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Car Insurance in Germany: Everything You Need to Know

 

Car Insurance in Germany: Everything You Need to Know

Germany is world-renowned for its engineering excellence, especially in the automotive industry. It's the birthplace of prestigious car brands like Mercedes-Benz, BMW, Audi, and Volkswagen. Naturally, with such a strong car culture comes a well-structured and strictly regulated car insurance system.

Whether you're a German resident, an expat, or a newcomer planning to drive in Germany, understanding how car insurance works is essential. From mandatory liability insurance to optional coverage types, claim processes, costs, and driving legalities, this article explores everything you need to know about car insurance in Germany.


1. Overview of Car Insurance in Germany

In Germany, having car insurance is not optional—it is a legal requirement. The system is tightly monitored, and every vehicle that operates on public roads must have at least liability insurance.

Key Facts:

  • Insurance is tied to the vehicle, not the driver.

  • It is mandatory to show proof of insurance before vehicle registration.

  • Insurance is influenced by driver history, car type, location, and usage.

There are three main types of car insurance in Germany:

  1. Haftpflichtversicherung (Third-party liability insurance) – Mandatory

  2. Teilkaskoversicherung (Partial coverage)

  3. Vollkaskoversicherung (Comprehensive coverage)


2. Mandatory: Liability Insurance (Haftpflichtversicherung)

What It Covers:

  • Bodily injury to others

  • Property damage

  • Financial losses caused to third parties

This is the minimum legal requirement, and without it, you cannot register or drive your car in Germany.

Who Needs It?

  • Every car owner

  • Residents and non-residents with cars registered in Germany

  • Even parked vehicles must be insured unless declared off-road

The policy covers damage you cause to others, but not your own car or injuries.


3. Optional: Partial Coverage (Teilkaskoversicherung)

This insurance adds protection for your own car against specific risks, including:

  • Theft

  • Fire, explosion

  • Natural disasters (storm, hail, flood)

  • Glass damage (windshield cracks)

  • Short-circuit damage

  • Animal collisions (wild animals)

Who Should Consider It?

  • Owners of new or valuable cars

  • People living in areas with natural hazard risks

  • Those looking for more peace of mind without paying for full coverage


4. Optional: Comprehensive Insurance (Vollkaskoversicherung)

The most complete car insurance option in Germany, covering:

  • All Teilkasko (partial) coverage

  • Damage to your own car, even if you’re at fault

  • Vandalism

  • Damage caused by hit-and-run drivers

  • Coverage for driver errors or negligence

Ideal For:

  • Brand new or high-value vehicles

  • Leased or financed cars (often required by lenders)

  • Drivers who want maximum protection

Vollkasko is more expensive but provides extensive financial security.


5. How Insurance Premiums Are Calculated

Car insurance premiums in Germany are not fixed—they vary based on several key factors:

A. Driver History (Schadenfreiheitsklasse - SF-Klasse):

  • The longer you drive without making a claim, the lower your risk class.

  • New drivers start at a higher premium and drop gradually over time.

B. Type of Car (Typklasse):

  • Based on statistics: accident rates, theft data, and repair costs for each car model.

  • Sports cars = high premiums; small hatchbacks = lower premiums.

C. Where You Live (Regionalklasse):

  • Areas with more accidents or thefts have higher premiums.

  • Big cities like Berlin or Frankfurt are generally more expensive than rural towns.

D. Age and Experience:

  • Young or new drivers usually pay more.

  • Senior drivers (over 60) may also see increased premiums.

E. Annual Mileage:

  • The more you drive, the higher the risk.

  • You’ll be asked to estimate your yearly kilometers.

F. Parking Conditions:

  • Garaging your car at night reduces premiums.

  • Street parking raises theft/damage risk.


6. Insurance Providers in Germany

There are dozens of car insurance companies in Germany, offering competitive rates and online services.

Major Providers:

  • Allianz

  • HUK-Coburg

  • AXA

  • DEVK

  • ERGO

  • DA Direkt

  • Gothaer

  • R+V Versicherung

Most offer online calculators and comparison tools. You can purchase policies entirely online or via brokers.


7. Green Card and Driving Abroad

Germany is part of the Green Card system, which facilitates car insurance across European countries.

What the Green Card Does:

  • Proof that your German liability insurance is valid abroad.

  • Required when driving outside the EU or in specific non-EU countries.

It’s usually free and provided upon request by your insurer.


8. Registering a Car in Germany: Insurance First

To register your vehicle, you need a confirmation of insurance (eVB number).

Steps to Register a Car:

  1. Purchase insurance and receive an eVB number (Elektronische Versicherungsbestätigung).

  2. Bring it to the Zulassungsstelle (registration office).

  3. Register the car and receive license plates.

  4. You’re legally ready to drive.

Without valid insurance, registration is impossible.


9. Making a Claim: The Process

If You’re Involved in an Accident:

  1. Exchange details with the other driver (name, plate, insurer).

  2. Take photos of damages and scene.

  3. Contact your insurance provider.

  4. File a police report if needed (especially for theft or hit-and-run).

  5. Insurance companies will assess the claim and reimburse or repair.

Note: In Germany, you are not required to call the police for minor accidents unless there are injuries or legal disputes.


10. Cancellation and Switching Insurance

You can switch insurers at the end of each calendar year with notice by November 30th. This allows you to save money if you find a better deal.

Other Times You Can Cancel:

  • After a claim has been settled

  • If your premium is increased

  • If you sell the car


11. Special Considerations for Expats and Foreigners

A. Driving License:

  • EU licenses are valid.

  • Non-EU drivers can use their license for 6 months, then must exchange it.

B. International Driving Records:

  • German insurers may not accept foreign driving histories.

  • As a result, expats often start at high premium levels.

Tip: Some insurers offer expat-friendly policies if you can prove accident-free history with documents.


12. Electric Vehicle Insurance in Germany

With the rise of e-mobility, insurance for electric vehicles (EVs) is becoming more common and tailored.

What’s Covered:

  • Damage to battery and charging cables

  • Wall box/home charger coverage

  • Fire risks specific to EVs

  • Towing to EV-compatible garages

Many insurers now offer eco-discounts for hybrid and electric vehicles.


13. Common Add-ons and Extras

Some insurers offer additional services for extra cost:

  • Breakdown assistance (Schutzbrief)

  • Legal protection insurance (Verkehrsrechtsschutz)

  • No-claims bonus protection

  • Free rental car during repairs

  • Glass repair and towing

These can provide peace of mind but will increase your premium.


Conclusion

Car insurance in Germany is an essential and legally required part of vehicle ownership. While the system may seem complex at first, it offers robust protection for drivers, passengers, and third parties. By understanding the different coverage types, how premiums are calculated, and your legal obligations, you can confidently navigate the roads of Germany.

Whether you're an experienced German driver or a newcomer from abroad, investing in the right car insurance can save you time, money, and stress in the long run.

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