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Musical instrument insurance in Germany: cover for rehearsals, gigs and travel

If you play in Germany, your instrument is covered at home by German household contents insurance (Hausratversicherung), but only against fire, burst pipes, storm and burglary. Most damage happens elsewhere: in the car, at rehearsal, on stage or in the hold of a plane. That is what a dedicated instrument policy is for, usually written on an all risks basis.

The question almost everyone asks first

Does my German contents insurance cover my instrument?

At home, against named perils only: fire, water from pipes, storm, hail and burglary. A guitar falling off its stand is not one of them. Away from home, contents policies usually pay up to 10 percent of the sum insured, only while the item is inside a building, and for no more than three months. Transport is not covered. If you rehearse, perform or travel with your instrument, you need separate instrument insurance.

Named perils versus all risks

German contents insurance lists the perils it covers. Anything not on that list is not insured, so a cracked neck, a dented bell or a cymbal stand knocked over at home are your own loss. Many expats are surprised, because policies in other countries sometimes include accidental damage as standard.

Instrument insurance works the other way round. It pays for any sudden and unforeseen damage or loss unless an exclusion applies. Typical exclusions are wear and tear, damage from climate, humidity or pests, and intent. Note that some German contents policies exclude items that are insured separately, so the two contracts should fit together.

On the road: cars, rehearsal rooms and flights

Most thefts happen from cars. Many instrument policies only pay if the car was locked and the instrument could not be seen from outside. On top of that, a night clause often applies: if the instrument stays in a car parked outdoors between 10 pm and 6 am, theft is not covered. Some policies start the clause at midnight, and some waive it for an extra premium.

When you fly, the airline is liable for checked baggage under the Montreal Convention only up to 1,519 Special Drawing Rights per passenger, a little under EUR 2,000. That rarely covers a cello or a double bass. A good policy includes transport in the aircraft hold.

Insuring the right value

You insure a value that you declare, backed by an invoice or a valuation. If it is too low, the insurer reduces any claim in proportion, which is called underinsurance. Old string instruments and sought after vintage guitars often rise in value, so have the value checked every few years.

For valuable instruments an agreed value (Taxe) is worth asking for: the value is fixed when the policy starts, so there is no argument about market value after a loss. Also ask whether loss of value after a repair is covered. A repaired crack leaves a violin worth less than before.

What is covered

  • Accidental damage such as drops, cracks and breakage
  • Theft, including theft away from home, depending on the terms
  • Theft from a locked car, within the time rules of the policy
  • Transport by car, train, bus and in the aircraft hold, if included
  • Damage during rehearsals, lessons and performances
  • Fire, water, storm and burglary at home
  • Accessories such as cases, bows, amplifiers and effects, if included
  • Loss of value after a repair, in better policies

What is not covered

  • Wear and tear, for example strings, drum heads, bow hair and pads
  • Damage from climate, humidity, temperature changes and pests
  • Theft from a car at night, where the policy excludes it
  • Intent, and gross negligence with a reduced payout depending on the policy
  • Purely cosmetic damage such as scratches, often excluded
  • Electronic faults without external cause, depending on the terms

Who needs it

  • Professional musicians in orchestras, bands and ensembles
  • Music students with a valuable own or borrowed instrument
  • Amateur musicians who regularly drive to rehearsals or play gigs
  • Bands that transport instruments, amps and PA together
  • Music teachers who travel to pupils or schools

Who does not need it

  • A separate policy for an inexpensive instrument that never leaves your flat and that you could replace yourself. German contents insurance is enough for that.

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. Guitar tips off its stand, repair by a luthier. Budget policy: pays, Strong policy: pays. Drops and breakage are the core of all risks cover. German contents insurance would pay nothing, even at home.
  2. Violin stolen from the car at night, the full value of the instrument. Budget policy: does not pay, Strong policy: pays. With a night clause, theft between 10 pm and 6 am from a car parked outdoors is not covered. Strong policies waive it.
  3. Cello broken in the aircraft hold, repair or total loss. Budget policy: pays in part, Strong policy: pays. The airline is only liable up to 1,519 Special Drawing Rights. Basic policies often cover Germany only, strong ones include flights.
  4. Beer spilled into the keyboard, repair or new instrument. Budget policy: pays, Strong policy: pays. An accident on stage is sudden and unforeseen damage. For electronics, check that they are expressly included.
  5. Crack glued, value gone down, loss of value on top of the repair. Budget policy: does not pay, Strong policy: pays. After a repair a string instrument is often worth less. Only policies with loss of value cover make up the difference.
  6. Wood cracks in dry air, repair by a violin maker. Budget policy: does not pay, Strong policy: does not pay. Climate, humidity and temperature changes are excluded. Only care helps here, not insurance.

What it costs

The premium is a rate on the declared value. Published German rates are roughly 1 to 3.5 percent of the instrument value per year, plus 19 percent insurance tax. Modern instruments with electronics and worldwide cover cost more, a deductible lowers the premium.

What drives the premium

  • Value of the instrument and accessories
  • Type of instrument: strings, wind, guitar, drums, electronics
  • Territory: Germany, Europe or worldwide
  • Private or professional use
  • Waiver of the night clause for cars
  • Deductible and minimum premium

Guide figures from published German tariffs and consumer guides, 2026. Many policies have a minimum premium, which makes cover for very cheap instruments poor value. Your premium is fixed in the quote.

