All about this insurance: Car insurance
Can I use my no-claims bonus from abroad in Germany?
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How much does car insurance cost in Germany?
In short
On average drivers in Germany pay about EUR 256 to 290 a year for liability only, about EUR 450 with partial cover and about EUR 590 with comprehensive cover. New drivers often pay over EUR 1,000. Your no-claims class, the car model and where you live make the biggest difference, so newcomers without German driving history often start high.
What it costs
Averages from published market data, 2026.
| Example | Typical range |
|---|---|
| Liability only, average | about EUR 256 to 290 a year |
| Liability with partial cover, average | about EUR 450 a year |
| Liability with comprehensive cover, average | about EUR 590 a year |
| New driver with comprehensive cover | often over EUR 1,000 a year |
Guide values as of September 2026 from publicly quoted averages. The figure for new drivers and the worked example are guide values from our quoting practice. Your premium depends on the car, your address and your no-claims history.
Worked example
Compact car, ten years without claims, comprehensive cover
This is how a typical premium adds up once your driving history is recognised.
| Liability | about EUR 220 to 300 |
| Comprehensive cover with EUR 300 deductible | about EUR 250 to 400 |
| Partner garage | about 10 to 20 percent off the own-damage part |
Together about EUR 450 to 700 a year, roughly EUR 38 to 58 a month. Without recognised history the same car can cost far more.
What drives the price
The no-claims class counts your years of driving without a claim. Someone starting from zero often pays twice as much or more than a driver with a long clean record.
The type class (Typklasse) rates how often your car model is involved in claims, and the regional class (Regionalklasse) does the same for your district.
| Factor | Effect |
|---|---|
| No-claims class | very strong |
| Type class of the model | strong |
| Regional class of your address | clear |
| Annual mileage and who drives | noticeable |
| Partner garage and deductible | lower the cost of the own-damage part |
What is different if you come from abroad
Your years without claims at home do not transfer automatically. Many insurers will consider a no-claims letter from your previous insurer, ideally in English or German and listing the claim-free years. Whether and how far they count is up to each insurer, so ask before you sign.
A licence from outside the EU is usually valid for six months after you take up residence, then you need to exchange it for a German one. Tell the insurer which licence you hold. You also need an electronic insurance confirmation (eVB number) before you can register a car.
The policy is tied to the car, but the price depends on who drives it. Name everyone who uses the car, including a partner who only drives now and then, otherwise you may pay a penalty after a claim.
Liability, partial or comprehensive cover
Liability pays for damage you cause to others and is required by law. Partial cover pays for theft, glass, collisions with wild animals, storm and hail on your own car.
Comprehensive cover also pays for accidents you cause yourself and for vandalism. It is mainly worth it for new, leased and financed cars.
Where saving becomes expensive
Too little liability cover is a real risk. Choose at least EUR 100 million as a flat sum.
Without a waiver of the gross negligence defence, the insurer can cut its payment, for example if you drove through a red light.
Step by step
- Ask your previous insurer abroad for a no-claims letter.
- Look up the type class of the car you want.
- Choose liability cover of at least EUR 100 million.
- Decide on partial or comprehensive cover by the car's age and value.
- Compare quotes with the same deductible and get the eVB number for registration.
Checklist
- Liability cover of at least EUR 100 million as a flat sum
- Waiver of the gross negligence defence
- Animal bites including consequential damage in partial cover
- All drivers named correctly
- Deductible fits your budget
Common mistakes
- Naming too few drivers and paying a penalty after a claim
- Estimating the annual mileage too low
- Not presenting your foreign no-claims history
- Forgetting to exchange a non-EU licence in time
Questions and answers
Frequently asked
How much is car insurance per month?
On average about EUR 21 to 50, depending on the cover. New drivers pay much more.
Will my no-claims years from abroad count?
Sometimes. Many insurers accept a no-claims letter from your previous insurer, but there is no general right to it.
When is comprehensive cover worth it?
For new, leased or financed cars and if you could not pay for a total loss yourself.
When can I switch insurer?
Usually by 30 November for a switch on 1 January.
What happens when I leave Germany?
When you deregister or sell the car, the contract usually ends. Ask for a confirmation of your no-claims class for your next insurer.
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