Insurance broker / Insurance questions / Natural hazard cover

How much does natural hazard insurance cost in Germany?

In short

As an add-on to buildings insurance, natural hazard cover (Elementarschadenversicherung) for a detached house in a safe area usually costs EUR 50 to 200 a year. In exposed areas it rises to EUR 300 to over 1,000. The flood risk class of your address decides the price.

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How much does natural hazard insurance cost in Germany?

What it costs

Guide figures from published examples for detached houses, as of 2026.

Example	Typical range
Detached house, risk class 1	about EUR 50 to 200 a year
Detached house, risk class 3	about EUR 400 to 600 a year
Detached house, risk class 4	about EUR 300 to over 1,000 a year
Buildings insurance with natural hazards combined	about EUR 600 to 2,900 a year

Guide values as of September 2026 from publicly quoted examples. Your premium depends on property, location and cover; we obtain the exact quote for you. The class 2 figures in the table are guide values from our quoting practice.

Worked example

Detached house, 150 square metres, class 1

How natural hazard cover affects the total premium.

Buildings insurance without natural hazards	about EUR 400
Natural hazards surcharge	about EUR 100
Deductible for natural hazards	EUR 500 per loss

Together about EUR 500 a year, with natural hazard cover making up around one fifth.

How it works in Germany

In the UK, flood cover is usually part of standard home insurance. In the US it is often a separate policy. In Germany it is neither: natural hazards are an add-on (Baustein) that you choose within your buildings insurance (Wohngebäudeversicherung) or contents insurance (Hausratversicherung).

Without the add-on, neither policy pays for heavy rain, flooding or backflow from the sewer.

How the risk class sets the price

German insurers place every address in one of four flood risk classes. In class 1, a flood is statistically rarer than once in 200 years; in class 4, it happens at least once in ten years.

There is also a rating for heavy rain. Both together set the surcharge.

Risk class	Guide value per year
Class 1, very rare	about EUR 50 to 200
Class 2, rare	about EUR 100 to 300
Class 3, occasional	about EUR 300 to 600
Class 4, frequent	often over EUR 1,000 or only with conditions

What else affects the premium

Living space and sum insured, whether there is a basement, previous losses and the size of the deductible.

If you can show a backflow valve (Rückstauklappe) and heating or electrics installed above floor level, you are more likely to get a quote in high classes.

Lowering the price without gaps

A higher deductible lowers the surcharge, especially in high classes.

Building measures such as a backflow valve, watertight basement windows or a sill in front of the garage help with the price and with the damage.

Step by step

Ask for the flood risk class of your address.
Note the basement and any equipment kept there.
Compare quotes with and without a higher deductible.
Show building measures if your class is high.

Checklist

Heavy rain, flooding and backflow included
Deductible fits your savings
Waiting period known, often around four weeks
Backflow protection installed

Common mistakes

Comparing only the premium and missing the deductible
Trying to take out cover only when a storm is announced
Assuming a high class without getting a quote
Assuming, as in the UK, that flood cover is always included

Questions and answers

Frequently asked

How much is natural hazard cover per month?

In safe areas usually EUR 4 to 17, in exposed areas considerably more.

Is there a waiting period?

Often yes, usually around four weeks. Signing up when a storm warning is out is too late.

What does it cost for contents?

Usually only a small surcharge on your contents insurance.

Why is my quote so expensive?

Usually because of a high risk class. Building measures and a higher deductible help.

Can I buy natural hazard cover on its own?

Usually not, it is an add-on to buildings or contents insurance.

Sources

NAMMERT insurance broker

Request a quote: Natural hazard cover

We compare several insurers and come back with a proposal. Free for you; the insurer pays our fee. You can write in English.

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2Which insurance?

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Please review all my existing policies

3Details

Natural hazard cover in Germany (Elementarschadenversicherung)

What should be covered against natural hazards? * Do you already have buildings or contents insurance? * Distance to the nearest river, stream or lake * If you know your ZÜRS class, please mention it in the message field Basement * Is a sewer non-return valve fitted? Has the property ever had a flood or backflow claim? * Sum insured or value, if known For example 1914 value, living space or contents sum

4Your current policy

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5How can we reach you?

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