Country market
denmark flag

Denmark insurance market

The Danish insurance market is one of the most developed in the Nordic region, characterised by a large life and pension sector underpinned by compulsory occupational pension contributions and high household savings rates. Life insurance and pension premiums dominate total GWP. The non-life segment, led by Tryg, Alm. Brand and Topdanmark, is moderately concentrated and has seen strong premium growth driven by motor rate increases and claims inflation. The market is regulated by Finanstilsynet (the Danish Financial Supervisory Authority) and the industry trade body is Forsikring & Pension (F&P). A new standalone Insurance Business Act (Lov om forsikringsvirksomhed) entered into force in 2025, separating insurance regulation from the broader Financial Business Act.

Generated by: Claude Sonnet 4.6

Reviewed by: Desislava Tsvetkova

Active insurers

40

Last reviewed

Apr 30, 2026

Country market

Available products

Motor third-party liability

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Motor casco

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Travel insurance

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Insurer directory

Active insurers

Insurers currently active in Denmark.

Gross written premium (DKK bn)

DKK 0.0bnDKK 2770.8bnDKK 5541.5bnDKK 8312.3bnDKK 11083bn18.1Tryg Forsikri…21.9If Skadeförsä…10901Topdanmark Fo…11083Alm. Brand Fo…

Market share

Tryg Forsikri…
24.7%
If Skadeförsä…
21.4%
Topdanmark Fo…
14.5%
Alm. Brand Fo…
17.0%

Tryg Forsikring A/S

Ballerup, Denmark

#1

Tryg Forsikring A/S is Denmark's largest non-life insurance company and the largest in Scandinavia, offering insurance products and services to private individuals and businesses in Denmark, Norway, and Sweden. Its roots trace back to 1731, and the modern entity was formed through a 2002 merger. It is listed on Nasdaq OMX Copenhagen and majority-owned by TryghedsGruppen smba.

DKK 18.1bn (2024, Danmark-segment estimeret)

motorpropertyhealthliabilitytravelother

If Skadeförsäkring AB (filial i Danmark, inkl. Topdanmark Forsikring A/S pr. 1. juli 2025)

Ballerup, Denmark

#2

If is the leading property and casualty insurer in the Nordic region, operating in Denmark as a branch of If Skadeförsäkring AB (publ), Sweden. It serves both private and commercial customers with a wide range of insurance products, and is wholly owned by Finnish Sampo plc.

DKK ~21.9bn (2024, estimeret kombineret: If DK ~DKK 6bn + Topdanmark DKK 10,901m + Alka ca. DKK 5bn)

motorpropertyhealthliabilityother

Topdanmark Forsikring A/S

Ballerup, Denmark

#3

Topdanmark is one of Denmark's largest insurance companies, offering life and non-life insurance products and services to private individuals, businesses, and the agricultural sector. Founded in 1972 through the merger of Mejeriernes Ulykkesforsikring and Arbejdsgivernes Ulykkesforsikring (both established 1898–1899), it became a public company in 1985. From 1 July 2025, Topdanmark merged with If Skadeforsikring and now operates as a branch of the Finnish-owned If Skadeförsäkring AB, forming the Nordic region's largest insurance group.

DKK 10,901m (2024)

motorpropertyhealthliabilityother

Alm. Brand Forsikring A/S

Copenhagen, Denmark

#4

Alm. Brand is one of Denmark's oldest and largest non-life insurance groups, founded in 1792. It offers a broad range of insurance products to private individuals, businesses, and agricultural customers across Denmark, operating under the Alm. Brand Group alongside Codan, Privatsikring, and Erhvervssikring.

