Car insurance in Germany — short English overview

Key topics

• Compare tariffs — Independent comparison page for Kfz tariffs. We do not act as a broker — we only provide information.
• Switching and cancellation — Standard cancellation deadline is 30 November. Special cancellation right after premium increase or claim.
• What is the eVB number? — You need an electronic insurance confirmation (eVB) to register a vehicle. You receive it from your insurer free of charge.
• Roadside assistance — Differences between Schutzbrief and ADAC membership — which one fits your situation?
• Frequently asked questions — Short answers to the most common questions on insurance types, premiums and claims.
• What insurance pays after an accident — A practical overview of what liability and comprehensive cover actually pay: repairs, rental car, medical costs and legal time limits.
• Driver protection cover — Standard liability does not cover the driver's own injuries in a self-caused accident. Driver protection fills this gap with income replacement and pain-and-suffering compensation.
• Mallorca clause (rental car abroad) — German car insurance can top up the low third-party liability limits that apply to rental cars in many EU countries — the Mallorca-Police extension.
• GAP cover — If a financed or leased car is written off, GAP cover bridges the difference between the insurer's payout and the outstanding loan or lease balance.
• New-for-old replacement — Within the first months of ownership, some tariffs pay the full new purchase price instead of the current market value if your car is written off.
• Purchase price replacement — Similar to new-for-old, purchase price replacement reimburses the original invoice price, offering broader protection than standard market-value payouts.
• Free choice of garage — As the injured party in a liability claim you have the right to choose your own garage and independent assessor. Comprehensive policyholders may face restrictions.
• Gross negligence and cover — Running a red light counts as gross negligence. Many modern tariffs waive their right to reduce the payout — check your policy wording carefully.
• Claims protection abroad — When you cause an accident abroad, this extension prevents your German no-claims class (SF-Klasse) from being downgraded for foreign liability claims.
• Passenger accident insurance — Pays lump-sum benefits to all vehicle occupants injured in an accident, regardless of who was at fault.
• Wildlife collision (partial cover) — Collisions with wild animals are covered under partial comprehensive. Cows and dogs are not wildlife — know the exact list before assuming cover.
• Marten damage — Bite damage to cables and hoses by martens is covered in partial cover, but consequential engine damage is excluded in most standard tariffs.
• Animal bite and cable damage — Marten bites and similar animal damage are a common cause of insurance disputes. Check whether your tariff covers consequential damage beyond the bite mark itself.
• Natural hazard damage — Flood, hail, lightning and avalanche are covered in partial comprehensive. Rising groundwater may be excluded — check the policy.
• Glass breakage — Windscreen repair is usually covered without affecting your no-claims discount. Replacement may count as a claim — prefer repair when possible.
• Motorcycle insurance — Motorcycles need separate insurance — they cannot be added to a car policy. Seasonal tariffs and mileage-based pricing can reduce the annual cost.
• Insurance for leased vehicles — Leasing contracts usually require comprehensive cover plus GAP. Some lessors also demand a maximum excess — check before choosing your tariff.
• Insuring a new car — New cars depreciate quickly. New-for-old and purchase price replacement clauses are especially valuable in the first 12–24 months.
• Insuring a used car — For older vehicles, fully comprehensive cover may not be economical. Partial comprehensive often gives the best value once a car is over five years old.
• Second car insurance — A second vehicle in the household can often benefit from a favourable no-claims class transfer from the primary driver.
• Excess (deductible) — The excess is the amount you pay yourself before the insurer contributes. A higher excess reduces your premium but increases your out-of-pocket cost in a claim.
• No-claims class safety net (Rabattretter) — The Rabattretter limits how far your no-claims class falls after a claim — it does not prevent a downgrade entirely but stops it hitting the costly penalty zone.
• Electric vehicle insurance — EVs need cover for battery, home charger and charging cable that standard tariffs often lack. Specialist EV tariffs close these gaps.
• Battery protection — The high-voltage battery can cost over €15,000 to replace. Check that your policy explicitly covers deep discharge, external charging faults and fire regardless of cause.
• Charging cable theft and damage — Charging cables cost up to €800 and are frequently stolen at public charging points. Specialist EV tariffs often include theft and damage cover; standard tariffs usually do not.
• Home charger (Wallbox) insurance — A home wallbox costs €500–2,500. Depending on how it is mounted, cover falls under home contents, buildings or the car policy — or may fall through the gaps.