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Heat pump insurance in Germany: closing the gaps in your buildings policy

German buildings insurance (Wohngebäudeversicherung) only pays for the perils it lists: fire, escaping water, storm and hail. Heat pumps usually fail in other ways, through short circuits, grid surges, martens chewing cables, vandalism or a stolen outdoor unit. Insurers offer home systems add-ons and standalone heat pump policies for this.

The question almost everyone asks first

Is my heat pump covered by my German buildings insurance?

Partly. Permanently installed heating usually counts as part of the building, but it is only covered against the named perils: fire, lightning, escaping water, storm and hail. Under the 2022 model conditions (VGB 2022), a power surge is only covered if lightning caused it. Short circuits, surges from the grid, animal bites, vandalism and theft are missing. If the outdoor unit stands on its own base in the garden, it may not even count as part of the building. Tell your insurer about the system and ask about a home systems add-on.

Why buildings insurance often does not pay

In Germany, buildings insurance is named perils cover. It does not pay because something broke, only if one of the listed perils caused the damage. For a heat pump, fire and storm are rarely the cause. More often the control board fails after a grid surge, a marten bites through a cable, or someone damages the outdoor unit.

Under the model conditions published by the German insurers association in 2022, power surges are only covered if lightning or atmospheric electricity caused them. Theft and vandalism are not among the basic perils at all. Many insurers write better terms, but you only know once you have read your own policy.

The outdoor unit: part of the building or not?

An outdoor unit fixed to the house wall usually counts as part of the building. One that stands on its own base a few metres away may be treated as another fixture on the plot, which not every policy includes. German consumer advice centres recommend having anything installed outside added to the contract explicitly.

Thefts of outdoor units have become a real issue, because the units are expensive and quick to unbolt. Even where theft is included, some policies cap it at a few thousand euros, far below the price of a new system.

Add-on or separate policy?

The simplest route is a heat pump or home systems add-on with the same insurer that covers your building. Then there is no argument after a loss about which contract applies. Finanztest recommended exactly that in December 2024, even if it means switching your buildings insurer. Some policies include the heat pump at no extra cost.

Standalone heat pump policies also exist, independent of who insures the building. Most are all risks: any sudden and unforeseen damage is covered unless excluded. Check that wallbox, home battery and air conditioning can be added if you have or plan them.

What is covered

  • Short circuit, overcurrent and power surges, depending on the policy also without lightning
  • Operating errors and carelessness
  • Vandalism and malicious damage
  • Animal bites, for example martens chewing cables
  • Theft of the outdoor unit, wallbox or parts, often with its own limit
  • Frost, ice and snow load on outdoor equipment
  • Design, material and workmanship defects in all risks policies
  • Repairs, fault finding, spare parts, call out and labour

What is not covered

  • Wear, tear and ageing
  • Limescale, corrosion and sludge
  • Damage the manufacturer or installer must pay for under warranty
  • Defects known when the policy started
  • Consumables such as filters and fuses
  • Consequences of missing maintenance where the policy requires it

Who needs it

  • Homeowners in Germany with a heat pump, especially with a freestanding outdoor unit
  • Owners of a wallbox, home battery, air conditioning or extensive smart home systems
  • Anyone who has just replaced an old boiler with new heating technology
  • Owners whose older buildings policy does not mention home systems

Who does not need it

  • A separate contract, if your buildings policy already covers the heat pump against short circuit, surges, animal bites, vandalism and theft with a sufficient sum

Wheel of misfortune

Spin the wheel of bad luck

Six things that really happen. The wheel picks yours and shows who pays.

See all six cases
  1. Surge from the grid, control board, often 1,000 to 3,000 euros. Budget policy: does not pay, Strong policy: pays. Without lightning, surges are usually not covered by buildings insurance. A home systems add-on pays the repair.
  2. Outdoor unit stolen overnight, new system including installation. Budget policy: does not pay, Strong policy: pays. Theft is not a basic peril. Good add-ons pay up to the agreed sum, some only up to a low sublimit.
  3. Marten chews the cables, a few hundred to a thousand euros. Budget policy: does not pay, Strong policy: pays. Animal bites are not on the list of basic perils. Heat pump add-ons regularly include them.
  4. Lightning strikes the house, electronics of heating and wallbox. Budget policy: pays, Strong policy: pays. Surges caused by lightning are already covered by buildings insurance, provided the system counts as part of the building.
  5. Compressor worn out after 14 years, replacement, often several thousand euros. Budget policy: does not pay, Strong policy: does not pay. No insurance pays for wear and ageing. Extended warranties exist for that, usually via manufacturer or installer.
  6. Wrong setting, unit freezes up, repair and fault finding. Budget policy: does not pay, Strong policy: pays. Operating errors and frost damage to the outdoor unit are only covered by all risks cover. A waiver for gross negligence helps.