DKK 11,083m (2024, Alm. Brand Group samlede forsikringsindtægt)

motorpropertyhealthliabilityother

Codan Forsikring A/S

Copenhagen, Denmark

#5

Codan Forsikring A/S is one of Denmark's largest non-life insurance companies, founded in 1916. Since March 2024, it operates as a brand under Alm. Brand Forsikring A/S following a full legal merger, offering personal and commercial insurance products across Denmark.

motorpropertyliabilityother

Gjensidige Forsikring ASA (filial Danmark)

#6
motorpropertyhealthliabilitytravel
www.gjensidige.dkMarket reference only

PFA Pension, Forsikringsaktieselskab

#7

DKK 61,300m (2024, samlede indbetalinger inkl. investeringskontrakter)

lifehealth
www.pfa.dkMarket reference only

Danica Pension, Livsforsikringsaktieselskab

#8

DKK 38,600m (2023)

lifehealth
www.danica.dkMarket reference only

Sygeforsikringen "danmark"

#9
health
www.sygeforsikring.dkMarket reference only

LB Forsikring A/S

#10
motorpropertyhealthliability
www.lbforsikring.dkMarket reference only

Alka Forsikring G/S

#11
motorpropertyhealthliability
www.alka.dkMarket reference only

GF-Forsikring A/S

#12
motorpropertyhealthliability
www.gf.dkMarket reference only

Velliv, Pension & Livsforsikring A/S

#13
life
www.velliv.dkMarket reference only

AP Pension, Livsforsikringsaktieselskab

#14
lifehealth
www.appension.dkMarket reference only

PensionDanmark, Pensionsforsikringsaktieselskab

#15
life
www.pensiondanmark.comMarket reference only

Sampension Livsforsikring A/S

#16
life
www.sampension.dkMarket reference only

Industriens Pensionsforsikring A/S

#17
life
www.industrienspension.dkMarket reference only

Forsia Forsikring A/S

#18
motorpropertyhealthliability
www.forsia.dkMarket reference only

Lokal Forsikring G/S

#19
motorpropertyliability
www.lokalforsikring.dkMarket reference only

Aros Forsikring G/S

#20
motorpropertyliability
www.aros.dkMarket reference only

Vestjylland Forsikring G/S

#21
motorpropertyliability
www.vestjyllandforsikring.dkMarket reference only

Nordea Pension Danmark, Livsforsikringsselskab A/S

#22
life

Protector Forsikring ASA (filial Danmark)

#23
propertyliabilityother
www.protectorforsikring.dkMarket reference only

Market overview

Market numbers

Total premiums

DKK 290bn (combined life/pension and non-life, 2023 est.)

Annual growth

+5%

Population

5,992,734

Registered vehicles

4,796,459

2024Yearly trend

Total premiums (EUR bn)

EUR 183.2bnEUR 194.9bnEUR 206.6bnEUR 218.3bnEUR 230bn1942020214.22021218.320222302023

Annual growth (%)

3.8%8.0%12.2%11%20215.0%2023
Total premiumsAnnual growthNon-life shareLife shareActive insurersInsurance penetrationClaims paid
2024DKK ~240bn est. (life/pension, per Finanstilsynet Sektoren i tal 2024)Not availableNot availableNot availableNot availableNot availableNot available
2023DKK 230bn (life/pension only, per Finanstilsynet)+5%Not availableNot availableNot availableNot availableNot available
2022DKK 218.3bn (life/pension only, per Finanstilsynet)Not availableNot availableNot availableNot availableNot availableNot available
2021DKK 214.2bn (life/pension only, per Finanstilsynet)+11%Not availableNot availableNot availableNot availableNot available
2020DKK 194bn (life/pension only, per Finanstilsynet)Not availableNot availableNot availableNot availableNot availableNot available

Market notes

Important news

Jan 13, 2026

Topdanmark announces final merger with If Forsikring, effective 1 July 2026

On 13 January 2026, Topdanmark published an official stock-exchange announcement confirming its full integration into If (owned by Finnish Sampo Group), effective 1 July 2026. Topdanmark will cease to be an independent legal entity. All Topdanmark shares will be converted to Sampo shares. The merged entity will hold approximately 21% of the Danish non-life market.

Why it matters

One of the most significant consolidation events in Danish insurance history. Creates the second-largest insurer after Tryg with ~21% non-life market share. Topdanmark shares will be delisted from Nasdaq Copenhagen. Intensifies competition in Danish private and commercial lines and reduces the number of large independent Danish insurers.

