All about this insurance: Legal expenses insurance
Do I need legal expenses insurance in Germany?
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Does German legal expenses insurance cover you abroad?
In short
Yes, with limits. In Europe, the Mediterranean countries, the Canary Islands and Madeira, a German policy usually applies in full, often up to EUR 1 million or unlimited. Worldwide, basic tariffs often pay only up to EUR 100,000 and only for stays of up to six weeks; better ones up to EUR 1 million and up to two years.
What it costs
Documented cover amounts from published benefit overviews. There is no separate price for foreign cover; it is part of the tariff.
| Example | Typical range |
|---|---|
| Europe and Mediterranean, basic tariff | up to EUR 1 million per case |
| Europe and Mediterranean, better tariff | no cap, so more than EUR 1 million possible |
| Worldwide, basic tariff, private stay up to six weeks | up to EUR 100,000 per case |
| Worldwide, better tariff, stay up to two years | up to EUR 1 million per case |
| Criminal bail as a loan, depending on tariff | EUR 60,000 to 1,000,000 |
| Single employee, private package with EUR 250 deductible | from about EUR 19.80 a month |
As of October 2026, from publicly available benefit overviews and product sheets. Amounts differ by tariff; your policy schedule and terms are decisive.
Worked example
Couple, eight-week road trip through Canada, basic tariff
After an accident with the rented camper in week seven, the rental company claims damages.
| Accident in week 7 | outside the six weeks, not covered |
| Same case in week 4 | covered up to EUR 100,000 |
| With a better tariff | covered up to EUR 1 million, stays up to two years |
| Same case in Portugal | fully covered, no time limit |
Before long trips outside Europe, the length of stay and the amount matter more than any price comparison.
Where the cover applies in full
What counts is where the competent court or authority sits. If it is in Europe, in a country on the Mediterranean, on the Canary Islands, the Azores or Madeira, the policy usually works as it does at home.
That includes Morocco, Tunisia, Turkey and Egypt. A rental car accident in Mallorca is covered just like a dispute with an online shop in Italy. For many expats a visit to the home country also falls in this area, as long as it is in Europe.
| Region | Basic tariff | Better tariff |
|---|---|---|
| Europe and Mediterranean countries | up to EUR 1 million per case | unlimited |
| Worldwide, private stay | up to EUR 100,000, at most six weeks | EUR 500,000 to 1 million |
| Worldwide, longer stay | not covered | sometimes up to two years, private or work |
| Criminal bail | about EUR 60,000 as a loan | EUR 350,000 to 1 million as a loan |
| Tax law disputes | German courts only | German courts only |
Worldwide: the trap of the length of stay
Outside Europe, cover only applies during a temporary stay. Basic tariffs set six weeks. If you spend three months visiting family in the US, India or Australia, you are without cover from week seven.
The amount is lower too. EUR 100,000 sounds like a lot, but a case in the US with your own lawyer can reach it quickly.
Criminal bail: a loan, not a gift
After a traffic accident abroad, police can hold you until bail is posted. The insurer advances that amount, but only as a loan.
If you do not get the bail back, for example because you are fined, you must repay the insurer.
What is often not covered abroad
Tax matters are usually limited to German courts. For property, check whether a holiday home abroad is in the policy at all. Many tariffs also require your main residence in Germany, which matters if you plan to move on.
Boats are not included automatically. Some tariffs let you add privately used watercraft up to a certain new value. If you charter or keep a boat in the Mediterranean, check this explicitly.
When you do not need to change anything
If you only travel in Europe and around the Mediterranean, almost any tariff is enough. Switching just for the foreign cover is not worth it then.
Check your policy before long-haul trips, long visits home outside Europe, a semester abroad or a work assignment abroad.
Step by step
- Find the area of cover and the amounts for Europe and worldwide in your policy schedule.
- Compare the permitted length of stay outside Europe with your travel plans.
- Check whether criminal bail is covered and up to what amount.
- For a boat, holiday home or work abroad, check whether that area applies at all.
- Adjust the tariff before a long trip, not after a claim.
Checklist
- Europe and Mediterranean at least EUR 1 million per case
- Worldwide at least EUR 500,000
- Worldwide stays longer than six weeks allowed
- Criminal bail included as a loan
- Watercraft included if you sail or charter
Common mistakes
- Assuming European cover means worldwide cover
- Overlooking the six-week limit on long visits home
- Treating criminal bail as a payment you can keep
- Assuming your boat is covered by the traffic module
Questions and answers
Frequently asked
Does my German policy apply in Turkey or Egypt?
Usually yes, because both border the Mediterranean. The same amount as in Europe normally applies there.
Am I covered after a rental car accident abroad?
Yes, if you have traffic cover (Verkehrsrechtsschutz) and the place is within the area of cover. It usually applies to any vehicle you drive.
Does the policy pay a lawyer abroad?
In many tariffs yes. Check whether the foreign lawyer is paid in full or only up to German statutory fees.
Am I still covered when visiting my home country outside Europe?
Only during a temporary stay and within the worldwide amount. Basic tariffs often stop after six weeks.
Am I covered if I move away from Germany?
Usually not. Many tariffs require a main residence in Germany. After moving you normally need a policy in the new country.
Do I have to repay criminal bail?
Yes, if you do not get it back. The insurer only lends it.
Sources
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NAMMERT Assekuradeur GmbH, insurance broker licensed under section 34d(1) of the German Trade Regulation Act, broker register no. D-C08Q-TOSD4-37. For boat and yacht insurance we act as underwriting agency, not as broker. Statutory disclosure (German) · Updated
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