What it costs

In the Finanztest survey (issue 12/2024), heat pump add-ons to buildings insurance cost from 19 euros a year, the most expensive 343 euros. Standalone policies tend to cost more depending on the system. Some buildings policies include the heat pump at no extra charge.

What drives the premium

  • Purchase price of the heat pump and other systems
  • Type: air source, ground source with boreholes or groundwater
  • Age of the system when cover starts
  • Wallbox, battery and air conditioning included or not
  • Excess per claim
  • Add-on with your buildings insurer or separate policy

The range comes from the Finanztest survey 12/2024 and applies to add-ons. Your premium is only fixed in the quote.

The policy levels on the market

01

Buildings insurance only

Fire, lightning, escaping water, storm and hail. Surges usually only after lightning, no theft, no animal bites.

02

Heat pump add-on

Adds short circuit, surges, animal bites, vandalism and often theft, with a separate limit for the system.

03

All risks home systems

Any unforeseen damage to heat pump, heating, wallbox, battery and air conditioning, including operating and material errors, but not wear.

How to recognise a good policy

CriterionMinimum standardStrong policyWhy it matters
Sum insured for home systems 25,000 euros replacement value of all systems, also above 50,000 euros Finanztest recommends at least 25,000 euros, and a new heat pump including installation often costs more.
Electrical damage short circuit and surges also without lightning plus electronic failure of control boards without external cause The control electronics are the most sensitive part of the system.
Theft outdoor unit and wallbox included up to the full sum insured, no low sublimit Some policies pay only a few thousand euros for theft.
Covered equipment heat pump including outdoor unit also boreholes, wallbox, battery, air conditioning and smart home If you add equipment later, you should not need a second contract.
Settlement basis current value after a few years new for old for many years For a ten year old system, the deduction decides a large share of the payout.
Gross negligence reduction depending on fault no reduction Forgetting frost protection or a wrong setting can count as grossly negligent.
Costs beyond the repair labour and spare parts plus fault finding, crane, groundwork and temporary heating With ground source systems or roof units, side costs often exceed the part itself.

Insurers on the German market

In Germany, home systems are mostly covered by the large buildings insurers as an add-on, plus a few specialists with standalone heat pump policies. Terms and limits change often. This list is a market overview, not a rating.

InsurerBackground
Allianzbuildings insurance with heat pump cover, agents and brokers
HUK-COBURGadd-on to buildings insurance
Alte Leipzigerbuildings insurance with home systems, broker channel
VHVstandalone heat pump insurance, broker insurer
SIGNAL IDUNAseparate policy for home systems and smart home
Waldenburgerstandalone heat pump insurance, part of the Würth group
Württembergischehome systems and heat pump add-ons to buildings insurance

From the BaFin register

155

155 insurers supervised by BaFin, the German regulator, are licensed for this class of insurance.

(Hagel-, Frost- und sonstige Sachschäden, Feuer)