Topdanmark A/SIf ForsikringSampo Group
Sources

Nov 18, 2025

New Act on Terror Insurance Scheme for Non-Life Insurance enacted

On 18 November 2025, Denmark enacted LOV nr 1540, a new Act on a Terror Insurance Scheme for non-life insurance (NBCR risks). The law updates the existing 2019 framework, confirming that state-backed financing (up to DKK 15 billion, index-adjusted) covers NBCR terror damage to fire-insured property. All non-life insurers writing fire cover in Denmark must participate.

Why it matters

Strengthens the Danish terrorism risk backstop, ensuring that policyholders and insurers are protected against catastrophic NBCR events. Relevant for all non-life carriers as it mandates participation and sets claims-handling obligations. Part of a broader legislative modernisation following the 2024 Insurance Business Act.

Alle skadesforsikringsselskaber med tilladelse til brandforsikring i DanmarkFinanstilsynetTerrorforsikringsrådet
Sources

Sep 5, 2025

GGW Group (Wecoya) acquires Danish insurance agency First Forsikring A/S

On 5 September 2025, GGW Group (backed by Permira and Hg Capital), through its subsidiary Wecoya Nordics & Baltic, announced the acquisition of First Forsikring A/S (First Marine), effective 1 October 2025. First had gross premiums of nearly DKK 500 million and 35 employees. The deal is part of GGW's continuing consolidation of Nordic MGA and brokerage assets.

Why it matters

Signals accelerating international consolidation of Danish insurance intermediaries. GGW Group now controls multiple Danish broking and MGA assets (First, balticfinance, DASF). Increases competition for Danish SME commercial lines and adds international reinsurance capacity to the local market.

First Forsikring A/SGGW Group GmbHWecoya Nordics & Baltic Underwriting GmbH
Sources

Sep 1, 2025

Finanstilsynet issues multiple orders to ETU Forsikring A/S for failing to submit mandatory regulatory reports

Finanstilsynet ordered ETU Forsikring A/S to submit its 2024 annual report with external auditor's protocol, the 2024 SFCR solvency report, quarterly QRT filings for Q4 2024 and Q1–Q2 2025, sensitivity analyses, and 2024 remuneration information. The orders followed ETU's failure to meet mandatory Solvency II reporting deadlines.

Why it matters

Highlights regulatory exposure for carriers undergoing portfolio run-off. ETU had transferred its private portfolio to Forsia in November 2024 and ceased new underwriting, making timely regulatory reporting critical for orderly wind-down. Signals Finanstilsynet's active monitoring of reporting compliance.

ETU Forsikring A/S
Sources

Nov 1, 2024

Forsia Forsikring acquires ETU Forsikring's Danish private portfolio

On 1 November 2024, Forsia Forsikring (formerly Als Forsikring, rebranded May 2024) completed the Finanstilsynet-approved transfer of ETU Forsikring's Danish private insurance portfolio (approx. DKK 100 million in premiums) and 26 employees. ETU ceased new underwriting after the transfer. Forsia recorded 10.5% private-market premium growth in 2024 as a result.

Why it matters

Marks ETU Forsikring's effective exit from private underwriting and the consolidation of another private portfolio into a mid-tier Danish carrier. Illustrates continued market consolidation among smaller Danish insurers seeking scale and cost efficiency.

Forsia Forsikring A/SETU Forsikring A/S
Sources

Oct 1, 2024

Finanstilsynet and Consumer Ombudsman formalise cooperation agreement on financial regulation

In October 2024, Finanstilsynet and the Danish Consumer Ombudsman entered a formal cooperation agreement to strengthen coordinated supervision of financial undertakings, including insurers, in cases where both financial regulation and consumer protection rules may be breached. The agreement ensures efficient joint enforcement and information exchange.

Why it matters

Strengthens consumer protection enforcement in the insurance sector by enabling the two main regulators to coordinate actions. Relevant for insurers whose marketing, pricing, or claims practices may cross both financial and consumer-protection boundaries.

FinanstilsynetForbrugerombudsmanden
Sources

Sep 1, 2024

Finanstilsynet orders Købstædernes Forsikring to assess customer needs in online contents-insurance sales

Finanstilsynet issued an order to Købstædernes Forsikring, Gensidig, requiring it to properly identify customers' demands and needs when selling contents insurance online, in compliance with the Insurance Distribution Directive. The order followed a broader supervisory sweep of how insurers handle online distribution conduct.

