How do I insure a quad or ATV in Germany? With motor liability insurance (Kfz-Haftpflicht), which is compulsory under section 1 of the Compulsory Insurance Act (PflVG), whether the quad is registered as a motor vehicle or as an agricultural tractor (lof). It usually costs about EUR 100 to 300 a year, or EUR 150 to 400 with partial cover (Teilkasko). Comprehensive cover is optional.
Published premium examples for quads in Germany, per year.
Example
Typical range
Liability only, guide range
about EUR 100 to 300 a year
Liability with partial cover, guide range
about EUR 150 to 400 a year
Tariff example of one insurer dated 8 June 2026: 271 cc quad, price EUR 2,750, 2,000 km a year, no claims class 20
liability from EUR 45, partial from EUR 67, comprehensive from EUR 218 a year
Tariff example of another insurer for quads on an insurance plate: liability with partial cover, three packages, insurance year March to February
EUR 398.00 to 570.80 a year
Figures as of October 2026 from publicly quoted examples; they vary widely because address,
no-claims class, registration type and excess have a strong effect.
The worked example is a guide value from our quoting practice.
Norman Nammert obtains quotes as an insurance broker; the commission is paid by the insurer.
Worked example
450 cc quad, current value EUR 6,000, seasonal plate
How the premium adds up if the quad is registered from April to October.
Liability, full year
about EUR 180
Partial cover with EUR 150 excess
about EUR 90
Seasonal plate April to October
minus about 30 to 40 percent
About EUR 160 to 190 a year in total instead of around EUR 270 with year-round registration.
Liability cover is compulsory for every quad
A quad is a motor vehicle. Under section 1 of the German Compulsory Insurance Act (Pflichtversicherungsgesetz, PflVG) its keeper must take out motor liability insurance. It pays for damage you cause to other people, cars or property with the quad.
The law is broad: section 1a(3) PflVG counts any use as a means of transport, regardless of the terrain. So a quad that only runs across fields or a farmyard also needs liability cover.
Without proof of insurance the registration office (Zulassungsstelle) will not issue a number plate. If the policy lapses, the insurer informs the office.
Registered as a motor vehicle or as an agricultural tractor
How your quad or ATV is insured depends on its registration. Small quads up to 50 cc and 45 km/h run on an insurance plate (Versicherungskennzeichen); larger ones need an official number plate.
Quads registered as agricultural or forestry tractors (land- und forstwirtschaftliche Zugmaschine, lof) are insured under a separate tariff for such vehicles. Liability is still compulsory; only the rating and price differ.
Registration
Plate
Insurance
up to 50 cc and 45 km/h
insurance plate, insurance year starts 1 March
liability, partial cover possible, no comprehensive
over 50 cc as a motor vehicle
official plate, seasonal plate possible
liability compulsory, partial and comprehensive optional
agricultural tractor (lof)
official plate
liability compulsory, separate tariff for lof vehicles
Partial or comprehensive cover for your quad
Partial cover (Teilkasko) pays if the quad is stolen, hits game or is damaged by hail or storm. Theft matters with quads because they often stand outside in a yard or on a trailer.
Comprehensive cover (Vollkasko) also pays if you cause an accident yourself or someone vandalises the quad. It usually makes sense for a new, leased or financed quad.
When you can skip comprehensive cover on a quad
If your quad is older and only worth a few thousand euros, comprehensive cover often costs more over the years than it would pay out. Liability plus partial cover against theft is then enough.
No law sets a threshold. Guides suggest partial cover from a vehicle value of about EUR 3,000; work out what a total loss would cost you.
How to lower the premium for your quad
With a seasonal plate you only pay for the months you ride. For April to October, guides put the saving at around 30 to 40 percent.
An excess of EUR 150 to 300 on the own damage cover, annual payment and a lockable parking space lower the premium further. If you rarely ride the quad, state a low annual mileage.
Step by step
Clarify the registration: insurance plate, official plate or agricultural tractor.
Have engine size, power, purchase price and annual mileage ready.
Decide whether partial or comprehensive cover matches the quad's value.
Consider a seasonal plate if you do not ride in winter.
Compare quotes with the same cover limit and the same excess.
Take the electronic insurance confirmation (eVB number) to the registration office.
Checklist
Liability cover for the quad, including riding off public roads
Correct registration type stated in the application
Partial cover against theft if the quad is kept outside
Comprehensive cover for a new, leased or financed quad
Passengers and trailer use clarified in the policy
Seasonal period matches when you actually ride
Common mistakes
Riding only on your own land and therefore skipping liability cover
Choosing agricultural registration although the quad is used privately
Paying comprehensive cover for an old quad that is worth little
Not declaring accessories such as a winch or top case
Questions and answers
Frequently asked
Is quad insurance compulsory in Germany?
Yes, motor liability insurance is compulsory under section 1 PflVG.
Without it you get no number plate.
Partial and comprehensive cover are optional.
How much does quad insurance cost per month?
Liability alone usually about EUR 8 to 25 a month, with partial cover about EUR 13 to 33.
Address and no-claims class make a big difference.
Does a quad get a no-claims class?
Quads with an official plate do: claim-free years lower the premium.
Quads on an insurance plate have no no-claims class.
Is an ATV insured differently from a quad?
No.
An ATV is insured like a quad as long as it is registered as one.
Registration, engine size and value are what count.
Is agricultural registration worth it for a quad?
Only if you really use the quad for farming or forestry.
For leisure riding, registration as a motor vehicle is the right choice.
