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Insurance for nurseries and kindergartens in Germany: what the operator needs

Running a Kita in Germany means taking over the supervision of other people's children every day. If a child is hurt, the statutory accident fund normally pays. If a child damages someone else's property or injures a third party, it becomes a liability question for the operator. Add premises, playground, kitchen, trips and events, and the operator's liability policy becomes the core, with contents and extra accident cover around it.

The question almost everyone asks first

Does a small parent-run Kita or association really need its own liability policy?

Yes. With the care contract, supervision passes from the parents to the operator, who carries it out through staff. Under section 832 of the German Civil Code (BGB), the person responsible for supervision is liable for damage a child causes unless they prove supervision was adequate. Buildings, play equipment and rented rooms add further duties. Whether you are an association, a parent initiative or a non-profit company, without liability cover the claim falls on the organisation's own money.

Who is liable in a Kita: operator, staff or child

Parents hand over supervision to the operator through the care contract, and the operator fulfils it through managers, qualified staff and assistants. If a child in care harms a third party, the claim under section 832 BGB is aimed at whoever had the duty of supervision. The law presumes that supervision failed, so the operator has to prove otherwise.

Children under seven are not liable themselves under section 828 BGB. In a Krippe or Kindergarten almost every incident caused by a child therefore lands with the facility. How close supervision has to be depends on age, group and situation: courts expect more on a walk along a road than in a fenced garden.

The accident fund, not liability insurance, pays for injured children

Children in day care facilities are covered by German statutory accident insurance under section 2(1) no. 8a of Social Code VII, and an accident in the Kita is treated like a workplace accident. The Unfallkasse pays for treatment, rehabilitation and, where needed, a pension. Parents pay nothing; the cost is borne by the public sector. Trips and the journey to and from the Kita are included.

In return, claims by the child against the operator and staff are largely excluded under sections 104 and 105 SGB VII unless the harm was intentional. If the operator caused the accident intentionally or through gross negligence, the Unfallkasse can recover its costs under section 110 SGB VII. The operator's liability policy is what absorbs that recourse claim.

Premises, playground, kitchen and events

Beyond supervision, the operator is liable for safe rooms and outdoor areas, play equipment, clearing snow and ice and meals from its own kitchen. Rented premises bring damage to the landlord's property into play, a master key system the risk of lost keys. Summer parties, lantern walks and flea markets are events that should be included.

Many Kitas are registered associations with a volunteer board and parents who help on trips or with renovation. Whether these helpers, interns and volunteers are named in the policy is an important point to check. Mistakes by the board in running the association are a matter for D&O cover.

Kita or childminder: two different classes

This page covers facilities run by an operator: Krippe, Kindergarten, Kita, after school care (Hort), parent initiatives and workplace nurseries. Childminders (Tagesmütter and Tagesväter) insure themselves as individuals with their own liability policy. There is a separate page for childminder liability.

What is covered

  • Statutory liability of the operator arising from care and supervision
  • Damage children in care cause to third parties, including children under seven
  • Personal liability of managers, educators and assistants while on duty
  • Premises, playground and duty to keep them safe
  • Trips, forest days and the facility's own events
  • Recourse claims by the accident fund under section 110 SGB VII
  • Defence against unjustified claims, including in court
  • Damage to rented rooms, children's belongings and lost keys, where included

What is not covered

  • Damage caused intentionally
  • Damage arising from the use of motor vehicles, for example a minibus
  • The Kita's own furniture, toys and equipment (contents insurance)
  • Loss of income after a closure unless separately insured
  • Workplace accidents of staff, handled by statutory accident insurance
  • Management errors of the board without a financial loss extension

Who needs it

  • Registered associations and parent initiatives running a Kita or play group
  • Church based and independent operators and non-profit companies with Krippe, Kindergarten or Hort
  • Employers with a workplace nursery
  • Support associations organising events and trips for a Kita
  • Operators planning new groups, new sites or building work

Who does not need it

  • Childminders in home based day care (separate class)
  • Municipal Kitas covered through the municipality's own insurance

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. Child scratches a parked car, paintwork, often four figures. Budget policy: pays, Strong policy: pays. A child under seven is not liable. The owner claims against the operator, and the liability insurer checks supervision and pays or defends.
  2. Accident fund claims recourse, treatment and rehab, up to six figures. Budget policy: pays, Strong policy: pays. After gross negligence the Unfallkasse can recover its costs under section 110 SGB VII. Liability cover pays; only intent is excluded.
  3. Child's glasses get broken, a few hundred euros. Budget policy: does not pay, Strong policy: pays. Children's belongings are often excluded. Strong policies name glasses, hearing aids and clothing.
  4. Master key lost, new locking system, often four figures. Budget policy: does not pay, Strong policy: pays. Lost third party keys need their own extension with a separate limit.
  5. Water damage in rented rooms, repairs, five figures. Budget policy: pays in part, Strong policy: pays. Damage to rented premises is only covered with an extension and an adequate limit.
  6. Kita closed for weeks, temporary rooms and lost income. Budget policy: does not pay, Strong policy: does not pay. Liability cover never pays the operator's own losses. That needs contents, interruption or closure insurance.