Why it matters

Part of Finanstilsynet's sector-wide review of online insurance sales practices. The order signals regulatory willingness to act against inadequate needs-assessment in digital channels, relevant for all insurers expanding their digital direct sales.

Købstædernes Forsikring, Gensidig
Sources

Jul 1, 2024

Finanstilsynet issues orders to FG and four life insurers over unclear client communications

Finanstilsynet ordered insurance intermediary FG and four life insurers to ensure customers receive clear information that their policies are underwritten by the life insurers, not FG. Insurers and intermediaries must not present themselves as something they are not. The regulator emphasised that the distribution role must be unambiguous to policyholders.

Why it matters

Highlights the regulator's focus on transparent distribution practices under the Insurance Distribution Directive (IDD). Intermediaries and insurers sharing a brand or product suite must ensure policyholders know who their contractual counterpart is.

FG (forsikringsformidler)Fire navngivne livsforsikringsselskaber
Sources

Mar 31, 2024

Codan Forsikring legally merges into Alm. Brand Forsikring A/S

On 31 March 2024, Codan Forsikring A/S was legally merged into Alm. Brand Forsikring A/S following Alm. Brand's acquisition of Codan's Danish business in May 2022. All Codan policies transferred to Alm. Brand on unchanged terms. The Codan brand continues as a sub-brand within Alm. Brand Group, Denmark's second-largest insurer.

Why it matters

Creates Denmark's second-largest non-life insurer with annual premiums exceeding DKK 11 billion. The merger further concentrates the Danish market where the top four groups now control roughly 60–65% of non-life premiums, increasing competitive pressure on smaller and regional carriers.

Codan Forsikring A/SAlm. Brand Forsikring A/SAlm. Brand Group
Sources

Regulation

Regulation

DFSA

Danish Financial Supervisory Authority

Primary regulator and supervisor of insurance companies, pension funds, life insurers, non-life insurers, insurance brokers and other financial entities in Denmark. Responsible for licensing, prudential supervision, market conduct oversight, and publication of sector statistics. Also acts as secretariat for the Financial Business Council and the Danish Securities Council.

https://www.finanstilsynet.dk

F&P

Insurance and Pension Denmark

Danish trade association representing 84 insurance companies and pension funds operating in Denmark. Collects and publishes industry statistics, represents the sector in policy debates, and is the national member association of Insurance Europe.

https://www.fogp.dk

DFIM

Danish Motor Insurers Bureau

Guarantee fund and national Green Card Bureau that processes claims arising from uninsured or unidentified motor vehicles. Also serves as information centre and compensation body under the EU Motor Insurance Directive (2009/103/EC). Members include all insurance companies providing motor third-party liability insurance in Denmark.

https://www.dfim.dk

SGF

Danish Guarantee Fund for Non-life Insurers

Statutory guarantee fund providing cover for policyholders if a non-life insurance company becomes insolvent. All non-life insurance companies authorised to carry out insurance business in Denmark are required to be members.

https://www.skadesgarantifonden.dk

Key legislation

Key legislation

LOV nr 169 af 16/02/2025 - Lov om forsikringsvirksomhed

Insurance Business Act

Principal statute governing the regulation and supervision of insurance and reinsurance undertakings in Denmark. Sets out requirements for authorisation, solvency (implementing Solvency II Directive 2009/138/EC), governance, outsourcing, reporting and policyholder protection. Distinguishes between Group 1 (large, Solvency II-subject) and Group 2 (smaller) insurers. Entered into force 2025, replacing insurance provisions previously contained in the Financial Business Act.

LBK nr 1390 af 18/11/2025 - Lov om finansiel virksomhed (Financial Business Act)

Financial Business Act

Overarching financial sector legislation governing banks, mortgage credit institutions, and remaining financial entities. Previously the primary basis for insurance supervision in Denmark; insurance provisions are now being progressively migrated to the standalone Insurance Business Act. Continues to apply to insurance in certain cross-sector matters.

