Insurance for fire protection and extinguisher service companies in Germany
A powder extinguisher goes off during servicing in a server room, a serviced extinguisher fails in a workshop fire, a dozen pressure vessels ride in the van. Fire protection and extinguisher service companies in Germany work on equipment that others rely on when it matters. Here is what is compulsory, which insurance carries the typical losses and what it costs.
Who pays if an extinguisher I serviced fails in a fire?
If a servicing error is proven, you are liable for the consequences, which can go far beyond the value of the extinguisher. Public liability carries this if servicing is an insured activity and the limit is high enough. Keep an inspection record for every service so you can prove your work.
What goes wrong in this trade
01
Extinguisher fails
In a fire a serviced unit does not work and the damage grows. The client's insurer checks your service records.
02
Powder in the server room
An extinguisher discharges during servicing and powder spreads through equipment and ventilation.
03
Pressure vessels
A container bursts during refilling or transport, and staff or others are injured.
04
Advice errors
Too few extinguishers, the wrong agent, a patchy fire safety plan: the client claims the extra cost.
05
Many journeys
Customers across the region every day, often with a full van and little time.
06
Theft
Extinguishers, spare parts and tools disappear from vans or the store.
From three service vehicles a fleet policy bundles them all.
What it costs: example prices
Insurers rarely publish rates for fire protection services. The premium depends on turnover, staff, sales of equipment, advice and the limit of indemnity.
Insurance
Example
Typical range
Business liability
Sole trader, servicing and sales, €3 million limit including financial loss
about €400 to €800 a year
Business liability
Service company with five technicians, €5 million limit
about €1,200 to €2,800 a year
Professional indemnity
Fire safety officer, €250,000 for financial loss
about €300 to €700 a year
Car insurance
Service van, business use, third party and partial cover
about €800 to €1,600 a year
Business contents
Store with refilling station and units worth €60,000
about €300 to €700 a year
For comparison: Public liability for a small fire protection company costs about as much a year as servicing thirty to forty extinguishers.
All premiums are guide values from our quoting work, excluding German insurance premium tax,
as of October 2026.
The motor liability minimums are set in the Compulsory Insurance Act,
Six things fire protection technicians really go through, all on one day. Tap through and see who pays.
Damage so far€35,900
Changing lanes on the way to the first client, the van hits another car.
€3,400 · Paid by: Car insurance
A powder extinguisher discharges in a server room; equipment and ventilation must be cleaned.
€16,000 · Paid by: Business liability
A client says your fire safety plan has gaps and has it redone by a consultancy.
€4,500 · Paid by: Professional indemnity
A valve bursts during refilling and a technician injures his hand.
€3,000 · Paid by: Accident insurance
A large client cancels the service contract and does not pay open invoices.
€2,200 · Paid by: Business legal expenses
Burglary at the store: spare extinguishers and tools are gone.
€6,800 · Paid by: Business contents
Which package would you have had?
Paid by insurance: €0
Out of your own pocket: €35,900
Illustrative amounts before any excess.
What is paid depends on the policy terms.
Practical tips from your broker
Have servicing, sales and advice described separately as activities in your liability policy.
Check whether financial loss from advice and inspection reports is included.
Keep an inspection record for every service with date, unit and result.
Cover sensitive equipment in server rooms and kitchens before you start.
Secure pressure vessels in the van and tell your motor insurer about the load.
Consider a fleet policy from three vehicles.
Why NAMMERT for your business
We read the small print
For fire protection companies, what decides is whether work on site and financial loss are covered. As an insurance broker, Norman Nammert compares the wording of several insurers for you.
Vehicles, store and liability together
Service vans, store, liability and your personal insurance all run through one contact.
Broker since 1989
A family business, not tied to any insurer. Our service is free for you; the insurer pays our commission. We advise in English.
Frequently asked questions
Questions and answers
What insurance is compulsory for a fire protection company in Germany?
Motor liability for every vehicle.
Public liability is not required by law, but commercial clients often ask for it.
How often must extinguishers be serviced?
Under ASR A2.2 every two years by a competent person.
If the manufacturer allows longer intervals, the employer may use them;
shorter manufacturer intervals must be followed.
What does public liability cost?
For sole traders about €400 to €800 a year,
for companies with several technicians about €1,200 to €2,800,
as guide values from our quoting work.
Am I covered as a fire safety officer under public liability?
Not always.
Advice can cause pure financial loss,
which needs professional indemnity or extended financial loss cover.
Who pays if an extinguisher discharges during servicing?
Public liability for damage to other people's property,
if damage caused by work on site is included.
Cleaning equipment after a powder discharge is often the expensive part.
NAMMERT insurance broker
Request quotes for Extinguisher service
The recommended covers are ticked.
Change what does not fit; we compare quotes, in English.
Thank you, we have your request.
We will be in touch within one working day. If it is urgent: +49 3375 29 12 77.
