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How much does dog liability insurance cost in Germany?

In short

Dog liability insurance (Hundehaftpflichtversicherung) in Germany usually costs EUR 35 to 150 a year. A solid policy with EUR 10 million cover and no deductible is often EUR 50 to 70. Breeds on a state's dangerous dog list cost much more. A deductible of EUR 150 lowers the premium by about 20 to 30 percent.

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What it costs

Guide figures from published tariff examples.

Example	Typical range
Basic tariff with deductible	from about EUR 35 a year
No deductible, EUR 10 million cover	about EUR 50 to 70 a year
Premium tariff with high cover	about EUR 100 to 150 a year
Listed breed	often EUR 150 a year and more

Guide values as of September 2026. The figure for listed breeds is a guide value from our quoting practice.

Worked example

Tenant with a Labrador

This is how a balanced policy adds up.

EUR 10 million cover, no deductible	about EUR 55 to 70
Damage to the rented flat included	usually in the price
With a EUR 150 deductible	about EUR 40 to 55

Between about EUR 40 and 70 a year, roughly EUR 3 to 6 a month.

What drives the price

The breed matters most. Each German federal state keeps its own list of dogs it considers dangerous, and these dogs cost much more to insure. Some insurers do not take them at all.

After that come the sum insured, your deductible (Selbstbeteiligung) and extras such as damage to a rented flat or cover when you travel with your dog.

Factor	Effect on the premium
Breed, listed dog	strong, often several times more
Sum insured	small, higher cover costs little extra
Deductible of EUR 150	about 20 to 30 percent cheaper
Damage to rented property	important for tenants, small surcharge
Several dogs	discount for each additional dog

What is different if you come from abroad

In the UK or US, damage caused by a pet is often part of your home or renters policy. In Germany your general personal liability insurance (Privathaftpflicht) covers cats and small pets, but not dogs. A dog needs its own policy.

In some federal states, for example Berlin, Hamburg and Lower Saxony, this insurance is mandatory for every dog. Landlords and dog sitters often ask for proof, too. If you bring your dog from abroad, check whether the breed is on the list of your new state before you insure it.

Where saving makes sense and where it does not

A deductible is fine if you can pay small claims yourself. The sum insured is the wrong place to save, because injuries to people are the expensive cases.

Cheap tariffs often leave out damage to rented rooms or unwanted mating. Such gaps cost more in a claim than the surcharge would have.

When the cheapest tariff is enough

If you own your home, never travel with the dog and never let other people walk it, you need fewer extras. Even then, keep the cover for injuries to people high.

Step by step

Check whether your dog counts as a listed breed in your federal state.
Choose cover of at least EUR 10 million.
Include damage to rented property and other people looking after your dog.
Decide whether a deductible suits you.
Compare quotes with the same cover.

Checklist

Cover of at least EUR 10 million
Damage to rented property included
Dog sitters and friends walking the dog covered
Cover abroad for holidays with your dog
Puppies covered without extra charge

Common mistakes

Choosing only by price and forgetting damage to the rented flat
Not declaring a listed breed and putting the cover at risk
Assuming your personal liability policy also covers the dog
Not comparing for years although newer tariffs offer more

Questions and answers

Frequently asked

How much is dog liability insurance per month?

Usually EUR 3 to 12, and a little less if you pay once a year.

Are mixed breeds more expensive?

Usually not. It only gets more expensive if the dog is classed as a listed breed.

Does my insurance from home still cover my dog in Germany?

Rarely for long. Check the terms for residence abroad. A German policy is the safe choice, and in states with a legal duty your cover must meet the state's minimum sums.

Can I deduct it from my taxes?

It counts as a provision expense (Vorsorgeaufwendungen). Whether it makes a difference depends on your other contributions, ask a tax adviser.

Is a premium tariff worth it?

If you travel a lot, rent your home or often leave the dog with others, yes. Otherwise a good standard tariff is enough.

Is there a discount for a dog licence test?

Some insurers give one, but it is not standard.

Sources

NAMMERT insurance broker

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Dog and horse liability insurance in Germany (Tierhalterhaftpflicht)

Which animals should be insured? * Breed or mix, for horses the type of use * For example Labrador, mixed breed about 20 kg, leisure horse Year of birth of the animal Is the dog classed as dangerous or on a breed list? * Claims caused by the animal in the last five years * What matters to you For example horse sharer, dog sports, dog walker, moving from abroad

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