The policy levels on the market

01

Contents insurance with away from home cover

Protects at home and temporarily inside other buildings, against named perils only. No accidental damage, no transport.

02

Basic instrument policy

All risks within Germany, theft from cars only by day, accessories with a small limit. Suits amateurs and students.

03

Professional instrument policy

Europe or worldwide, aircraft hold, night clause waived or relaxed, loss of value, agreed value and a hired replacement instrument.

How to recognise a good policy

CriterionMinimum standardStrong policyWhy it matters
Basis of cover all risks all risks with a short, clear list of exclusions Only then is a fall from the stage or the stand covered.
Car and night clause locked car, daytime only around the clock or clause from midnight only After a gig the instrument often stays in the car late at night.
Territory Germany Europe or worldwide, including the aircraft hold Tours, masterclasses and holidays otherwise end at the border.
Insured value invoice value agreed value based on a valuation, with updates Old instruments rise in value, an agreed value avoids disputes.
Loss of value not covered loss of value after repair included A repaired crack noticeably lowers the value of a string instrument.
Gross negligence reduction by degree of fault no reduction up to a set amount A case left briefly on a platform is quickly treated as grossly negligent.
Accessories and cases case included bows, amps and effects with their own sum A good bow can be worth as much as the instrument.
Borrowed instruments on request borrowed and rented instruments included Students often play instruments owned by a university or foundation.

Insurers on the German market

In Germany a few specialists have insured musical instruments for decades, alongside large property insurers with their own policies. Terms differ most on cars, night clauses and flights. This list is a market overview.

InsurerBackground
Mannheimerspecialist musician cover under the Sinfonima brand, Continentale group
Nürnbergerinstrument policy for Germany or worldwide
WGVdirect insurer from Stuttgart with its own music policy
BGVinsurer from Baden with instrument cover
Allianzinstrument insurance, agents and brokers
ERGOart and music cover, part of Munich Re

Compare the wordings of all tariffs Instrument insurance 8 tariffs from 8 providers, as of 24 October 2026

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)

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

Single instrument, private

For students and amateurs with one valuable instrument, usually covering Germany or Europe.

Professional musician policy

Several instruments and accessories in one contract, with touring, flights and often an agreed value.

Band policy

A band's instruments, amps and PA insured with one sum, including shared transport.

Borrowed instrument

Cover for an instrument lent by a university, foundation or dealer, often required by the lender.

Myth or truth

True or false?

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

At home, German contents insurance covers my instrument against burglary.

This is true.

True. Musical instruments count as household contents and are covered at home against fire, water, storm, hail and burglary, up to the sum insured.

If my guitar falls off its stand at rehearsal, contents insurance pays.

This is false.

No. A fall is not one of the named perils. Only all risks cover, as offered by instrument insurance, pays for it.

If my instrument breaks in the hold, the airline pays its full value.

This is false.

Usually not. Under the Montreal Convention its liability for baggage is capped at 1,519 Special Drawing Rights per passenger unless you declared a higher value at check in.

An old instrument can rise in value until the sum insured is no longer enough.

This is true.

Correct. Good string instruments and sought after vintage guitars often become more expensive. If the sum is too low, claims are reduced in proportion.

Every instrument policy pays in full even if I was grossly negligent.

This is false.

No. Many policies reduce the payout according to the degree of fault, for example when a case was left unattended on a platform. Better ones waive the reduction up to a set amount.

Common mistakes

  • Assuming German contents insurance pays when the instrument falls off the stage
  • Leaving the instrument in the car overnight after a gig
  • Keeping the purchase price from twenty years ago as the insured value
  • Forgetting to insure the case, bow and amplifier
  • Flying abroad with a policy that only covers Germany
  • Playing a borrowed university instrument without your own cover

Frequently asked questions

Questions and answers

Frequently asked

Is my instrument covered by my German contents insurance?

At home yes, but only against fire, water from pipes, storm, hail and burglary.

Away from home the outside cover usually pays up to 10 percent of the sum insured,

only inside buildings and for at most three months.

Accidental damage and transport are not covered.

What does all risks mean?

Any sudden and unforeseen damage or loss is covered unless it is expressly excluded.

In a dispute, the insurer has to prove that an exclusion applies,

rather than you proving which peril caused the loss.

Is my instrument covered in the car?

By day usually yes, if the car was locked and the instrument was out of sight.

At night many policies exclude theft from a car parked outdoors, typically from 10 pm to 6 am.

Some policies have no such clause.

What does the airline pay if my instrument breaks in the hold?

Under the Montreal Convention at most 1,519 Special Drawing Rights per passenger,

a little under EUR 2,000, for all of your baggage.

More is only possible with a special declaration of value at check in.

An instrument policy with flight cover closes the gap.

Which value should I insure?

Today's replacement value, backed by an invoice or a valuation.

If the sum is too low the insurer pays proportionally less.

For old or valuable instruments an agreed value based on a valuation is the safest option.

I am a professional musician. What should I look for?

Your instrument is your livelihood, and losing it costs fees.

Look for worldwide cover, transport in the aircraft hold,

a waived night clause and whether a hired replacement is paid during repairs.

Can I get a quote in English?

Yes, we advise in English.

The policy documents themselves are usually in German, and the German text is the binding one.

We explain the key clauses for you.

Are cracks from dry heating air covered?

As a rule, no.

Damage from climate, humidity, temperature changes and pests is treated as avoidable and is

excluded.

A humidifier in the case is cheaper than any repair.

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