What it costs

The premium depends on size and type of facility, usually measured in places, groups or staff, and on the modules chosen. Because liability, contents, extra accident cover and closure cover are often sold as one package, there is no general price, and no reliable independent comparisons are published. We therefore do not quote example premiums.

What drives the premium

  • Number of places, groups and employees
  • Age of children: Krippe, Kindergarten or Hort
  • Limit of indemnity and deductible
  • Own kitchen, animals, swimming and transport
  • Owned or rented premises, size of outdoor area
  • Modules such as contents, accident or closure cover
  • Claims history

The premium is fixed in the quote once the insurer knows places, services and premises.

The policy levels on the market

01

Liability for small facilities

For parent initiatives and play groups: operator liability with supervision, premises and staff, helpers and board included, solid combined limit.

02

Kita package

Liability with extensions for children's belongings, lost keys and rented premises, plus contents insurance and optional group accident cover for the children.

03

Master policy for larger operators

Several facilities in one contract, automatic cover for new sites, closure cover and agreed safety obligations.

How to recognise a good policy

CriterionMinimum standardStrong policyWhy it matters
Limit of indemnity EUR 3 million combined EUR 10 million combined or more A seriously injured third party can cost millions.
Supervision named explicitly only implied explicitly covered, including children under seven Almost every Kita claim turns on supervision.
Insured persons operator and employees also board, parent helpers, interns and volunteers In associations many people help without being employed.
Children's belongings excluded glasses, hearing aids and clothing included These claims are frequent and cause disputes with parents.
Lost keys excluded third party keys and locking systems with own limit Replacing a landlord's locking system is expensive.
Damage to rented premises excluded included with an adequate limit Many Kitas operate in rented buildings.
Abuse exclusion excluded for everyone operator remains covered for organisational fault The perpetrator must have no cover, but the operator should when accused of failings.

Insurers on the German market

Kita liability is written by many German property and casualty insurers as business or association liability, some with dedicated concepts for day care facilities. Municipal facilities are often covered by municipal insurers. The list describes the German market; it says nothing about which insurers we work with.

InsurerBackground
Allianzdedicated Kita offer with business liability and contents cover
ARAGassociation insurance with an offer for Kitas run by associations
GVVmunicipal insurer for local authorities and their facilities
R+Vinsurer of the German cooperative banks, commercial and association clients
Haftpflichtkassemutual insurer specialising in liability, sold through brokers
Gothaercommercial lines through agents and brokers

Compare the wordings of all tariffs Nursery insurance 4 tariffs from 3 providers, as of 24 October 2026

From the BaFin register

137

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

(Allgemeine Haftpflicht, Unfall, Summenversicherung)

Show all 137 names from the register
  • ACM Versicherung AG
  • ADAC Versicherung AG
  • ADLER Versicherung AG
  • AGILA Haustierversicherung Aktiengesellschaft
  • Allcura Versicherungs-Aktiengesellschaft
  • 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.
  • Bayerischer Versicherungsverband Versicherungsaktiengesellschaft
  • BD24 Berlin Direkt Versicherung AG
  • BGV-Versicherung Aktiengesellschaft
  • Concordia Versicherungs-Gesellschaft auf Gegenseitigkeit
  • 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
  • ERGO Direkt Versicherung Aktiengesellschaft
  • ERGO Reiseversicherung AG
  • ERGO Versicherung Aktiengesellschaft
  • Euro-Aviation Versicherungs-Aktiengesellschaft
  • EUROPA Versicherung Aktiengesellschaft
  • Fahrlehrerversicherung Verein auf Gegenseitigkeit
  • Feuersozietät Berlin Brandenburg Versicherung Aktiengesellschaft
  • GARANTA Versicherungs-Aktiengesellschaft
  • Gemeinnützige Haftpflichtversicherungsanstalt Kassel
  • Generali Deutschland Versicherung AG
  • 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
  • Haftpflichtgemeinschaft Deutscher Nahverkehrs- und Versorgungsunternehmen Allgemein (HDNA) VVaG
  • Hamburger Feuerkasse Versicherungs-Aktiengesellschaft
  • HanseMerkur Allgemeine Versicherung AG
  • HanseMerkur Reiseversicherung AG
  • 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-LOGISTIC Versicherungs-Aktiengesellschaft
  • KRAVAG-SACH Versicherung des Deutschen Kraftverkehrs Versicherungsverein auf Gegenseitigkeit
  • KS Versicherungs-Aktiengesellschaft
  • Landschaftliche Brandkasse Hannover
  • LBN Versicherungsverein a.G. (VVaG)
  • 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
  • MVK Versicherung VVaG
  • MÜNCHENER VEREIN Allgemeine Versicherungs-AG
  • NEH Neue Hildener Versicherung AG
  • Neodigital Versicherung AG
  • neue leben Unfallversicherung Aktiengesellschaft
  • Newline Europe Versicherung AG
  • nexible Versicherung AG
  • NV-Versicherungen VVaG
  • NÜRNBERGER Allgemeine Versicherungs-Aktiengesellschaft
  • NÜRNBERGER BEAMTEN ALLGEMEINE VERSICHERUNG AKTIENGESELLSCHAFT
  • OKV - Ostdeutsche Kommunalversicherung auf Gegenseitigkeit
  • Ostangler Brandgilde, 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
  • RheinLand Versicherungs Aktiengesellschaft
  • Rhion Versicherung Aktiengesellschaft
  • S DirektVersicherung Aktiengesellschaft
  • SAARLAND Feuerversicherung Aktiengesellschaft
  • 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
  • Versicherer im Raum der Kirchen Sachversicherung AG
  • Versicherungskammer Bayern Versicherungsanstalt des öffentlichen Rechts
  • Versicherungsverband Deutscher Eisenbahnen-Versicherungsverein auf Gegenseitigkeit
  • Verti Versicherung AG
  • VHV Allgemeine Versicherung AG
  • VHV Vereinigte Hannoversche Versicherung a.G.
  • VOLKSWOHL-BUND SACHVERSICHERUNG AKTIENGESELLSCHAFT
  • VPV Allgemeine Versicherungs-AG
  • VRK Versicherungsverein auf Gegenseitigkeit im Raum der Kirchen
  • Waldenburger Versicherung Aktiengesellschaft
  • 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

