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Is a seasonal number plate worth it for car insurance in Germany?

In short

Yes, if your vehicle can stand in a garage or on an enclosed plot for several months in a row. In published examples a seasonal number plate (Saisonkennzeichen) cuts car insurance in Germany by about 30 to 50 percent, and vehicle tax is only charged for the season. Is it always worth it? No: with a season shorter than six months your no-claims class does not improve.

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Is a seasonal number plate worth it for car insurance in Germany?

What it costs

Published examples of premiums and fees with a seasonal number plate.

Example	Typical range
Convertible, season April to September	about 50 percent lower premium than all year
Motorcycle, season April to September	about 43 percent lower premium
Large touring motorcycle, comprehensive, April to October	about EUR 1,435 instead of EUR 2,049, about 30 percent less
Registration office fee	about EUR 28, plus about EUR 25 for the plates

As of October 2026, from published tariff examples.

Your premium depends on vehicle, no-claims class and place of residence, fees differ by registration office.

That the premium saving is smaller than the share of rest months is a guide value from our quoting practice.

Worked example

Touring motorcycle with comprehensive cover, April to October

Seven month season, so the year also counts for the no-claims class.

Comprehensive all year, per example	about EUR 2,049
With seasonal plate 04 to 10	about EUR 1,435
Insurance saving	about EUR 614
Vehicle tax	seven instead of twelve twelfths

About EUR 600 less a year plus lower tax, as long as the motorcycle stays in the garage in winter.

How the seasonal number plate works

Two month numbers appear on the plate, for example 04 and 10. Only in this period is the vehicle registered, every year again, without a trip to the registration office. Insurance and tax are calculated only for these months.

It is popular for motorcycles, convertibles, motorhomes and classic cars. For an everyday car it only suits you if you really do not need it for several months in a row.

What you save in euros

The premium does not fall fully in line with the months, because the insurer still carries part of the risk during the rest period and the riding months tend to bring most claims. Published examples show savings of up to half for six months and about 30 percent for seven months.

On top of that you pay vehicle tax only for the season. Ride five months and you pay five twelfths.

Large touring motorcycle, example	All year	April to October
Liability	about EUR 377	about EUR 264
Partial cover, EUR 500 excess	about EUR 656	about EUR 459
Comprehensive cover, EUR 500 excess	about EUR 2,049	about EUR 1,435

The six month rule for your no-claims class

Under the model terms your insurer only moves you up a no-claims class (Schadenfreiheitsklasse) after a claim free year if the season lasts at least six months. A plate from 05 to 09 saves premium but does not move you up.

For a young policy or a new driver this can be expensive, because you stay in a high premium band for years. In that case go for six or seven months.

Cover and duties in the rest period

Outside the season a free rest period cover (Ruheversicherung) applies. It includes liability and, if you have damage cover, partial cover for theft, fire, storm and hail. There is no comprehensive cover for damage you cause yourself in that time.

Cover only applies if the vehicle stands in a garage or on an enclosed plot, behind a fence, hedge or wall. On the street or an open car park you lose it, and driving outside the season without registration is not allowed, not even to the vehicle inspection (TÜV).

When a seasonal plate is not for you

Without a garage or enclosed parking space it does not work. If you want to drive now and then in winter too, the all year plate is better, because every trip outside the season is a trip without registration.

A break of only one or two months saves little. And with a cheap all year policy, such as a classic car or motorcycle tariff with low mileage, the difference is sometimes small. Compare the premiums directly.

Step by step

Check that you have a garage or an enclosed parking space.
Choose a season of at least six months if your no-claims class should grow.
Ask your insurer for the premium with and without the seasonal plate.
Get an eVB number for the seasonal plate and have the registration changed.
Schedule the vehicle inspection so it falls within the season.

Checklist

Parking in the rest period is a garage or enclosed plot
Season of at least six months if the no-claims class matters
No need to drive outside the season
Premium difference checked in euros
Vehicle inspection falls within the season

Common mistakes

Parking the vehicle on the street during the rest period
Choosing a short season and wondering why the no-claims class does not improve
Taking a quick ride outside the season after all
Thinking comprehensive cover continues during the rest period

Questions and answers

Frequently asked

Am I insured in winter with a seasonal plate?

Yes, through the rest period cover with liability and partial cover if you have damage cover. This only applies while the vehicle stands in a garage or on an enclosed plot.

Can I drive to the vehicle inspection outside the season?

No, that is also a trip without registration. If the inspection falls in the rest period, do it at the start of the next season.

Can I change the season later?

Yes, but only through the registration office with a new plate. That means fees again.

Is a seasonal plate worth it for a motorhome?

Often yes, if it stands on an enclosed plot or in a hall in winter. If you also travel in winter, an all year registration is better.

Seasonal plate or deregistering, which is better?

For a regular break the seasonal plate, because you do not have to visit the registration office every year. For a single long break deregistering can be simpler.

Can electric cars get a seasonal plate?

Yes, it works for all vehicles. For an electric car without vehicle tax it only saves premium.

Sources

NAMMERT insurance broker

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