Show all 155 names from the register
  • ACM Versicherung AG
  • ADAC Autoversicherung AG
  • ADAC Versicherung AG
  • ADAC Zuhause Versicherung AG
  • ADLER Versicherung AG
  • Allianz Direct Versicherungs-AG
  • Allianz Global Corporate & Specialty SE
  • Allianz Versicherungs-Aktiengesellschaft
  • Alte Leipziger Versicherung Aktiengesellschaft
  • Ambra Versicherung AG
  • AMMERLÄNDER VERSICHERUNG Versicherungsverein a.G. (VVaG)
  • andsafe Aktiengesellschaft
  • ARAG Allgemeine Versicherungs-Aktiengesellschaft
  • Astra Versicherung AG
  • AXA Versicherung Aktiengesellschaft
  • BA die Bayerische Allgemeine Versicherung AG
  • Badischer Gemeinde-Versicherungs-Verband
  • Baloise Sachversicherung Aktiengesellschaft Deutschland
  • Barmenia Allgemeine Versicherungs-Aktiengesellschaft
  • BavariaDirekt Versicherung AG
  • Bayerische Hausbesitzer-Versicherungs-Gesellschaft a.G.
  • Bayerische Landesbrandversicherung Aktiengesellschaft
  • Bayerischer Versicherungsverband Versicherungsaktiengesellschaft
  • BD24 Berlin Direkt Versicherung AG
  • Bergische Brandversicherung Allgemeine Feuerversicherung V.a.G.
  • BGV-Versicherung Aktiengesellschaft
  • CG Car-Garantie Versicherungs-Aktiengesellschaft
  • Concordia Versicherungs-Gesellschaft auf Gegenseitigkeit
  • CONSTANTIA Versicherungen a.G.
  • Continentale Sachversicherung Aktiengesellschaft
  • Cosmos Versicherung Aktiengesellschaft
  • DA Deutsche Allgemeine Versicherung Aktiengesellschaft
  • DARAG Deutschland AG
  • Debeka Allgemeine Versicherung Aktiengesellschaft Sitz Koblenz am Rhein
  • Delvag Versicherungs-AG
  • DEVK Allgemeine Versicherungs-Aktiengesellschaft
  • DEVK Deutsche Eisenbahn Versicherung Sach- und HUK-Versicherungsverein a.G. Betriebliche…
  • DFV Deutsche Familienversicherung AG
  • Dialog Versicherung Aktiengesellschaft
  • Die Haftpflichtkasse VVaG
  • DOCURA VVaG
  • Dolleruper Freie Brandgilde
  • Domestic & General Insurance Europe AG
  • ERGO Direkt Versicherung Aktiengesellschaft
  • ERGO Reiseversicherung AG
  • ERGO Versicherung Aktiengesellschaft
  • EUROPA Versicherung Aktiengesellschaft
  • EXTREMUS Versicherungs-Aktiengesellschaft
  • Fahrlehrerversicherung Verein auf Gegenseitigkeit
  • Feuer- und Einbruchschadenkasse der BBBank in Karlsruhe, Versicherungsverein auf…
  • Feuersozietät Berlin Brandenburg Versicherung Aktiengesellschaft
  • GARANTA Versicherungs-Aktiengesellschaft
  • Gartenbau-Versicherung VVaG
  • Gebäudeversicherungsgilde für Föhr,Amrum und Halligen
  • Generali Deutschland Versicherung AG
  • GGG Kraftfahrzeug-Reparaturkosten-Versicherungs-Aktiengesellschaft
  • Gothaer Allgemeine Versicherung Aktiengesellschaft
  • Gothaer Versicherungsbank VVaG
  • Great Lakes Insurance SE
  • GRUNDEIGENTÜMER-VERSICHERUNG Versicherungsverein auf Gegenseitigkeit
  • GVO Gegenseitigkeit Versicherung Oldenburg VVaG
  • GVV Direktversicherung AG
  • GVV-Kommunalversicherung, Versicherungsverein auf Gegenseitigkeit
  • Hagelgilde Versicherungsverein a.G., gegründet 1811
  • Hamburger Beamten-Feuer-und Einbruchskasse
  • Hamburger Feuerkasse Versicherungs-Aktiengesellschaft
  • Hamburger Lehrer-Feuerkasse
  • HanseMerkur Allgemeine Versicherung AG
  • HanseMerkur Reiseversicherung AG
  • Harsewinkeler Versicherung VaG
  • HDI Global SE
  • HDI Global Specialty SE
  • HDI Haftpflichtverband der Deutschen Industrie Versicherungsverein auf Gegenseitigkeit
  • HDI Versicherung AG
  • Helvetia Schweizerische Versicherungsgesellschaft AG Direktion für Deutschland
  • Helvetia Versicherungs-Aktiengesellschaft
  • HUK-COBURG Haftpflicht-Unterstützungs-Kasse kraftfahrender Beamter Deutschlands a.G. in Coburg