Business or association liability with Kita terms

The core: the operator's liability for supervision, operations and premises, with the extensions a children's facility needs.

Contents insurance

Furniture, toys, kitchen and materials against fire, water, storm and burglary.

Group accident insurance for children

Adds a lump sum for permanent disability on top of the accident fund and may apply outside care hours.

Closure and business interruption

Extra costs and lost income after property damage or an official closure, for example temporary rooms.

D&O for the board

Protects volunteer and paid board members against claims for breaches of duty in management.

Myth or truth

True or false?

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

Parents pay for their child's statutory accident cover at the Kita.

This is false.

Wrong. Cover under section 2(1) no. 8a SGB VII is free for parents; the public sector bears the cost.

A three year old is not liable for damage they cause.

This is true.

True. Under section 828 BGB children under seven cannot be held liable, so claims go to whoever had supervision.

If a child is injured, the Kita usually has to pay damages for pain and suffering.

This is false.

Usually not. The accident fund pays, and claims against operator and staff are largely excluded under sections 104 and 105 SGB VII unless the harm was intentional.

The accident fund can recover its costs from the operator after gross negligence.

This is true.

Yes, under section 110 SGB VII. That is why recourse belongs in every Kita liability policy.

An accident only has to be reported if the child goes to hospital.

This is false.

No. As soon as a child needs medical treatment, an accident report goes to the Unfallkasse within three days.

Common mistakes

  • Using parents, interns and board members as helpers without naming them in the policy
  • Opening a new group or site without telling the insurer
  • Filing the accident report late or not at all
  • Signing a lease that shifts liability without insuring damage to rented premises
  • Letting children ride in private cars without clarifying motor cover
  • Relying on the accident fund and choosing too low a liability limit

Frequently asked questions

Questions and answers

Frequently asked

Who pays if a child is injured at the Kita?

Normally the Unfallkasse.

Children in day care facilities are covered under section 2(1) no.

8a SGB VII at no cost to parents.

If a child needs medical treatment, the Kita files an accident report within three days.

Can the family also sue the operator for damages?

Usually not.

Sections 104 and 105 SGB VII largely exclude claims against the operator and staff after an

insured accident unless it was caused intentionally.

Civil courts are bound by the accident fund's decision.

What is recourse by the accident fund?

If the operator caused the accident intentionally or through gross negligence,

the Unfallkasse can recover its costs under section 110 SGB VII,

capped at what would be owed under civil law.

Operator liability insurance covers this, except for intent.

Is the operator liable if a child scratches a parked car?

Under section 832 BGB, yes, if supervision was inadequate,

and the operator has to prove it was adequate.

The liability insurer assesses the case, pays valid claims and defends unjustified ones.

Are educators covered personally?

In a good Kita policy, yes: managers, educators and assistants are covered while on duty.

Check that interns, volunteers and parent helpers are named too.

Do we need extra accident cover for the children?

It is not required because the Unfallkasse pays.

Group accident insurance can still make sense,

because it pays a lump sum for lasting harm and may apply outside care hours.

Does a Kita policy cover a childminder?

No.

Childminders need their own liability policy.

A Kita policy only covers care organised by the operator.

Why use a broker?

Kita policies differ widely on insured persons, lost keys, rented premises,

abuse exclusions and automatic cover for growth.

We obtain quotes, compare the terms and help with claims.

The insurer pays our fee.

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