Forsikringsaftaleloven (Insurance Contracts Act, consolidated)

Insurance Contracts Act

Regulates the rights and obligations of insurers and policyholders under insurance contracts. Provides mandatory consumer-protective provisions including rules on premiums, disclosure, limitation periods and cancellation rights. Does not apply to reinsurance contracts. Applies to both life and non-life insurance.

Lov om forsikringsformidling (Insurance Distribution Act, implementing IDD 2016/97/EU)

Insurance Distribution Act

Implements the EU Insurance Distribution Directive (IDD). Governs the distribution of insurance products by insurers, intermediaries and ancillary insurance intermediaries. Sets out registration, conduct of business, transparency and professional competence requirements for insurance distributors.

LBK nr 183 af 26/02/2024 - Lov om firmapensionskasser

Company Pension Funds Act

Governs the establishment and operation of company pension funds (firmapensionskasser) that provide occupational pension benefits to employees of a single employer or group of employers. Sets out capital, governance and reporting requirements applicable to these funds.

EU cross-border access

EU cross-border insurers

Allianz Global Corporate & Specialty SE

Freedom of Services

Home country: Germany

Supervisor: BaFin (Germany)

Tilbyder storvirksomhedsforsikring i Danmark via FoS med autoriseret agent i Sverige. Aktiv på det danske erhvervsmarked.

propertyliabilitymotorother
Sources

Zurich Insurance plc

Freedom of Services

Home country: Ireland

Supervisor: Central Bank of Ireland

Tilbyder erhvervsforsikring i Danmark via FoS. Notificeret til Finanstilsynet via irsk hjemlandstilsyn.

propertyliabilitymotorother
Sources

AXA France IARD

Freedom of Services

Home country: France

Supervisor: ACPR (France)

AXA tilbyder erhvervsforsikring via FoS i Danmark notificeret gennem ACPR.

propertyliabilitymotor
Sources

Hiscox SA

Freedom of Services

Home country: Luxembourg

Supervisor: CAA (Luxembourg)

Hiscox tilbyder SMV- og specialforsikringer inkl. cyber til det danske marked via FoS. Aktiv med dansk-sproget markedsføring.

propertyliabilitycyber
Sources

Gouda Rejseforsikring (Gjensidige Forsikring ASA)

Freedom of Services

Home country: Norway

Supervisor: Finanstilsynet (Norge)

Gouda-brandet tilhører Gjensidige og tilbyder rejseforsikring direkte til danske forbrugere via FoS fra Norge. Aktivt brand på det danske rejseforsikringsmarked.

travel
Sources

Sompo Insurance (Europe) SA

Freedom of Services

Home country: Luxembourg

Supervisor: CAA (Luxembourg)

Tilbyder erhvervsforsikring i Danmark via FoS fra Luxembourg.

propertyliabilitymotor
Sources

Chubb European Group SE

Freedom of Services

Home country: France

Supervisor: ACPR (France)

Chubb tilbyder specialforsikring og erhvervsforsikring i Danmark via FoS. Aktiv på det danske erhvervsmarked via mæglere.

propertyliabilityfinancialcyber
Sources

Distribution channels

Distribution channels

45%

Direct Insurers

Tryg ForsikringAlm. BrandCodan ForsikringGF ForsikringIf ForsikringGjensidige ForsikringTopdanmark

20%

Insurance Brokers

Marsh DenmarkAon DenmarkWillis Towers WatsonFMG ForsikringsMæglerGruppenBalticfinance (Wecoya Nordics)

15%

Insurance Agents and Tied Agents

Forsia ForsikringFirst Forsikring (GGW/Wecoya)DASF (Dansk Arbejdsskadeforsikring Agentur)

12%

Bancassurance

Forsikringsselskabet Privatsikring A/S (Alm. Brand / local banks)Nykredit ForsikringDanske Bank / Danica Pension

8%

Digital / Online Direct

Next ForsikringBasisforsikringForsikring Danmark

Consumer rights

Consumer rights

1

Contact the insurer's claims handler or responsible department directly. Explain the issue. This informal first step may resolve the matter quickly.

