or try to influence their statement. Simply gather their information and their account of the events.

Documenting the Accident Scene: Photos, Sketches, and Notes

Thorough accident documentation is invaluable for both police investigations and insurance claims. The more precise and comprehensive your records, the smoother the process will be and the lower the risk of disputes.

Comprehensive Photo Documentation Guidelines

Use your mobile phone to take a wide range of photographs immediately after the collision, before vehicles are moved (unless moving them is essential for safety).

• Overall scene: Capture wide shots showing the general area, road conditions, traffic signs, and the relative positions of all vehicles involved.
• Vehicle positions: Take photos from multiple angles (front, back, sides, bird's-eye view if possible) to clearly show where each vehicle came to rest.
• Damage: Focus on the damage to all vehicles involved, taking close-up shots of specific impact points, broken lights, dents, and scratches.
• Road conditions: Document any relevant road markings, skid marks, debris, potholes, or other factors on the road surface.
• Surroundings: Photograph any relevant features like traffic lights, road signs, buildings, or obstructions that might have played a role.
• Time and Date: Modern smartphones automatically embed timestamps. Ensure your phone's clock is accurate.

Creating an Accurate Accident Sketch

Supplement your photos with a simple sketch (a skiss or diagram) of the accident scene. This visual representation can clarify vehicle movements and points of impact that photos alone might not convey.

• Draw a simple bird's-eye view of the intersection or road segment where the accident occurred.
• Indicate the direction of travel for all vehicles before and after the collision.
• Mark the approximate point of impact.
• Label each vehicle and show its final resting position.
• Include relevant road markings, traffic signs, and any other pertinent features like traffic lights or building corners.
• Add notes about weather conditions, visibility, and approximate distances if possible.

Reporting to Your Insurance Company (Försäkringsanmälan)

After dealing with the immediate aftermath and collecting information, your next step is to inform your own insurance provider. This is known as filing an insurance claim (försäkringsanmälan).

Timely Notification and Claim Submission

It is a contractual obligation with your insurer to report an accident promptly, usually within a specific timeframe (often 24 to 48 hours). Delaying this notification could potentially lead to your claim being denied or compensation being reduced. Most insurance companies have an emergency line or online portal for reporting claims.

Required Information for Insurance Claims

When contacting your insurer, you will typically need to provide:

• Your policy number.
• The police incident number (diarienummer) if a police report was filed.
• Details of the incident: Date, time, location, a brief description of what happened.
• Information about other parties involved: Names, contact details, vehicle registration numbers, and their insurance information.
• Your collected documentation: Photographs, sketches, and witness statements.

You will usually be asked to fill out a claim form, which can often be done electronically via their website. Be honest and factual in your description of events.

Understanding the Official Police Report (Polisrapport)

When police are notified and attend the scene of a collision, they will compile an official police report (polisrapport). This document is a critical piece of evidence that can be used by courts, insurance companies, and the Swedish Transport Agency (Transportstyrelsen).

Contents and Purpose of a Police Report

A police report is a formal written record that typically includes:

• Time and location of the accident.
• Details of all parties involved: Names, contact information, vehicle registration.
• Statements from drivers and witnesses.
• Sketches and photographs taken by the police.
• Preliminary assessment of the circumstances and contributing factors.
• Any charges or traffic violations issued.

The police report provides an objective, legally recognized record of the event. It is used by insurance companies to process claims, and by the Transport Agency for assessing driver fitness or potential license implications. While the police will compile the report, it is your responsibility to provide accurate and complete information to them at the scene.

Legal Consequences of Non-Compliance: Avoiding Penalties

Failing to adhere to the legal requirements after a collision in Sweden can result in significant legal and financial penalties.

Hit-and-Run and Failure to Report Consequences

Leaving the scene (flykt) without fulfilling your legal duties (stopping, rendering assistance, exchanging information, and notifying police when required) is a serious criminal offense, often referred to as a hit-and-run. This can lead to:

• Criminal charges: Including fines or even imprisonment, depending on the severity of the accident and whether injuries occurred.
• Driver's license revocation or suspension.
• Increased insurance premiums or even cancellation of your policy.
• Personal liability for all damages if your insurance claim is denied.

Similarly, failing to report an accident to the police when legally required (e.g., due to injury or damage above SEK 2,000) can result in fines and potential difficulties with insurance claims.

False Information and Insurance Fraud

Providing incomplete or false information to the police or your insurance company can be considered fraud or perjury. This can lead to:

• Voiding of your insurance policy, leaving you personally liable for all damages.
• Criminal prosecution for fraud.
• Legal penalties including fines and imprisonment.

Always be truthful and factual in your statements and documentation.

Contextual Variations in Accident Reporting

The standard rules for reporting may need slight adjustments based on specific environmental or situational factors.

Motorways, Rural Roads, and Poor Visibility

• Motorways (motorväg) or high-speed roads (≥ 90 km/h): The emergency triangle (varningstriangel) must be placed at a greater distance, at least 50 metres (instead of the usual 30 metres) behind the stationary vehicle. Drivers should prioritize moving to the hard shoulder if it is safe to do so.
• Rural roads with poor signal: While 112 is the primary contact, if mobile network coverage is poor, you must make every effort to notify the police, potentially by driving to the nearest police station (polisstation) if the situation allows for it safely and all immediate duties at the scene have been fulfilled.
• Poor visibility (fog, heavy rain, night): In addition to the emergency triangle, hazard warning lights (varningsblinkers) must be activated immediately. Placing the triangle slightly closer than the standard distance (e.g., 20 metres) might be considered if it enhances visibility for approaching traffic in extremely poor conditions, but the general rule is to maintain the minimum distance.

Accidents Involving Vulnerable Road Users or Foreign Vehicles

• Vulnerable road users (pedestrians, cyclists): If a collision involves a pedestrian, cyclist, or other vulnerable road user, immediate medical assistance is paramount. Police notification is always mandatory, regardless of the perceived severity of injuries or damage, due to the higher societal value placed on protecting these users.
• Foreign-registered vehicles: While the driver of a foreign vehicle must still comply with Swedish law regarding information exchange and police notification, there might be complexities if they lack a valid Swedish personal number or adequate insurance documentation. The police must be informed in such cases.

Public Transport and Special Circumstances

• Public transport: Collisions involving public transport (buses, trams, etc.) always require police involvement due to the nature of public service and the potential for multiple passenger injuries.
• Vehicles with trailers or caravans: If a collision involves a vehicle towing a trailer or caravan, additional registration numbers and insurance details for the trailer must also be exchanged and included in the documentation. Liability can sometimes differ between the towing vehicle and the towed unit.

Key Terms for Accident Reporting

Further Learning and Practice

By understanding and adhering to these regulations, you ensure compliance with Swedish law, protect your rights, and contribute to safer roads for everyone. Mastering these procedures is a vital part of becoming a responsible driver in Sweden.