Which insurance is mandatory in Germany?

Health insurance including long-term care for everyone living here, motor liability for every registered vehicle, dog liability in several states, liability for drones and professional indemnity for some professions. Personal liability is voluntary but almost universal.

Should I choose statutory or private health insurance?

Employees earning below 77,400 euros a year (2026) have no choice and join a statutory fund. Above that, or when self-employed, private cover is possible. Think long term: returning from private to statutory insurance is difficult and after 55 generally impossible.

What is Haftpflichtversicherung and why does everyone have it?

Personal liability insurance pays if you damage someone else's property or injure someone. German law has no upper limit on liability, so one accident can cost millions. It costs little, which is why nearly every household has it.

Can I keep my car insurance from home?

Once your car is registered in Germany it needs German motor insurance. Ask your previous insurer for a claims history letter; some German insurers accept it for a better no-claims class, others start you as a new driver.

Do I need insurance to rent a flat in Germany?

No insurance is legally required for tenants, but many landlords ask for proof of personal liability. It also covers damage to the rented flat, which the deposit alone would not.

Is my insurance from home valid in Germany?

Health cover from another EU country applies only in certain cases, for example posted workers. Contents, liability and motor policies are usually tied to your home country address. Check each contract once you register your address here.

When should I review my insurance?

At each major change: first job, moving in together, children, buying property, going freelance, and before leaving Germany. Older contracts often have weaker terms than current ones at the same price.

Home / Insurance broker / Which insurance do I need?

Insurance for Home owner: what you really need

Buildings insurance is not compulsory by law, but every mortgage lender requires it. Add natural hazard cover: heavy rain floods houses far from any river. In a flat, the owners' association insures the building, so check whether natural hazards are included there. While a mortgage runs, term life should cover the outstanding debt.

Request quotes All situations at a glance

Essential

Sensible

Optional

Only in certain cases

Bank payment protection insurance
Usually far more expensive than term life with the same sum, and often sold as part of the loan.
Glass insurance
Unless you have large glass fronts or a conservatory,

premiums over the years exceed the likely loss.

What you really need, policy by policy

Buildings insurance

Wohngebäudeversicherung covers the structure of your house against fire, burst pipes, storm …

Natural hazard cover

In Germany, standard buildings and contents policies exclude flooding, heavy rain, sewer …

Personal liability

In Germany, anyone who negligently causes damage to someone else pays for it in full, with no …

Term life insurance

A Risikolebensversicherung pays a fixed sum if the insured person dies during the term. It has …

Contents insurance

For newcomers to Germany: the insurance for your belongings is called Hausratversicherung. It …

Solar panel insurance

Rooftop solar panels in Germany are often covered by your buildings insurance, but only …

Self-build insurance

If you commission a house in Germany yourself, you become the Bauherr: the person legally …

Legal expenses insurance

Legal expenses insurance pays for lawyers, court fees and experts when you need to enforce …

Why this order

The rule: existential risks first, expensive ones second, comfort last

Insurance for Home owner: what you really need

What you really need, policy by policy

Other situations