Liability Insurance Germany
Last update: 2 April 2021
Have you ever come across the word “Haftpflichtversicherung” since you’re living in Germany? I hope you have! Because the “Haftpflichtversicherung”, in English “liability insurance” is definitely one of the most important insurances in Germany and an absolute must-have. Let’s first of all clarify what this insurance is about and why you should have one.
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At a glance – Top 3 Liability Insurance Germany Overview
Below you will find a summary of liability insurance providers in Germany that offer good value for money and are easy to deal with.
Coya
4.99 €per month
- Service available in English
- No "Selbstbeteiligung"
- Completely online
- Currently with 15 EUR discount
Getsafe
3.60 €per month
- Service available in English
- Optional family & drone insurance
- Completely online
Lemonade
2.00 €per month
- Service available in English
- AI-supported app
- Optional family insurance
What is “Haftpflichtversicherung” or Liability insurance?
Per definition a liability insurance in Germany protects you from the risks of liabilities imposed by lawsuits and similar claims. Sounds complicated? Simply put, a liability insurance covers you in case you are held legally responsible for a negligent bodily injury or property damage. Here are some examples:
- You’re bumping into someone at a bus stop and the person’s mobile drops to the ground, breaking the screen of the phone. You would be obligated to offset the damage. Fixing the damage or a new phone can easily cost you 500 EUR or more.
- You’re cooking at a friends house and by accident you’re dropping a heavy mug on the ceramic glass cooktop damaging the cooktop. This can also easily cost 500 to 1,000 EUR….
- You run over a pedestrian with your bike and the person breaks his/her leg. The treatment costs can easily run into thousands of Euros and you would have to pay for it! Not to mention permanent injuries and the financial obligations for that…
The exceptions in the private liability insurance in Germany:
Exceptional cases in which private liability insurance does not usually pay for damage incurred include the following:
- Apart from a few exceptions, damage caused by the use of a motor vehicle is not included in the scope of insurance for personal liability. The same applies to aircraft and watercraft.
- If damage has occurred in the context of friendly services or courtesy work, liability insurance usually does not apply.
- In the event of a mishap caused by relatives who live together with you in the same household or a domestic community, the private or public liability insurance in Germany will not cover the costs incurred.
- It is also important to mention, that a liability insurance does not cover liabilities from injuries/damages caused while you are driving a car. For that you need a car insurance which is obligatory in Germany when you register a car.
So as you can see, the liability insurance is an important, if not the most important, insurance in Germany.
What does liability insurance cost?
Liability insurance costs are often estimated to be much higher than they are. Measured against the benefits it offers the insured persons, liability insurance could even often be described as a bargain. Even with an annual premium starting at about 30 euros, you can protect yourself as a single person against personal injury, property damage, and financial losses in the millions. However, you often don’t find such offers at first glance. Therefore, when choosing liability insurance in Germany, a prior liability comparison is very important. In this way, you can quickly and easily find the cheapest or most suitable insurance rate.
As a rule, the quality of an insurance policy cannot be determined by the amount of the premium. For example, there are already family insurance policies starting at about 50 euros a year that offer a similar scope of services as comparable rates for over 100 euros. Therefore, you should not choose your liability insurance solely on the amount of the premium. The benefits must also fit your needs, otherwise, you will not be adequately covered in the event of a claim.
So as you can see, the liability insurance is an important, if not the most important, insurance in Germany.
Liability Insurance Germany – Detailed Overview
Coya
Coya is a new digital insurance company that is based in Berlin. It offers innovative insurance services especially to younger people. You can get your insurance policy from Coya directly online within a few minutes and without any paperwork at all. Monthly rates are starting at just 4.99 EUR/month. Along with the possibility to cancel the insurance at any time and no additional payments (no “Selbstbeteiligung”), this is definitely one of the best packages fot liability insurance in Germany on the market. Needless to say, that they of course offer their service also in English.