2

Submit a written complaint to the insurer's designated complaint officer (klageansvarlig). All insurers must by law appoint one for private customer matters. The insurer must respond.

3

If the insurer upholds its decision or fails to respond, lodge a complaint with Ankenævnet for Forsikring (Insurance Complaints Board). The complaint must concern your own private insurance and have economic substance.

4

For complaints about insurance intermediaries (brokers/agents), file with Mæglingsteamet for Forbrugerklager first; if unresolved, escalate to Forbrugerklagenævnet. Dispute value must be between DKK 1,110 and DKK 100,000.

5

For complaints about foreign EU/EEA insurers operating in Denmark, use the EU Online Dispute Resolution (ODR) platform or contact the insurer's home-country dispute body.

Contacts

+45 33 55 82 82 (mandag, tirsdag og torsdag 12:00–14:00)

tel:+453355828212001400

https://ankeforsikring.dk

https://ankeforsikring.dk

https://ankeforsikring.dk

EU cross-border access

EU cross-border access

Denmark is a full EU member. Insurance and reinsurance undertakings authorised in any EU/EEA member state may operate in Denmark either by establishing a branch (freedom of establishment) or by providing services directly across borders (freedom of services) without obtaining a separate Danish licence, subject to notification procedures. Non-EU/EEA insurers must establish a Danish branch and obtain a licence from Finanstilsynet. All operators must comply with Danish rules on good insurance practice, consumer protection, and the Insurance Contracts Act.

EU Directive 2009/138/EC (Solvency II), Lov om forsikringsvirksomhed (in force 1 January 2024), Lov om forsikringsformidling (IDD implementation)

freedom of establishment

An EU/EEA-authorised insurer may establish a branch in Denmark. The home-state regulator notifies Finanstilsynet, which confirms the notification. The branch must comply with Danish conduct-of-business rules, consumer protection, and the Insurance Contracts Act. Non-life insurers must join the Danish Guarantee Fund for Non-life Insurance Companies.

freedom of services

An EU/EEA-authorised insurer may provide insurance services in Denmark on a cross-border basis without a branch. The home-state regulator notifies Finanstilsynet. Danish rules on good insurance practice, consumer protection, and the Insurance Contracts Act still apply. For non-life insurers the Danish Guarantee Fund membership obligation also applies.

Market history

Market history

1988–1999

Regulatory Consolidation and Nordic Integration

Finanstilsynet was established in 1988, unifying bank and insurance supervision. The Danish market was characterised by many small mutual insurers and moderate foreign competition. The Insurance Brokers Association (FMF) had been founded in 1980 and brokers began gaining market influence. Tryg-Baltica expanded into Norway and Sweden, reflecting early Nordic integration.

2000–2009

Nordic Consolidation Wave and EU Single Market Opening

The merger of Unidanmark (owner of Tryg-Baltica) with Meritanordbanken created Nordea in April 2000, reshaping the Nordic insurance landscape. The EU single market rules facilitated cross-border entry. The 2002 tax exemption for employer-paid health insurance spurred rapid growth in supplementary VHI, with Sygeforsikringen 'danmark' membership rising sharply.

2010–2020

Solvency II Implementation and Post-Crisis Restructuring

Denmark implemented Solvency II from 1 January 2016, introducing risk-based capital requirements and the Group 1/Group 2 distinction. The market became highly concentrated: Tryg, Topdanmark, Alm. Brand, and Gjensidige together held around 60% of non-life premiums. Digital channels began growing but remained a small segment. Gefion Insurance's insolvency (finalised around 2019–2021) underlined systemic risks of under-reserved small carriers.

2021–2026

Major M&A Wave, New Insurance Business Act and Digital Acceleration

Alm. Brand acquired Codan (completed May 2022, legal merger 31 March 2024), creating Denmark's second-largest insurer. Sampo's acquisition of Topdanmark led to the announced merger with If (effective 1 July 2026). A standalone Insurance Business Act entered into force 1 January 2024. Direct online premiums rose 7.3% in 2024, with up to 35% of new motor policies via mobile apps.

