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Is legal expenses insurance without a deductible worth it in Germany?

In short

Usually not. In a published German example, a policy with a EUR 150 deductible (Selbstbeteiligung) costs EUR 383 a year and the same policy without one EUR 468. You pay EUR 85 every year to save EUR 150 per claim, which only works out if you need a lawyer roughly every two years.

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Is legal expenses insurance without a deductible worth it in Germany?

What it costs

Figures from a published German tariff example, the German lawyers' fee act and the insurers' association model terms.

Example	Typical range
Legal expenses tariff with EUR 150 deductible	about EUR 383 a year
Same tariff without deductible	about EUR 468 a year, EUR 85 more
Common deductible per claim	EUR 150 to 300
First consultation for consumers without a fee agreement	at most EUR 190
Consultation in general for consumers	at most EUR 250

As of October 2026, from a published tariff example, § 34 RVG and the model terms of the German insurers' association. The ten-year table uses the example of EUR 85 extra and EUR 150 deductible; other tariffs shift the numbers. The common range of EUR 150 to 300 and the advice that more than EUR 300 rarely pays are guide values from our quoting practice. Your premium depends on modules and household; we obtain the exact quote.

Worked example

Family, one claim every four years

Using the published example: EUR 383 with a EUR 150 deductible, EUR 468 without. Twelve years, three covered claims.

Premiums with deductible (12 × EUR 383)	EUR 4,596
Deductible for three claims	EUR 450
Total with deductible	EUR 5,046
Premiums without deductible (12 × EUR 468)	EUR 5,616

With the deductible you pay EUR 570 less over twelve years, even with three claims. Without it you would only break even with more than six claims in that time.

The sum most comparison sites skip

Take the published example: EUR 383 a year with a EUR 150 deductible, EUR 468 without. Over ten years you pay EUR 850 extra. That money only comes back if you have more than five covered claims in those ten years.

Most households in Germany use their legal expenses insurance (Rechtsschutzversicherung) far less often. One or two claims a decade is typical for employees and tenants. For them, a zero deductible is a comfort feature with a clear price tag.

Claims in ten years	Extra premium without deductible	Deductible saved	Result
none	EUR 850	EUR 0	EUR 850 lost
one	EUR 850	EUR 150	EUR 700 lost
three	EUR 850	EUR 450	EUR 400 lost
five	EUR 850	EUR 750	EUR 100 lost
six	EUR 850	EUR 900	EUR 50 gained

A deductible is often a system, not one number

Many German tariffs tie the deductible to your claims history. It can fall with every claim-free year and rise again after a claim. Some tariffs raise it noticeably after several claims in a short time. Compare the rules behind the number, not only the number in the application form.

Then there is the partner lawyer model: if you let the insurer recommend a lawyer, some tariffs waive the deductible or reduce it. You keep the legal right to choose your own lawyer; you just pay the deductible if you do. A tariff with a fixed EUR 150 that never rises can work out cheaper than one that starts at zero but climbs fast.

When zero deductible does make sense

If you expect many small cases, the deductible eats a large part of each one. Think of frequent drivers with regular fine notices, landlords with several flats or anyone already in a long-running dispute with a neighbour. A first consultation with a lawyer costs consumers at most EUR 190 under § 34 RVG; with a EUR 150 deductible the policy pays just EUR 40 of that.

It can also make sense if you have no savings and EUR 150 would really stop you from calling a lawyer. Honestly, though, putting EUR 150 aside once is usually the cheaper answer.

When a higher deductible is smarter

If you mainly want protection against the big case, such as a dismissal, an eviction or an inheritance dispute with costs in the thousands, a deductible of EUR 250 or 300 lowers the premium without weakening that protection.

Above EUR 300 it rarely pays: many everyday disputes, like a consultation plus one letter to the other side, cost little more than the deductible itself. You would be insured on paper and pay yourself in practice.

Step by step

Estimate how often you would have needed a lawyer in the last ten years.
Ask for both versions of the same tariff and note the yearly difference.
Divide the deductible by the yearly difference: that is how many years may pass between claims for zero deductible to pay off.
Read the terms on rising deductibles and partner lawyers.
Decide, then set the deductible amount aside once as a reserve.

Checklist

Extra cost without deductible known in euros per year
Rule for a rising deductible after claims checked
Linked claims count only once
Partner lawyer advantage known
Deductible not above EUR 300 if you want small cases covered
Deductible amount available as savings

Common mistakes

Choosing zero deductible without adding up the extra premium over several years
Comparing only the starting deductible and missing a steep increase after claims
Picking such a high deductible that consultations are never paid
Assuming zero deductible also covers hourly fees above the statutory scale or rejected claims

Questions and answers

Frequently asked

How much more does zero deductible cost?

In the published example EUR 85 a year: EUR 468 instead of EUR 383 with a EUR 150 deductible. Depending on tariff and modules the gap can be larger or smaller.

Which deductible is sensible?

For most households EUR 150. If you only want cover for the big case, EUR 250 or 300 is fine. Above that, many small cases are effectively uninsured.

Do I pay the deductible if I win?

If the other side has to pay all costs and actually pays, usually nothing stays with you. With a settlement that splits costs, you normally pay it.

Do I pay twice for two claims?

In principle yes, per claim. If the claims are linked in time and cause, the model terms deduct it only once.

Can I still choose my own lawyer?

Yes, that right stays. Some tariffs only waive or reduce the deductible if you take the lawyer they recommend.

Can I change the deductible later?

Usually at the next renewal date or by agreement. A lower deductible means a higher premium and sometimes a new risk check.

Sources

NAMMERT insurance broker

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