Liability insurance starting at just 4.99 EUR/month
Service available in both English & German
Manage your insurance policy completely online (no paperwork)
No fixed duration, can be cancelled at any time
No additional payments (0 EUR Selbstbeteiligung)
Getsafe
Getsafe is a relatively new start-up offering insurance solutions online. They started as an insurance broker platform originally but have introduced their own insurance policies recently. At Getsafe you can get a liability insurance starting from 3.60 EUR per month. In addition you can extend coverage for your family and drones. You can easily insure yourself online within 5 minutes and manage your insurance policy digitally via the Getsafe app. Furthermore their website/app is available in both English and German.
Liability insurance starting at 3.60 EUR/month
Service available in both English and German
Optional family and drone insurance can be added
Manage your insurance policy via app
No fixed duration, can be cancelled at any time
Lemonade
Lemonade is a US-based insurance company that started its European expansion in Germany in 2019. In Germany, they offer their services in both German and English. Lemonade follows a tech-oriented insurance approach. This means that you can completely manage your policy on your smartphone (e.g. change your coverage instantly or file a claim). The claims settlement process is supported by artificial intelligence, so a significant amount of claims can be handled within seconds. Rates start at 2 EUR/month and you can cancel your contract at any time (i.e. there’s no minimum contract duration). Furthermore, you can add your partner or children to your policy if you’re living with them.
Private liability insurance starting at 2 EUR/month
Services available in both English & German
Family members living with you can be added
AI-supported claims settlement
No fixed duration, can be cancelled at any time
Arag
Suitable for families, singles and singles with children, the ARAG liability insurance covers liability damages up to €50 million. Everyone can easily register online for this German Haftpflichtversicherung. Worldwide coverage is included and you can choose from 3 different tariffs (€3.16 – €6.78 per month). Also, there is a phone and online counseling for all your questions and issues. One of the best liability insurances in Germany for expats.
Liability insurance starting at just 3.16 EUR/month
Phone and online counseling inclusive for all issues
Sum insured €50 million
Adam Riese
The vision of the major German financial service provider W&W is to simplify your private liability insurance with their digital brand Adam Riese. It just takes a 3 minutes step-by-step tutorial to get the full-service coverage the next day. Everyone can cancel the insurance after one year if they are not satisfied with the service.
Liability insurance starting at just 3.10 EUR/month
Family members, life partner, spouse and children
All time coverage in all of Europe
After one year, it can be cancelled at any time
Adam Riese Liability Insurance
Gothaer
With the well-established insurance provider Gothaer you can book your insurance fully online. Just follow a simple online step-by-step form, choose your preferred plan, and get full coverage the next day. Starting from just 2.63 EUR/month Gothaer offers high price value. If you should not be satisfied with their service, you can cancel one of the best Haftpflichtversicherung in Germany at any time.
Liability insurance starting at just 2.63 EUR/month
Service available fully online
All time coverage in all of Europe
No fixed duration, can be cancelled at any time
No additional payments (0 EUR Selbstbeteiligung)
Who should get a liability insurance as an expat in Germany?
Personal liability insurance is one of the most important insurances for all private individuals in Germany. After all, it protects the insured against the often high costs that can arise in the event of claims for damages. Despite this, only just under two-thirds of German households have taken out liability insurance. One reason for this may be that liability insurance is not compulsory, like health insurance – it is taken out voluntarily. One thing is clear, however: liability insurance makes sense for everyone living in Germany.
How much is the amount of coverage sum?
The amount of coverage is an important part of the liability insurance in Germany and is fixed by contract. This is the maximum compensation that the insurer will pay for a claim. This can be between 1 and 10 million euros. The premium differences between the sums are usually so small that it makes more sense to choose the higher sum.
For personal injury and property damage, a sum insured of at least 3 million euros is recommended, but preferably 5 to 10 million. Because it is precisely these damages that can quickly reach millions and plunge you into financial ruin. If the costs are too low, you will have to bear all costs exceeding the coverage amount yourself.