  • HUK-COBURG-Allgemeine Versicherung AG
  • HUK24 AG
  • Häger Versicherungsverein auf Gegenseitigkeit
  • Hübener Versicherungs-Aktiengesellschaft
  • IDEAL Versicherung AG
  • INTER Allgemeine Versicherung AG
  • Interlloyd Versicherungs-Aktiengesellschaft
  • InterRisk Versicherungs-AG Vienna Insurance Group.
  • ISSELHORSTER Versicherung V.a.G.
  • Itzehoer Versicherung/Brandgilde von 1691 Versicherungsverein auf Gegenseitigkeit
  • Janitos Versicherung Aktiengesellschaft
  • KRAVAG-ALLGEMEINE Versicherungs-Aktiengesellschaft
  • KRAVAG-LOGISTIC Versicherungs-Aktiengesellschaft
  • Landschaftliche Brandkasse Hannover
  • LBN Versicherungsverein a.G. (VVaG)
  • Lehrer-Feuerversicherungsverein a.G. für Schleswig-Holstein, Hamburg und Mecklenburg-Vorpommern
  • Lifestyle Protection AG
  • Lippische Landesbrandversicherung AG
  • Lucura Versicherungs AG
  • LVM Landwirtschaftlicher Versicherungsverein Münster a.G.
  • Mannheimer Versicherung Aktiengesellschaft
  • Markel Insurance SE
  • Mecklenburgische Versicherungs-Gesellschaft auf Gegenseitigkeit
  • Mercedes-Benz Versicherung AG
  • MVK Versicherung VVaG
  • MÜNCHENER VEREIN Allgemeine Versicherungs-AG
  • NEH Neue Hildener Versicherung AG
  • Neodigital Versicherung AG
  • Neuendorfer Brand-Bau-Gilde
  • Newline Europe Versicherung AG
  • nexible Versicherung AG
  • Nordhemmer Versicherungsverein auf Gegenseitigkeit
  • NV-Versicherungen VVaG
  • NÜRNBERGER Allgemeine Versicherungs-Aktiengesellschaft
  • NÜRNBERGER BEAMTEN ALLGEMEINE VERSICHERUNG AKTIENGESELLSCHAFT
  • OKV - Ostdeutsche Kommunalversicherung auf Gegenseitigkeit
  • Ostangler Brandgilde, Versicherungsverein auf Gegenseitigkeit (VVaG)
  • OSTBEVERNER Versicherungsverein auf Gegenseitigkeit (VVaG)
  • Pallas Versicherung Aktiengesellschaft
  • ProTect Versicherung AG
  • Provinzial Nord Brandkasse Aktiengesellschaft
  • Provinzial Versicherung Aktiengesellschaft
  • PVAG Polizeiversicherungs-Aktiengesellschaft
  • R+V Allgemeine Versicherung Aktiengesellschaft
  • Real Garant Versicherung Aktiengesellschaft
  • RheinLand Versicherungs Aktiengesellschaft
  • Rhion Versicherung Aktiengesellschaft
  • S DirektVersicherung Aktiengesellschaft
  • SAARLAND Feuerversicherung Aktiengesellschaft
  • Schleswiger Versicherungsverein auf Gegenseitigkeit
  • SCHNEVERDINGER Versicherungsverein a.G.
  • SHB Allgemeine Versicherung VVaG
  • SIGNAL IDUNA Allgemeine Versicherung Aktiengesellschaft
  • SIGNAL IDUNA Unfallversicherung a. G.
  • Sparkassen-Versicherung Sachsen Allgemeine Versicherung Aktiengesellschaft
  • Stuttgarter Versicherung Aktiengesellschaft
  • SV SparkassenVersicherung Gebäudeversicherung Aktiengesellschaft
  • TRIAS Versicherung Aktiengesellschaft
  • Uelzener Allgemeine Versicherungs-Gesellschaft a.G.
  • Union Reiseversicherung Aktiengesellschaft
  • uniVersa Allgemeine Versicherung AG
  • Vereinigte Hagelversicherung VVaG
  • Vereinigte Tierversicherung, Gesellschaft auf Gegenseitigkeit
  • Versicherer im Raum der Kirchen Sachversicherung AG
  • Versicherungsverband Deutscher Eisenbahnen-Versicherungsverein auf Gegenseitigkeit
  • VHV Allgemeine Versicherung AG
  • Volkswagen Versicherung Aktiengesellschaft
  • VOLKSWOHL-BUND SACHVERSICHERUNG AKTIENGESELLSCHAFT
  • VPV Allgemeine Versicherungs-AG
  • Waldenburger Versicherung Aktiengesellschaft
  • WERTGARANTIE SE
  • WGV-Versicherung AG
  • WWK Allgemeine Versicherung Aktiengesellschaft
  • Württembergische Gemeinde-Versicherung auf Gegenseitigkeit
  • Württembergische Versicherung Aktiengesellschaft
  • Würzburger Versicherungs-AG
  • Zurich Insurance Europe AG
  • Öffentliche Feuerversicherung Sachsen-Anhalt