Glossary

Glossary

da

Forsikringstager

The person who has entered into the insurance contract with the insurer and is liable for paying the premium.

da

Forsikringssum

The maximum amount payable by the insurer as compensation under the insurance policy in the event of a covered loss.

da

Præmie

The price paid by the policyholder to the insurer, typically annually or monthly, in exchange for insurance coverage.

da

Selvrisiko

The amount the policyholder must pay out of pocket before the insurer covers the remaining loss. A higher excess usually means a lower premium.

da

Skadesforsikring

All insurance other than life insurance, including motor, property, liability, travel, and accident insurance.

da

Livsforsikring

Insurance that pays out a sum upon the death or survival to a specified age of the insured person, including pension and endowment products.

da

Ansvarsforsikring

Insurance covering legal liability to pay compensation for bodily injury or property damage caused to third parties. Mandatory for motor vehicles, horses, and dogs in Denmark.

da

Kaskoforsikring

Insurance covering physical damage to the insured vehicle itself, including self-caused damage and damage caused by others, in addition to third-party liability.

da

Genforsikring

Insurance purchased by an insurer from another insurer (reinsurer) to transfer part of the risk, protecting the cedant against large individual losses or catastrophe accumulations.

da

Forsikringsmægler

An independent intermediary who acts on behalf of the client, advising on coverage and negotiating terms with multiple insurers. Must be registered with Finanstilsynet.

da

Forsikringsagent

An intermediary who sells insurance on behalf of one or more specific insurers, representing the insurer's interest rather than acting independently for the client.

da

Gensidig forsikring

An insurance company owned by its policyholders (members) rather than external shareholders. Surpluses may be returned to members as profit-sharing.

da

Solvenskapitalkrav (SCR)

The EU Solvency II regulatory capital requirement that an insurer must hold to cover all risks over a one-year period with 99.5% confidence.

da

Combined ratio

Sum of claims expenses and operating costs as a percentage of earned premiums. A ratio below 100% indicates an underwriting profit; above 100% an underwriting loss.

da

Dobbeltforsikring

When the same object is insured against the same risk with two or more insurers. The total compensation paid cannot exceed the actual loss; personal insurances are an exception.

da

Dækning

The scope of risks and perils for which the insurer accepts liability under the policy. Also used to mean being insured against a specific risk.

da

Erstatningshensættelser

Technical provisions held by an insurer to cover the estimated cost of reported and unreported claims that have been incurred but not yet fully settled.

da

Arbejdsskadeforsikring

Mandatory employer insurance covering employees for work-related accidents and occupational diseases, providing compensation for injury, disability, or death.

da

Garantifonden for skadesforsikringsselskaber

Danish statutory fund protecting consumers holding personal non-life policies if their licensed insurer becomes insolvent. Membership is compulsory for all qualifying non-life carriers.

da

Forsikringsbegivenhed

A specified event or occurrence (e.g. fire, theft, accident) that triggers the insurer's obligation to pay compensation under the terms of the policy.

Market notes

FAQ

Who is the insurance regulator in Denmark?

Finanstilsynet (the Danish Financial Supervisory Authority) supervises all insurance and reinsurance undertakings, pension funds, and insurance intermediaries in Denmark. It is an agency under the Ministry of Industry, Business and Financial Affairs. Its primary mandate is to protect policyholders and ensure financial stability.

How do I complain about my insurer in Denmark?

First, complain in writing to your insurer's designated complaint officer (klageansvarlig). If the insurer upholds its decision, escalate to Ankenævnet for Forsikring (tel. +45 33 15 89 00, ankeforsikring.dk). The complaint must concern your own private insurance and have economic content. Complaints about brokers go to Forbrugerklagenævnet.

What are the main laws governing insurance in Denmark?

The principal laws are: Lov om forsikringsvirksomhed (Insurance Business Act, in force 1 January 2024, implementing Solvency II), Lov om forsikringsformidling (Insurance Distribution Act, implementing IDD), and Lov om forsikringsaftaler (Insurance Contracts Act, governing the relationship between insurer and policyholder). EU regulation also applies directly.

Which insurers have the largest market share in Denmark?

