Insurance in Germany is mandatory in many cases. For existing insurance policies from your home country for Accidental Death and Disablement, Term Life, Annual Travel or Heath, it is recommended that you check with your existing insurer to ensure that your policy is valid whilst residing in Germany. Please contact a local professional for correct advice concerning the appropriate type of insurance.

 

Third-part Private Liability Insurance (Haftpflichtversicherung)

This is an insurance you must obtain. Under German law, there is no ceiling on the level of damages an individual could have awarded against them for an act they committed - even if the act was committed innocently. This insurance provides cover to you or to any insured member of your family in the event you commit an act for which a German court would consider you ordinarily negligent. Examples of ordinarily negligent may be knocking over a vase whilst visiting a shop or friend or causing bodily injury to another whilst skiing or engaging in other sports.
Separate insurance policies are required for dogs and horses, anyone driving a car, sailing a boat, piloting an aircraft and for hunting.

 

Household Contents Insurance (Hausratversicherung)

This insurance is optional and serves to indemnify you for loss of, or damage to, your possessions. Included are all belongings contained in your home. Fixtures and fittings attached to the buildings and not owned by you are generally excluded as they are the responsibility of the landlord. Coverage includes risks of fire, burglary, storm damage and/or vandalism.
In some instances, tariffs include coverage for bicycles, but this is not universal. Breakage of window panes can also be insured separately; this is a good idea when the panes of glass are large and costly to repair. Loss of keys (home or office) may also need to be insured separately.

 

Legal Assistance Insurance (Rechtsschtzversicherung)

Legal assistance insurance could save you significant amounts of money in dealing with misunderstandings or disagreements with employers, landlords, neighbours, local merchants, tax authorities and parties involved in an accident. This insurance can help to protect your rights and allow you to litigate without having to spend our own money in advance without knowing whether you will win your case and having your legal expenses reimbursed at some later date.

For agents/brokers offering services in these areas, please see the Insurance listing on the Services page