All about this insurance: Dog and horse liability
Is dog liability insurance compulsory in Germany?
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Which German states require dog liability insurance?
In short
Seven states require dog liability insurance (Hundehaftpflichtversicherung) for every dog: Berlin, Bremen, Hamburg, Lower Saxony, Saxony-Anhalt, Schleswig-Holstein and Thuringia. Elsewhere it is usually only mandatory for dangerous or large dogs. It makes sense everywhere, because in Germany you are liable for your dog even when you did nothing wrong.
What it costs
Guide figures from published tariff examples for a dog that is not on a dangerous breed list.
| Example | Typical range |
|---|---|
| Basic tariff with a deductible | from about EUR 35 a year |
| Standard tariff, no deductible, EUR 10 million cover | about EUR 50 to 70 a year |
| Comprehensive tariff, no deductible | about EUR 100 to 150 a year |
| Listed dangerous breed (Listenhund) | often several times the normal premium, about EUR 150 and more |
Guide values as of September 2026. Your premium depends on breed, cover and deductible; we obtain the exact quote for you.
Worked example
Mixed breed dog, 25 kilos, moving to Lower Saxony
Cover that meets the state rule and protects you properly.
| Sum insured | EUR 10 million |
| Deductible | none |
| Damage to rented property and other dog sitters | included |
About EUR 50 to 70 a year, roughly EUR 4 to 6 a month.
Overview by state
Dog rules are set by each federal state (Bundesland) in its own dog law or regulation, so moving from Munich to Hamburg can change what you must have. Some cities also ask for proof of insurance when you register your dog for the local dog tax (Hundesteuer).
State rules change from time to time. Check the current version for your state before you sign, or ask the local public order office (Ordnungsamt).
| State | Insurance required |
|---|---|
| Berlin | every dog |
| Bremen | every dog |
| Hamburg | every dog |
| Lower Saxony (Niedersachsen) | every dog |
| Saxony-Anhalt (Sachsen-Anhalt) | every dog |
| Schleswig-Holstein | every dog |
| Thuringia (Thüringen) | every dog |
| All other states | depending on the state, for dangerous or large dogs |
What is different if you come from abroad
In the UK, pet insurance often bundles vet bills and third party liability. In Germany these are separate: vet costs need their own policy, while liability for damage your dog causes to others is covered by dog liability insurance. Your personal liability policy (Privathaftpflicht) does not cover dogs, only small pets such as cats or rabbits.
A liability policy from your home country may not be accepted as proof here, and it may not follow German law in a claim. If you bring your dog when you move, arrange a German policy from the day you arrive and keep the confirmation ready for the dog tax registration.
Why the insurance matters even where it is not required
German law makes dog owners liable for damage their animal causes, even if they did nothing wrong. This is called strict liability (Gefährdungshaftung).
A dog that runs onto the road and causes a crash can lead to injury claims worth millions. Without cover, those claims can follow you for decades, even after you leave Germany.
What the mandatory policy must include
The states set minimum sums insured. Good tariffs go far beyond that: EUR 10 million or more for personal injury and property damage is common today.
You must be able to show proof on request, for example during a check or when you register your dog.
Step by step
- Check the rule for the state you live in or are moving to.
- Find out whether your breed or size counts as dangerous there.
- Choose cover of at least EUR 10 million.
- Include damage to rented flats and people who look after your dog.
- Keep the insurance confirmation ready for the dog tax registration.
Checklist
- Sum insured at least EUR 10 million
- Damage to rented flats included
- Dog sitters and friends walking the dog covered
- Puppies and stays abroad clearly covered
- No payout cuts for breaking leash or muzzle rules
Common mistakes
- Assuming your personal liability policy also covers the dog
- Relying on a policy from your home country
- Not checking the rules again after moving to another state
- Choosing only the lowest legal minimum sum
Questions and answers
Frequently asked
What happens without dog insurance in a state that requires it?
You risk a fine, and if your dog causes damage you pay for it privately.
Does the rule apply to puppies?
That depends on the state, some only require cover from a certain age. It is best to insure from the first day.
Do I need insurance for a small dog?
A small dog can also make a cyclist fall. It makes sense for every dog.
How do I prove that I am insured?
With the insurance confirmation (Versicherungsbestätigung) you receive from the insurer. Some authorities want to see it when you register the dog.
Can I get the documents in English?
Some insurers offer English service, many do not. The German terms apply in a claim, so ask us when something is unclear.
Does the insurance pay if my dog bites someone?
Yes, it pays for the injured person's damage. Cover can be lost if the harm was caused on purpose.
Sources
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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