1. Is Car Insurance Mandatory in Germany?
Yes, car insurance is mandatory in Germany. Every car owner must have at least third-party liability insurance (Kfz-Haftpflichtversicherung) before they can register their vehicle.
Without valid insurance, you cannot drive or register a car in Germany.
2. Types of Car Insurance in Germany
There are three main types of car insurance in Germany:
a) Liability Insurance (Kfz-Haftpflichtversicherung) – Mandatory
• Covers damage to other people’s property and medical expenses in case of an accident you cause.
• Minimum coverage:
• €7.5 million for personal injury per person
• €1.12 million for property damage
• €50,000 for financial losses
• Does NOT cover damage to your own vehicle.
b) Partial Comprehensive Insurance (Teilkasko) – Optional
• Covers damage to your own vehicle from:
• Theft
• Fire and explosions
• Storm, hail, flooding
• Glass breakage
• Short circuits in the electrical system
• Animal bites (e.g., marten damage)
• Does NOT cover accidents caused by you.
c) Fully Comprehensive Insurance (Vollkasko) – Optional
• Covers everything included in Teilkasko, plus:
• Damage you cause to your own car
• Vandalism
• Hit-and-run incidents
• Recommended for new or expensive cars.
3. What Factors Affect Car Insurance Costs?
a) Type and Age of the Car
• Expensive or new cars → Higher insurance costs.
• Older cars → Lower premiums, but may not be worth getting full coverage.
b) Driving Experience and Age
• New drivers & younger drivers (<25 years) → Higher insurance premiums.
• Experienced drivers → Lower costs.
c) No-Claims Bonus (Schadenfreiheitsklasse, SF-Klasse)
• The longer you drive without an accident, the cheaper your insurance gets.
• Starts at SF0 (new drivers) → Discounts increase with each accident-free year.
d) Where You Live
• Big cities (e.g., Berlin, Munich, Hamburg) → Higher premiums due to more accidents.
• Rural areas → Lower costs.
e) Annual Mileage (Kilometerleistung)
• Fewer kilometers driven = Lower premiums.
f) How You Use the Car
• Personal use is cheaper than business use.
4. How to Get Car Insurance in Germany
Step 1: Compare Providers
Use comparison websites like:
• Check24
• Verivox
Step 2: Choose the Right Coverage
• If you have a new or expensive car → Vollkasko.
• If you have a used car (>5 years old) → Teilkasko or just Haftpflicht.
Step 3: Get an eVB Number (Elektronische Versicherungsbestätigung)
• This is a digital confirmation from your insurance provider.
• Required to register your car at the Straßenverkehrsamt (vehicle registration office).
Step 4: Register Your Car
• Bring the eVB number to the Zulassungsstelle (registration office) to get your car registered.
5. What to Do in Case of an Accident?
1. Stay calm and secure the scene.
2. Call the police (110) if there are injuries or major damage.
3. Exchange details (name, license plate, insurance info).
4. Take photos of the accident and damage.
5. Inform your insurance company ASAP.
6. FAQs for Expats About Car Insurance in Germany
Can I drive in Germany with my foreign car insurance?
• EU licenses & insurance → Usually valid.
• Non-EU licenses & insurance → Need German insurance if staying longer than 6 months.
Can I transfer my no-claims bonus (SF-Klasse) from another country?
• Maybe. Some insurers accept foreign no-claims records (from the UK, USA, etc.), but it depends on the company.
How do I cancel my car insurance?
• Annual contracts auto-renew unless canceled by November 30 for the next year.
• Immediate cancellation is possible if:
• You sell your car.
• You move abroad.
• The insurer increases the price.
7. Final Tips for Expats
✅ Compare insurance providers to get the best deal.
✅ Choose your coverage wisely (Vollkasko for new cars, Teilkasko for older cars).
✅ Drive carefully to maintain a good SF-Klasse discount.
✅ Cancel on time if switching insurers.
Conclusion
Car insurance in Germany can seem complicated, but once you understand the different types, costs, and requirements, it becomes much easier. Whether you’re a new expat or have been here for years, choosing the right Kfz-Versicherung will help you stay protected on the road. 🚗💨