Source: BaFin company database, 18 September 2026; EU insurers without a German office excluded.

Legal basis and sources

Products and add-ons

Heat pump add-on to buildings insurance

Extends your existing policy to electrical damage, animal bites, vandalism and often theft. One contact for house and system.

All risks home systems add-on

Covers any unforeseen damage to all home systems, from boiler to wallbox, with its own limit.

Standalone heat pump policy

Independent of the buildings policy, useful if your buildings insurer has no good add-on.

Repair and extended warranty cover

Pays repairs after the manufacturer warranty ends, sometimes also internal defects. No substitute for theft or vandalism cover.

Myth or truth

True or false?

Five things people say about this insurance. Guess first, then see the answer.

A boiler in the basement is part of the building and covered by buildings insurance.

This is true.

True, permanently installed heating usually counts as part of the building. But it is only covered against the perils in the policy, such as fire and escaping water, not against every breakdown.

Any heat pump breakdown is an insurance claim.

This is false.

No. Wear, limescale and ageing are excluded, and without an add-on buildings insurance only pays for the listed perils.

An outdoor unit in the garden may be treated differently from one on the house wall.

This is true.

Correct. Freestanding units on their own base count as other fixtures on the plot under some policies, which are not included everywhere.

Every German buildings policy covers power surges.

This is false.

Under the model conditions only when lightning caused them. Grid surges and short circuits need an extended policy.

Some buildings policies include the heat pump at no extra cost.

This is true.

Yes. In its 12/2024 survey, Finanztest found recommended policies in which heat pump cover is already included.

Common mistakes

  • Not telling your buildings insurer about the new heat pump
  • Assuming buildings insurance pays for any heating breakdown
  • Not having a freestanding outdoor unit included explicitly
  • Overlooking the theft sublimit in the small print
  • Not keeping maintenance records
  • Taking out two contracts with two insurers who then point at each other after a loss

Frequently asked questions

Questions and answers

Frequently asked

Does buildings insurance pay if my heat pump fails after a power surge?

Only if lightning caused the surge or your policy covers surges in general.

A surge from the grid is not covered under the German model conditions.

A home systems or heat pump add-on closes this gap.

Is the outdoor unit covered against theft?

Usually not in plain buildings insurance, because theft is not a listed peril there.

Good add-ons and standalone policies include it, sometimes with a lower separate limit.

Check whether that limit matches the price of your system.

Do I need to tell my insurer about the heat pump?

Yes.

New heating changes the value of the building,

and an outdoor unit in the garden is not automatically part of it in every policy.

Notify the insurer in writing and ask for confirmation of how it is covered.

Will insurance pay if the heat pump simply wears out?

No.

Wear, tear and ageing are excluded in every policy.

Only sudden, unforeseen damage is covered.

For age related failures there are extended warranties, often through the manufacturer.

Are wallbox and home battery covered too?

Permanently installed equipment usually counts as part of the building,

but only against the basic perils.

For electronic damage, marten bites and theft you need an add-on here as well.

Good home systems policies include wallbox, battery and air conditioning in the same sum.

How high should the sum insured be?

At least the new price of all systems including installation.

Finanztest recommends at least 25,000 euros for heat pumps.

Ground source systems add drilling and groundwork costs, which a good policy also pays.

Is maintenance required for cover?

Many policies require professional installation and regular servicing by a qualified firm.

Without proof, the insurer may reduce payment if the damage is linked to it.

Keep your service records.

Which is better: add-on or separate policy?

Usually the add-on with your buildings insurer, because then one contract covers house and system.

A separate policy makes sense if your buildings insurer has no suitable add-on and switching is

not an option.

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