Do I need insurance as a paraglider pilot in Germany?
In short
Yes. As a paraglider pilot in Germany you need insurance: owner liability cover (Halterhaftpflicht) is compulsory under section 43 of the German Aviation Act (LuftVG), and personal liability insurance excludes aircraft that require compulsory cover. Through the national association it costs about EUR 34 to 70 a year. Accident and rescue cover are optional, but almost all standard accident policies exclude air sports.
Owner liability Plus, EUR 2 million, rescue up to EUR 10,000
EUR 48.10 to 54.40 a year
Owner liability Premium, EUR 3 million, rescue up to EUR 20,000
EUR 69.90 a year
Air sports accident cover, EUR 100,000 base sum for disability
about EUR 80 to 200 a year
Liability premiums from the association's group contract, members only, plus membership fee.
The accident premium is a guide value from quoting practice, not a published price,
and depends on sum, age and job.
Worked example
Pilot with own paraglider, flying in Bavaria
What complete cover adds up to.
Owner liability Plus
EUR 54.40
Air sports accident cover
about EUR 80 to 200
Personal liability for everyday life
keep it, but it does not cover the glider
Together about EUR 135 to 255 a year; only owner liability is compulsory.
Owner liability for your paraglider is compulsory
Anyone who owns a paraglider in Germany must hold liability insurance under section 43 LuftVG. The minimum follows section 37 LuftVG: 750,000 units of account for aircraft under 500 kg. Common paragliding policies cover EUR 1.6 to 3 million.
This paraglider cover pays if you injure people or damage property during launch, flight or landing, such as a car at the landing field. Without it you are liable with your own assets.
Association policy
Cover people and property
Rescue costs
Paraglider premium a year
Basic
EUR 1.6 million
up to EUR 2,500
EUR 39.40, with EUR 250 excess EUR 33.70
Plus
EUR 2 million
up to EUR 10,000
EUR 54.40, with excess EUR 48.10
Premium
EUR 3 million
up to EUR 20,000, glider recovery up to EUR 500
EUR 69.90
Why German personal liability insurance does not cover paragliding
German personal liability wording covers aircraft only if they are not subject to compulsory insurance, or if you are not held liable as owner, keeper or pilot. With a paraglider you are exactly that: keeper or pilot of an aircraft that needs compulsory cover.
This applies to borrowed gliders too. Ask the owner whether their policy covers you as pilot and make sure your licence is valid; without a valid licence the user has no liability cover.
Accident cover for paraglider pilots
Almost all private accident and disability policies in Germany exclude accidents with aircraft and air sports equipment. If you are hurt paragliding, a standard accident policy will usually pay nothing.
Specialist air sports accident policies include accidents as pilot of air sports equipment. Check your existing policy for an exclusion for aircraft pilots (Luftfahrzeugführer) and add cover if needed.
Tandem, rescue and your own glider
Owner liability protects third parties, not your tandem passenger. Passengers need separate passenger liability cover.
Damage to your own paraglider is not covered by liability insurance. Norman Nammert arranges accident and add on cover as an insurance broker; the insurer pays the commission, so the service is free for you.
Step by step
Take out owner liability before your first flight with your own glider.
Carry proof of insurance when flying.
Check your accident policy for an aircraft pilot exclusion.
Add air sports accident cover with a sufficient disability sum if needed.
Take out passenger liability before flying tandem.
Checklist
Owner liability at least at the legal minimum
Rescue costs included at a sensible level
Accident policy includes air sports
Passenger liability for tandem
Valid licence, otherwise liability cover lapses
Common mistakes
Assuming personal liability insurance covers paragliding
Flying with an accident policy that excludes air sports
Lending your glider to someone without a licence
Taking tandem passengers without passenger liability
Questions and answers
Frequently asked
Do I need my own policy if I only fly a borrowed glider?
The glider must be insured by its owner.
Your personal liability does not protect you as pilot.
Ask the owner whether their policy includes you as a licensed user.
Does the excess apply to rescue costs?
No.
The EUR 250 excess of the cheaper options applies only to liability claims, not to rescue costs.
What does paragliding insurance cost in Germany per year?
Compulsory liability about EUR 34 to 70.
With accident cover about EUR 115 to 270.
Is my glider covered against theft or damage?
Not by liability insurance, which explicitly excludes damage to your own glider.
That needs separate hull cover.
Is the national association membership required?
For its group policy yes, as only members can join.
You can also buy cover elsewhere if it meets the legal requirements.
