Car insurance in Germany: types and classes of cover

This article is dated as shown. Laws, fees and prices have changed since then. Check the figures before you rely on them.

When preparing for registration and your first drive, clarify which insurance you need and obtain the policy conditions. Liability insurance and cover for your own vehicle serve different purposes; no policy name means protection against every possible cost.

Types of insurance in Germany

Car insurance comes in three types:

• Haftpflicht (-versicherung): third-party liability insurance, which is compulsory.
• Teilkasko: intermediate (or partial) cover for the vehicle.
• Vollkasko: voluntary cover for your own vehicle under the terms of the policy.

Haftpflicht (-versicherung): what to know

The cost of Haftpflicht depends on the insurer's conditions and on the details of the driver and the vehicle. Dividing drivers simply into beginners and experienced drivers does not describe every factor in the calculation.

The range of 150-1000 euros is the price guide from the article of 12.10.2018; the current premium is determined by the insurer's offer. From the article of 12.10.2018: “Indicative prices: from 150 to 1000€, depending on your choice and the parameters of the car. Premiums are paid once a year, every six months, quarterly or monthly. Monthly payments work out more expensive than paying for the whole year at once. The company you choose also affects the price. The liability insurance calculator helps you work out the exact amount payable when taking out cover for each vehicle class.”

Partial cover

Teilkasko may cover certain individual risks, for example glass damage, fire or natural events. The list of events, the excess and the exclusions are set by the policy. A full payout for any such event is not guaranteed in advance.

From the article of 12.10.2018: “For example, for a VW GOLF VII, partial cover will cost a novice driver 179€ per month and 2148€ per year.”

Vollkasko as a fully comprehensive package

Vollkasko can extend the protection of your own vehicle, including certain damage caused by the driver's own fault. Who is permitted to drive, which events are covered and how much will be deducted must be checked in the conditions. The name does not mean that the insurance “covers everything”.

Where to calculate the cost

To calculate the cost, prepare the details of the vehicle, the drivers and the intended use. Compare offers by cover, excess and exclusions; the final conditions are set by the insurer.

Before taking out a policy, check the insurer's offer and the date on which cover begins.