Is my family also insured?
In principle, only you are automatically insured with your liability insurance in Germany. To ensure your family as well, you must choose the family tariff. This means that your spouse or partner and minor children are insured free of charge. If your adult children do not have an income of their own or do not have a profession, they are also insured up to the age of 25. By the way: If you have married, you will automatically be included in your spouse’s insurance (the family tariff is also required for this). If both you and your partner have insurance, the younger contract can be canceled.
What liability insurance is available for the self-employed and freelancers in Germany?
Professional liability insurance is extremely important for companies, freelancers, and self-employed persons in Germany. In principle, they are liable for damages caused to third parties by their business or their work. Even if only professional liability insurance is often legally required for a self-employed entrepreneur, it is advisable to take out additional insurance (business liability insurance Germany) . Private insurances do not apply here, because different requirements apply to them, in terms of the question of causality. Get more information!
How to report liability damage?
- The damage report to the insurer should be made as early as possible.
- Important information includes the name of the person who caused the damage and the name of the injured party, the policy number, the time and place of the damage, and a precise description of how the damage occurred.
- The deadlines and other necessary information may vary depending on the insurance line.
- Photos are particularly important in the case of insurance damage to household contents, buildings, or motor vehicle accidents. Receipts, documents, and certificates, on the other hand, are particularly important for liability or occupational disability insurance in Germany.
Is Liability Insurance In Germany Required By Law?
Private liability insurance in Germany is not a compulsory insurance. Anyone who causes damage to another person can be liable with their entire assets. Without liability insurance, you can therefore quickly find yourself in financial distress.
Although private liability insurance is not compulsory, like some other insurances, it is practically indispensable. A mishap has certainly happened to everyone at some point. If this results in an injury or damage to others, the financial consequences can quickly add up.
Not everyone has private liability insurance. For you as the injured party, this can mean that you come away empty-handed if the party responsible for the damage is unable to reimburse you for the costs.
Overview: What is covered under personal liability insurance?
- the costs of restoring or replacing the damaged items
- the costs for consequential damages such as loss of use
- in the case of injured persons: Salvage costs, treatment costs, loss of earnings, reconstruction costs of apartment or house, often also compensation for pain and suffering or, in the case of permanent damage, a lifelong pension
- Defending against unjustified claims (“passive legal protection”): Liability insurance fends off claims for damages that are unfounded. If in such a case, a legal dispute arises with the person claiming for compensation, the liability insurer conducts the lawsuit and bears the costs. Liability insurance in Germany thus offers a kind of “passive” legal protection in the event of unjustified liability claims.
Summary – Liability Insurance Germany
Of course there are many more liability insurance providers on the market, but I hope this article gives you a good overview about the topic liability insurance in Germany. If you want to compare more policies you can check out this comparison calculator.
Disclaimer: This article reflects my personal opinion about the above mentioned insurance providers and their offered policies. I am not giving insurance advice nor am I working for the above mentioned companies. However the article contains affiliate links, meaning I earn a commission if you use those links.
47 Comments. Leave new
Hi Dominik, can you recommend a public liability insurance group in Germany please. It is for a public event.
Thank you!
Dear Shannon,
no, unfortunately not. The focus of this article is on private liability insurances.
Check with one of the known insurance companies here in Germany regarding public liability insurance.
Best Regards,
Dominik
Hi Dominik, please I’m new in Berlin and I need a liability insurance coverage and I would like you recommend a perfect one for me. Thanks.
Dear Julius,
this really depends on your personal requirements for a liability insurance… I would therefore recommend, that you have a look at the above comparison to get a first overview.
Best Regards,
Dominik
Disclaimer: This is no legal/insurance advice.
Dear Team,
Thank you for the very helpful summary.