Tryg Forsikring leads with approximately 24.7% of the non-life market (Q1 2025 data from Forsikring & Pension). Alm. Brand Group (including Codan) is second with around 20%, followed by If/Topdanmark (merging in 2026, combined ~21%), Gjensidige, Sygesikringen 'danmark', and GF Forsikring.

Can foreign EU/EEA insurers sell insurance in Denmark without a Danish licence?

Yes. Insurers authorised in another EU/EEA member state may operate in Denmark either by establishing a branch (freedom of establishment) or on a cross-border services basis (freedom of services), subject to notification by their home regulator to Finanstilsynet. They must comply with Danish consumer protection and good practice rules.

Is there a guarantee fund for insurance policyholders in Denmark?

Yes. The Garantifonden for skadesforsikringsselskaber (Guarantee Fund for Non-life Insurance Companies) protects consumers holding personal non-life insurance policies if a non-life insurer becomes insolvent. All non-life insurers licensed in Denmark or operating via EU/EEA passporting must be members. It does not cover commercial insurance.

What distribution channels are most commonly used for buying insurance in Denmark?

Direct insurers (online and tied agents) dominate with roughly 45% of the market. Insurance brokers hold about 20%, primarily in the commercial segment where the four largest brokers control approximately 75% of brokered premiums. Bancassurance accounts for around 12%, while digital-only channels are growing rapidly, with online premiums up 7.3% in 2024.

What is the new Danish Insurance Business Act and when did it take effect?

Lov om forsikringsvirksomhed was passed unanimously by Folketinget on 1 June 2023 and entered into force on 1 January 2024. It replaced the insurance provisions previously embedded in the general Financial Business Act, giving the insurance and pension sector its own standalone law for the first time in 25 years. It implements Solvency II and the IDD.

Are insurance premiums rising in Denmark and why?

Yes. Motor premiums rose by double digits in 2024, driven by 6% quarterly claims inflation from EV parts costs, ADAS-sensor repairs, and labour rates. Natural disaster frequency and severity have also increased repair costs across property lines. Insurers argue the increases are actuarially necessary; the combined ratios of the largest carriers remain in the 82–88% range.

What is the role of the Ankenævnet for Forsikring?

Ankenævnet for Forsikring is an independent, authorised private complaints board established in 1975 by Forbrugerrådet Tænk and Forsikring & Pension. It handles disputes between private consumers and insurance/pension companies over the consumer's own private policies. It cannot handle commercial insurance, employees' conduct, or marketing complaints. Insurers generally comply with its rulings.

Market notes

Sources

Last reviewed: Apr 30, 2026

  1. 01
    Finanstilsynet – Forsikringsområdet (lovgivning og afgørelser)

    Official regulator page listing all insurance laws, orders, and supervisory decisions in Denmark.

  2. 02
    Finanstilsynet – Inspektion og afgørelser

    Official database of all Finanstilsynet inspection reports, orders, fines, and enforcement actions.

  3. 03
    Finanstilsynet – Solvency II Transparency (DFSA English)

    English-language FSA page on Solvency II insurance supervision objectives and statistical data.

  4. 04
    Ankenævnet for Forsikring

    Official website of the Danish Insurance Complaints Board for private consumer disputes.

  5. 05
    Forsikring & Pension – Kvartalsvise markedsandele

    Industry association publishing quarterly market-share data for Danish insurers.

  6. 06
    Forsikringsmæglerforeningen (FMF)

    Danish Insurance Brokers Association; publishes broker market data and member information.

  7. 07
    Statistics Denmark – Insurance Companies and Pension Funds

    Official statistical documentation on Danish insurance company financials from Danmarks Statistik.

  8. 08
    Chambers and Partners – Financial Services Regulation 2025: Denmark

    Legal practice guide covering Danish insurance regulation, cross-border rules, and recent FSA trends.

  9. 09
    Legal 500 – Denmark Insurance & Reinsurance Country Guide

    Country comparative guide on Danish insurance law, regulation, and market practice.

  10. 10
    Forsikringsoplysningen – Klageprocess

    Consumer information portal explaining the step-by-step complaint process for Danish insurance customers.

  11. 11