01
Basic
Cover of 5 to 10 million €, limited rental damage, few add-ons. Meets the legal liability but leaves typical everyday gaps open.
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Personal liability insurance in Germany: the policy Germans ask about first
In Germany, anyone who negligently causes damage to someone else pays for it in full, with no upper limit. Private liability insurance (Privathaftpflicht) pays justified claims and fights unjustified ones. It is not compulsory, but it is so common that many Germans are surprised when a newcomer does not have it.
The question almost everyone asks first
Do I really need personal liability insurance in Germany?
Yes, for almost everyone it is the first policy to take out after health insurance. German civil law makes you liable for the full amount of any damage you cause negligently, including lifelong costs if you injure someone. A good policy costs roughly 45 to 100 euros a year for a single person. Unlike in the UK, it is not part of your contents insurance, so you need a separate contract.
Do the maths
The liability clock: what one accident can cost
You knock down a pedestrian on your bike and they need care for life. Under German law you pay their lost income and care for as long as they live. Set realistic values.
No interest, inflation or pension indexation, so the real figure is higher. Bars: your case against 5, 10 and 50 million euros of cover.
Why Germans treat it as a basic
Section 823 of the German Civil Code (BGB) obliges anyone who negligently injures another person or damages their property to compensate them fully. There is no cap. If you knock over a cyclist while crossing the road and they cannot work again, you may owe loss of earnings and care costs for decades. That is why consumer advisers in Germany list this policy right after health insurance.
Many newcomers assume their home country cover travels with them. A liability section in a British home insurance policy or an American renters policy normally only applies while you live in that country. Once you register an address in Germany (Anmeldung), you need a German policy.
What it means for renting a flat
Landlords and letting agents in Germany sometimes ask whether you have Privathaftpflicht. It is not a legal requirement for renting, but damage to a rented flat is one of the most common claims: a cracked washbasin, a burnt worktop, a water leak into the flat below. Good policies include this rental damage (Mietsachschäden); normal wear and tear is never covered.
The second classic is lost keys. Many German apartment buildings use a central locking system. If you lose a key, the landlord may be entitled to replace the whole system, which can cost several thousand euros. Check that loss of keys is included and how high the limit is.
Children, dogs and small boats
Under German law, children under seven are not liable for damage they cause, and in road traffic not before their tenth birthday (Section 828 BGB). If your toddler scratches a neighbour's car, nobody has to pay unless your policy voluntarily covers children below that age. Most good policies do, up to a stated limit.
Dogs and horses are excluded and need separate pet liability insurance, which is compulsory for dogs in several German states. Cats are normally included. Rowing boats and small sailing dinghies are often covered, motorboats only up to a low engine power. For larger boats you need boat liability insurance, which we offer with our own cover concept.
What is covered
- Bodily injury, property damage and resulting financial loss caused to third parties
- Defence against unjustified claims, including court costs
- Damage to rented living space
- Loss of other people's keys, including your landlord's and often your employer's
- Damage caused by children too young to be liable, if included
- Damage while helping a friend for free, such as during a move, if included
- Default cover: your own loss if someone who damages your property cannot pay
- Temporary stays abroad, often for one year or longer depending on the policy
What is not covered
- Damage caused intentionally
- Damage to your own belongings or between people insured under the same policy
- Anything related to your job or a business
- Dogs, horses and larger animals
- Cars, motorbikes and e-scooters that need an insurance plate
- Larger motorboats and sailing yachts
- Contractual promises beyond what the law requires
Who needs it
- Anyone who has registered an address in Germany
- Tenants, because damage to a rented flat and lost keys are frequent claims
- Families with young children
- Cyclists and anyone who moves around the city a lot
Who does not need it
- Students who are still covered under their parents' German family policy
- Anyone already named on their spouse's or registered partner's policy
Wheel of misfortune
Spin the wheel of bad luck
Six things that really happen. The wheel picks yours and shows who pays.
Cost:
Budget policy
Strong policy
See all six cases
- Washing machine floods flat below, around 3,000 to 20,000 € for ceiling, floor and furniture. Budget policy: pays, Strong policy: pays. Every German liability policy pays for your neighbour's damage. Your own floor is a matter for contents or building insurance.
- Lost the key to your rented flat, a few hundred €, over 5,000 € if the whole lock system goes. Budget policy: does not pay, Strong policy: pays. Many German buildings use a master key system, and one lost key can mean new locks for every door. Basic policies often exclude or cap this, strong ones pay.
- Your child's scooter scratches a Porsche, around 1,500 to 4,000 €. Budget policy: does not pay, Strong policy: pays. Under-sevens are not liable in Germany, so a basic policy has nothing to pay. Strong policies settle anyway, up to an agreed limit.