I already have Private Liability insurance but was wondering if this will also cover the “drone liability insurance” which is required in Germany for all drones? My drone weighs 540g.
Thank you,
Tanay
Dear Tanay,
you would have to check with your insurer if damages caused by drones are covered by your liability insurance policy.
With Getsafe you can for example add a drone insurance to your liability insurance for drones that weigh up to 5kg.
Best Regards,
Dominik
Disclaimer: This is no legal/insurance advice.
Is this the appropriate liability insurance for professional indemnity as a consultant?
Dear Ramona,
no, the liability insurances presented in this article are private liability insurances.
For your purpose you would need a so-called Berufshaftpflichtversicherung (= professional liability insurance).
Best Regards,
Dominik
Disclaimer: This is no legal/insurance advice.
is this insurance valid if i stay in Belgium for 6 months?
Dear Sachin,
that really depends on the insurance conditions of the insurance company you choose… But for example the coya liability insurance covers you generally within the European Union and up to five years globally.
Best Regards,
Dominik
Disclaimer: This is no legal/insurance advice.
hello ,
if i make any damage to the wooden floor of the apartment that i rent ,when do i have to inform my insurance company ?
immediately after the damage or wait until it is time to move to another apartment ?
thank you
Dear Vlassis,
you should report the damage immediately. Otherwise it could be that the insurance refuses to settle the claim.
Best Regards,
Dominik
Disclaimer: This is no legal/insurance advice.
Hello,
my friend borrowed my phone for 2 weeks and accidentally dropped it in water. He has this haftpflichtversicherung from Coya. Will that be covered and can my phone be repaired. The problem is he says that he only got this insurance in the past 2 weeks.
Is it still possible to claim for this kind of insurance?
Please help. Thanks.
Dear Sony,
unfortunately I cannot give you legal/insurance advice on this matter. Please get in touch with the insurer directly to clarify this.
Best Regards,
Dominik
Hi,
I am moving to a new apartment and would like to drill something in the wall, in doing so if something bad happens, would that be covered in liability insurance?
Dear Ashish,
it really depends on the liability insurance if damages to rented property are included or not. For coya, getsafe and helden.de this is covered.
Please note, this is no insurance/legal advice. For more details, please check with the insurance companies directly.
Best Regards,
Dominik
Hello.
I’m qualified football coach and I want to coach 1v1 kids in the park. Would any injuries of kids I coach (hope not) be covered by liability I insurance? Thanks.
Dear Artur,
as we are not an insurance company we cannot give legal/insurance advice. We would therefore recommend to get in touch with an insurance company/broker to find the right insurance for you.
Best Regards,
Dominik
Hi Dominik,
Thank you, information provided here is very useful. Could you please share your view on below scenario ?
I moved to Berlin 8 months back. After staying for 3-4 weeks in the first month itself I informed owner that exhaust fan of toilet is not working properly. But he said it doesn’t matter. But from last 3 months black mold are appearing on the shower roof.
Does situation like black mold in toilets are also covered in insurance? How to handle such situation? Could you please guide?
Hello,
the private liability insurance covers all damages caused by you. In my view you are not responsible for this damage and this would therefore be something that should be fixed by your landlord.
Best Regards,
Dominik
Disclaimer: This is no legal/insurance advice.
Hi Dominik, is the wooden floor damage in a rented house comes under liability insurance? I am staying in the house but dont have insurnace till now and few marks have come in the wooden floor.
Dear Ranu,
yes, this would be an example that would be covered by a liability insurance. However if it’s only a few marks, then this could be considered as normal tear and you would not have to pay for it. Just check with your landlord.
But anyways, it’s definitely recommendable to have a liability insurance as it protects you from potentially huge financial risks.
Best Regards,
Dominik
Disclaimer: This is no legal advice.
Hi there I’m looking for a company that provides private and professional liability insurance in one premium so I don’t have to pay two separate amounts.
Do you have any recommendations?
