The Costs of Owning a Car in Poland: Taxes, Insurance, and Maintenance in Poland  

A car owner is independent and free in Poland. A driver can take trips or just drive around the Poland wherever he/she wants to go. The car owner not only feels the freedom and convenience but there are also a number of expenses that go beyond the price of the car that have to be incurred.

Whether you are a student who is going to take the theoretical driving exam or a resident considering car ownership, understanding these expenses is very important in making the best possible financial choices.

If you are planning to acquire a car, it is key to understand that the monetary obligations that may rise due to the major expenses related to car ownership in Poland are due to the major expenses such as taxes, insurance, and maintenance.

Taxes

In Poland, motor vehicle owners are required to pay the payment of particular taxes depending on the engine size and fuel type of the vehicle. Excise tax is one of the basic taxes charged when buying a car, especially if it is imported from a country outside the European Union.

The amount of money you have to pay is determined by the engine size of the car which is due to the fact that vehicles with lower engine sizes are generally subjected to lower taxes as opposed to cars with larger engines, much more so those if 2000 cc or more.

There is also an annual road tax that can be imposed by the local government. Although the cost is usually very small, it is nonetheless something that will have to be added to the expenses of car ownership.

If your vehicle is determined to have a high emission, you might need to pay an ecological tax. The reason for this is to control the high number of ageing and more polluting vehicles on the road through the additional expense.

In the long run, the strengthening of emission standards should increase many vehicles as such forces can become more expensive.

Insurance

The third-party liability insurance (OC) covers the loss that other people or their property suffers when the policyholder is found to be guilty. Occupancy Certificate insurance cost normally depends on several factors, such as the car’s make and model and the age of the driver.

For example, those who are younger will generally have higher insurance premiums. OC insurance fees are approximately between PLN 1000 and PLN 2000 yearly on average.

Comprehensive Air Conditioner Insurance (AC) is voluntary, however, it is suggested that if you opt for it, your car will be covered for incidents such as theft or accidents.

Additional available insurance possibilities involve personal accident coverage, which shields the drivers and passengers from accidents, as well as a twisting program that assists in situations when cars are not running on the road.

Although they could raise the overall cost of having a car, these insurance policies are something that the car owner may consider in case they have an emergency.

Maintenance

The proper functioning of a car in Poland entails regular service, repairs, and other maintenance costs. The cost of keeping your car in good condition is directly linked to its age and overall condition. With the new cars needing fewer repairs and the older ones needing more frequent fixes, the time assortment is reducing.

With the regular maintenance system already being implemented, a “badanie techniczne” is the second necessary check-up in Poland that a vehicle must have once it gets three years old. The test is designed to certify that the vehicle is in a safe driving condition and meets safety standards.

When a car fails the test, additional costs are charged to repair it to a legal standard are required. Ignoring this can lead to penalties and the loss of motor insurance protection.

Parking Charges

In Poland, parking can be an additional regular expense for the car owners, especially in larger cities, and they are mostly paid either through parking meters or mobile apps. The exact cost of parking will vary according to the location and the time of day, whereas prices are generally higher in the city center and at popular tourist spots.

• Public parking prices may range between 2 PLN to 6 PLN per hour,
• The first hour’s cost may start at 4.50 PLN and may exceed per hour.

In addition to public parking, car owners can park their vehicles in private parking spaces or apply for residential parking permits. These permits come with a high fee and can only be enjoyed after obtaining them.

A few spaces could be of private property, leased to a tenant, who then lets the space monthly, hence leasing costs would be the third of all ownership costs.

Unexpected Repairs

Brief repairs, such as replacing a damaged part, can empty your wallets, so it is crucial to save money for possible fixes. On average, some 1000 to 2000 PLN is the recommended amount for regular maintenance and repairs annually.

Routine Maintenance

Routine maintenance would cover tasks like checking the oil, brakes, and tyres, along with the provision of replacements where needed. The prices of such services may vary from 200 PLN to 500 PLN per visit to undergo maintenance procedures and an annual technical inspection.

Owning a car means the owner must pay for costs such as parking fees, tolls, taxes, insurance, fuel, and maintenance that add up quickly, which can cost you a high amount in the cities.

If you want to get more information about the expenses that a car can cost, you can check the Service of the Republic of Poland website to know more, or you can even visit our website to learn more about the price driving test or the theoretical driving license concepts to understand all expenses involved.