- Cyclist knocks down a pedestrian, six figures, with lasting injury into the millions. Budget policy: pays, Strong policy: pays. Injury claims include lost earnings and care costs for years. This is why German advisers recommend high limits.
- Your drone lands on a parked car, around 500 to 3,000 €. Budget policy: does not pay, Strong policy: pays. Drone liability insurance is compulsory in Germany. Many basic policies exclude drones, stronger ones include private drones up to a weight limit.
- You drop your own phone, a few hundred €. Budget policy: does not pay, Strong policy: does not pay. Liability insurance only pays for damage to other people. Your own belongings need contents or gadget cover.
What it costs
Personal liability insurance is one of the cheapest policies in Germany. The difference between a basic and a good policy is often only twenty to forty euros a year, while the difference in what is covered is large.
| Example | Typical range |
|---|---|
| Single, aged 30, no previous claims | about 45 to 100 € a year |
| Couple without children | about 55 to 115 € a year |
| Family with two children | about 60 to 130 € a year |
What drives the premium
- Household: single, couple or family
- Cover amount and deductible
- Add-ons such as lost keys, default cover or drones
- Occupation, for example discounts for public-sector employees
- Contract length and payment frequency
Guide figures from published German market comparisons, 2026. Your premium is fixed only in the quote.
The policy levels on the market
02
Standard
Around 20 to 50 million €, including children below the age of liability, lost keys, default cover and damage while helping friends. The right level for most households.
03
Premium
50 million € or more, guarantees to match consumer-association minimum standards, cover for borrowed items and higher limits for drones and boats. Worth it for frequent travellers and families.
How to recognise a good policy
| Criterion | Minimum standard | Strong policy | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cover amount | 10 million € combined | 50 million € for injury and property | Serious personal injury claims with lifelong payments can exceed five million euros. |
| Young children | up to 10,000 € | up to the full cover amount | Without it, damage caused by a child under seven is paid by nobody. |
| Lost keys | private keys | private and work keys, including central locking systems | Replacing a building's locking system can cost thousands. |
| Rental damage | damage to rented rooms | also furniture in holiday lets and hotel rooms | On holiday you rent more than just walls and floors. |
| Default cover | only from 2,500 € loss | no minimum loss | It pays your own loss when the person who caused it has no insurance and no money. |
| Borrowed items | excluded | included up to at least 10,000 € | A borrowed camera or tool is one of the most frequent disputes. |
| Stays abroad | short trips | several years abroad | Useful if you commute between countries or take a posting elsewhere. |
Insurers on the German market
Almost every German property insurer sells personal liability cover. Differences between product lines of the same company are often larger than between companies. Some insurers only sell directly and do not work with brokers; we list them so you know the market.
| Insurer | Background |
|---|---|
| Allianz | several product lines, sold through tied agents and brokers |
| HUK-COBURG | mutual group, sells through its own offices, does not work with brokers |
| AXA | part of the French AXA group, agents and brokers |
| ERGO | part of Munich Re, agents, brokers and direct sales |
| Haftpflichtkasse | mutual insurer specialised in liability, sells through brokers |
| VHV | broker-focused insurer with a strong liability line |
| Gothaer | mutual group, agents and brokers |
| R+V | insurer of the German cooperative banks |
| WGV | low-cost insurer from Stuttgart, mainly direct sales |
| Die Bayerische | brokers and direct sales |
Compare the wordings of all tariffs 152 tariffs from 58 providers, as of 24 October 2026
From the BaFin register
127
127 insurers supervised by BaFin, the German regulator, are licensed for this class of insurance.
(Allgemeine Haftpflicht)
Show all 127 names from the register
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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
- Neodigital Versicherung AG
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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
Single policy
Covers only the policyholder. When you move in with a partner, you switch it to a couple policy instead of buying a new one.
Couple and family policy
Covers partner and children. Children usually stay covered until the end of their first education, often up to 25 or 30.
Combined with contents
Some insurers bundle liability and contents insurance (Hausrat) with a discount. In Germany these are always two separate covers, even when sold together.
Policies in English
A few insurers offer English documents or service, but the legally binding conditions are almost always in German. A broker can explain the clauses.
Myth or truth
True or false?
Five things people say about this insurance. Guess first, then see the answer.
In Germany, parents are always liable for whatever their children break.
This is false.
False: parents only pay if they failed in their duty of supervision. Children under seven are not liable themselves, so the injured party may get nothing. Good policies pay voluntarily in these cases.
Your German personal liability policy usually protects you on holiday abroad too.
This is true.
True: most policies cover temporary stays worldwide, often for a year or longer. Check the scope before a long posting abroad. Once you move away for good, the policy is no longer the right fit.
