What does insurance pay if my car is stolen in Germany?

Published figures from the German insurance industry on stolen cars with partial or comprehensive cover, and information on new price compensation.

German car insurance has three levels: compulsory liability (Haftpflicht), partial cover (Teilkasko) and comprehensive cover (Vollkasko), which always includes partial cover. Theft of the whole car falls under partial cover. It pays the replacement value (Wiederbeschaffungswert): what a dealer would charge for a car of the same age, similar mileage and equipment. An assessor usually sets the figure, and your deductible is subtracted.

Stolen parts that belong to the car are also paid, such as wheels, a built-in navigation system or the catalytic converter. Personal belongings inside the car are not part of it.

Under standard German car insurance terms the insurer pays only once the car has not reappeared one month after the claim was reported. If it is found within that time, you must take it back. Partial cover then pays to repair the damage caused by the theft.

If the car turns up after the month, it normally belongs to the insurer and you keep the payment. So do not rush into buying a new car while the month is running. A hire car for this period is not included in many policies.

Better policies pay the new price instead of the replacement value when a young car is stolen, usually for 6 to 24 months after first registration and only if you are the first owner. Some go further. A few offer purchase price compensation for used cars for a limited time after buying.

With a leased or financed car the money goes to the leasing company or the bank. If the amount still owed is higher than the replacement value, a gap remains that only GAP cover closes.

If you make theft easy, the insurer may cut the payment for gross negligence: the key left in the ignition, the spare key in the glove box, the car unlocked, or the registration certificate part II (Zulassungsbescheinigung Teil II, the former vehicle title) left in the car. The cut depends on how serious it was. Many policies waive the gross negligence defence but expressly exclude theft from that waiver.

The insurer will ask for all keys. If one is missing without explanation, it checks more closely and often pays later. If a keyless car is stolen with a relay attack, that is a normal theft without fault on your part.

For an older car worth a few thousand euros, little is left after the deductible. Partial cover is then hardly worth it for theft alone.

It is different if you depend on the car and could not replace it from savings. Partial cover also pays for storm, hail, collisions with deer, broken glass and marten bites, which belongs in the sum.