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How do I switch my contents insurance in Germany?

In short

Sign the new policy first, starting on the exact day the old one ends, then cancel the old one in writing (email is usually fine). The usual notice is three months before the end of the insurance year, so for a policy renewing on 1 January the cancellation must arrive by 30 September. After a premium increase or a claim you can switch within one month.

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How do I switch my contents insurance in Germany?

What it costs

What a new policy costs, based on published tariff examples in Germany.

ExampleTypical range
80 square metres in a city with few burglariesabout EUR 23 to 25 a year
80 square metres in a large city with many burglariesabout EUR 51 to 54 a year
75 square metres, average tariff zone, with gross negligence coverabout EUR 90 to 120 a year

Guide figures as of September 2026, from published tariff examples. The old premium in the worked example is a guide figure from our quoting practice. We obtain your exact quote.

Worked example

Old policy from 2014, 75 square metres, renews on 1 January

Today is 19 September. This is how you still switch in time for the new year.

Old premium without gross negligence coverabout EUR 140 a year
New policy with gross negligence and power surge coverabout EUR 90 to 120 a year
New policy start date1 January
Cancellation must reach old insurer by30 September

You save about EUR 20 to 50 a year and get better cover. Miss 30 September and the old policy runs for another year.

Switching in the right order

Never cancel first. If the new insurer turns you down, for example because of several past claims, you would be left without cover. Apply for the new policy to start on the day the old one ends, and cancel only once it has been accepted.

You will find the renewal date on your policy document (Versicherungsschein). The insurance year starts on the date your policy began, not necessarily on 1 January. What counts is when your cancellation arrives at the insurer, not when you send it.

ReasonWhen you can switch
Normal renewalwith three months' notice before the end of the insurance year
Premium increase without more coverwithin one month of being told
After a claimwithin one month of payment or rejection
Move to a more expensive tariff zonewithin one month of being told
Moving in together, two policiesone can usually end early by agreement

What the new insurer will ask

The application asks for your living space, address, type of building, previous claims and previous insurer. Answer fully and honestly. Wrong answers can let the insurer refuse a claim later or withdraw from the contract.

German insurers report certain unusual cases to a shared information system, and these entries are deleted after some years. If you have had several claims in a short time, not every insurer will take you, or only at a higher price.

When switching pays off, and when to stay

Switching is often worth it with older policies. They frequently lack cover for gross negligence, power surges from lightning or a waiver of the underinsurance deduction. Newer policies often include these at no extra cost, sometimes for less money.

Stay if the new policy saves only a few euros but offers less, for example for bikes or valuables. Right after a large claim your options may also be limited. Always compare like for like, not just the price.

Step by step

  1. Find the renewal date and notice period on your policy document.
  2. Check your sum insured: living space times EUR 650, or the replacement value of your things.
  3. Get quotes with the same or better cover.
  4. Take out the new policy to start when the old one ends, and wait for acceptance.
  5. Cancel the old policy in writing and ask for confirmation.

Checklist

  • New policy accepted before cancelling the old one
  • New policy starts on the day the old one ends
  • All previous claims stated in the application
  • Gross negligence, power surges and underinsurance waiver in the new policy
  • Cancellation confirmed by the old insurer

Common mistakes

  • Cancelling first and then not getting a new policy
  • Sending the cancellation on the last day instead of making sure it arrives
  • Switching only for price and losing bike or valuables cover
  • Leaving previous claims out of the application

Questions and answers

Frequently asked

Can I switch contents insurance at any time?

No, only at the end of the insurance year or with a special cancellation right. This applies even if you pay monthly.

What if I miss 30 September?

A policy renewing on 1 January then runs another year. Check whether a premium increase gives you a special right to cancel.

Do I get money back if the policy ends early?

If it ends during a period you have already paid for, for example after a special cancellation, you are usually refunded the unused part.

Can I write my cancellation in English?

Usually yes, text form is enough. A short German letter with your policy number avoids any misunderstanding.

Do I have to tell the new insurer about old claims?

Yes, if they ask. Wrong answers can cost you your cover.

Does my policy end if I leave Germany?

Usually it ends when you move abroad. Tell your insurer your moving date in writing.

Sources

NAMMERT insurance broker

Request a quote: Contents insurance

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

1Who is it for?
2Which insurance?

Choose as many as you like. For each one, the details an insurer needs for a quote appear below.

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3Details

Contents insurance in Germany (Hausratversicherung)

4Your current policy
5How can we reach you?

Related questions

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