If I break my partner's laptop, our joint liability policy will pay.
This is false.
False: claims between people insured under the same policy are excluded. Spouses, partners and children living with you cannot claim against each other. Accidental damage to their things needs contents or device cover.
Helping a friend move and dropping their TV may not be covered, even if it was your fault.
This is true.
True: German courts often assume that unpaid helpers are not liable for slight negligence. Without liability there is no claim to pay. Only policies that include favour damage (Gefälligkeitsschäden) pay anyway.
An e-scooter is covered by personal liability insurance in Germany.
This is false.
False: e-scooters need their own motor insurance with a small plate on the back. Personal liability policies exclude them. Riding without the plate is an offence.
Common mistakes
- Assuming the liability cover from your home country still applies after moving to Germany
- Choosing the cheapest policy and missing cover for young children
- Forgetting that dogs need their own liability policy
- Keeping two single policies after moving in together
- Not checking the limit for lost keys in a building with central locking
Frequently asked questions
Questions and answers
Frequently asked
Is personal liability insurance compulsory in Germany?
No.
It is voluntary, but most households have it because liability under German law is unlimited.
Compulsory liability insurance exists only for specific risks such as cars,
dogs in several states and drones.
Does my landlord require it?
There is no legal obligation, but some landlords ask for it before signing.
Even without that, damage to the flat and lost keys are among the most common claims tenants face,
so it is worth having.
Does my UK or US policy cover me in Germany?
Usually not once you live here.
Home insurance abroad normally covers liability only for residents of that country,
and often only for short trips outside it.
Once you are registered in Germany, take out a German policy.
Can I get a policy with English documents?
Some insurers provide English information or service,
but the binding conditions are generally in German.
We can explain the key clauses in English before you sign.
Does it pay the price of a new item?
No, it pays the current value, not the replacement price.
That follows from German damages law and applies to every insurer.
A three-year-old phone is worth less than a new one.
Does it cover damage my child causes?
Only if the child is liable or the policy includes children under the age of liability.
Children under seven are not liable at all, and in traffic not before ten.
Good policies pay anyway, up to a stated limit.
What happens when I leave Germany?
Tell your insurer.
Many policies cover stays abroad for a limited time, and some continue for longer postings.
If you move away permanently, the contract can usually be ended,
but check the clause first so you are not left without cover during the move.
Is my dog covered?
No.
Dogs and horses need separate pet liability insurance.
It is compulsory for all dogs in several German states, including Berlin, Hamburg and Lower Saxony.
Cats and small pets are usually included in personal liability cover.
How do I cancel?
Normally at the end of the insurance year with three months' written notice.
After a claim, both sides may cancel at short notice.
A switch is simple, because personal liability has no waiting periods or health questions.
Why use a broker for such a cheap policy?
A broker compares policies on your behalf and supports you if there is a claim.
The premium is the same as buying direct, because the insurer pays the broker.
For newcomers the main benefit is someone who explains German clauses in plain English.
NAMMERT insurance broker
Request quotes for Personal liability
We obtain quotes and come back with a comparison, free of charge.
You can write 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.
Often goes with it
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Is dog liability insurance compulsory in Germany?
Do I need legal expenses insurance in Germany?
Is my bike covered by my German contents insurance?
Insurance questions: Personal liability
Am I covered by personal liability insurance when volunteering in Germany?
Are my partner and children covered by my personal liability insurance?
Can I get liability insurance despite a Schufa entry or personal insolvency?
Do homeowners in Germany need property owner liability insurance?
Does liability insurance fight off unjustified claims in Germany?
Does liability insurance pay for damage when you help a friend?
Does liability insurance pay if I cause damage on purpose in Germany?
Does liability insurance pay if I damage my own things in Germany?
Does liability insurance pay if I damage someone else's phone?
Does liability insurance pay if something is stolen from me?
Does my liability insurance pay if my washing machine leaks?
Does personal liability insurance cover a side job in Germany?
Does personal liability insurance cover borrowed items in Germany?
Does personal liability insurance pay for damage that develops slowly over time?
Does personal liability insurance pay for lost keys in Germany?
Is damage in a holiday flat covered by personal liability insurance?
Liability insurance only pays the current value: who covers the rest?
Should you combine contents and liability insurance in Germany?
What is bad debt cover (Forderungsausfalldeckung) in German liability insurance?
Who is liable if a roof tile or snow from a roof hits someone in Germany?
Who is liable if someone slips on ice outside my house in Germany?
Who pays for damage caused by New Year's Eve fireworks in Germany?
Who reports a liability claim: the person responsible or the injured party?
Ten life situations, sorted honestly
Find your case, see which policy pays
Who it suits and what to check
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