Dear Ryan,
to my knowledge there is no such insurance. It would always be two separate insurance policies.
Best Regards,
Dominik
Do I need to buy an liability insurance for my kids ? If not, shall I add them explicitly to my insurance (or my husband’s one) ?
Thank you
Dear Mirela,
if you have kids it definitely makes sense to include them in your liability insurance policy so that they are also covered.
Most insurances offer the option to add your partner or kids to the insurance policy or they offer a family policy that covers all family members living in the same household.
All insurances described in this article offer the possibility to add family members to the policy. Just compare the policies and find the one that fits to your needs.
Best Regards,
Dominik
I have liability insurance . I went my friend room and unfortunately i sat on her laptop and laptop display had cracked so now can i claim for insurance ?
Dear Saygin,
Yes, this would be a typical scenario for a liability insurance. In this case my recommendation would be to get in touch with your insurance company to clarify the details.
Best Regards,
Dominik
Hello, I’m getting offer from the ‘Rydes App’ to have a one-year free subscription to ‘Travel Health Insurance’. So before I redeem that, I wanted to confirm that it’s the same as Liability Insurance, or both are different??
Dear Parin,
these are two different things: The travel health insurance covers you against health-related risks while you are traveling abroad (e.g. you become sick while traveling -> the health insurance covers the treatment costs).
A liability insurance covers you in case you are held legally responsible for a negligent bodily injury or property damage (e.g. you break something -> the liability insurance covers the costs for the reimbursement).
Regards,
Dominik
There was a gush of wind and the glass in the window broke. Would the insurance covered on the window glass as my house owner has asked me to get it replaced asap.
Dear Sphatika,
in my eyes this should be covered by the house owner or his building insurance as it seems that the damage was caused by a natural event and not by you. I would therefore check with the house owner.
Hope this helps.
Regards,
Dominik
Hello, Greetings!
Does Coya cover an accident caused by my bicycle?
Regards,
Nithin
Dear Nithin,
Yes, liability insurances usually cover damages caused by your bike. The only exception are E-Bikes/Pedelecs with a maximum speed higher than 25 km/h. For these kind of bikes you need a separate insurance.
Regards,
Dominik
Hi
My previous landlord did not pay us our security though we returned the flat in a very good condition. Is there any insurance for this, because now we have paid even higher and want to make sure that we are not surprised by the landlord in the end?
Dear Aditi,
well there is something similar to an insurance… You could get a so-called “Mietkautionsversicherung” (security deposit insurance).
Instead of paying the landlord the deposit upfront, you pay a yearly fee of approx. 5% of the security deposit to the insurance company. They then act as a guarantor for you towards the landlord. Should the landlord claim the deposit, the insurance company will verify with the land lord if the claim is justified.
An insurance company offering this service is for example kautionsfrei.de
Hope this helps!
Best Regards,
Dominik
I upload videos on YouTube is that consider commercial? I don’t make any money yet on youtube, and I have 2 dji drones how much per month?
Dear Mario,
the drone insurance from getsafe costs an additional 1.32 EUR/month on top of the 4.70 EUR/month for the liability insurance (so in total 6.02 EUR/month). It covers your drones up to 5kg for non-commercial private use. If you do not generate any income from your videos I would not consider it as commercial use. However this is my personal opinion. To be on the safe side I recommend to check this directly with getsafe.
Best Regards,
Dominik
Hey,
Is damaging my own laptop or other electronics covered in the in the insurance?
Thanks
Dear Bhavya,
no, a liability insurance only covers damages you have done to others.
Regards,
Dominik
Hello
Greetings
Does liability insurance cover the replacement of locks in the building in case of lost key/keys? For e.g single key used in Keller, main door and your house. Now the key has been lost in Berlin. The landlord is asking to replacing the all locks. Does this insurance includes replacing the lock policy?
Hi Wolf,
yes, most liability insurances cover key loss. From the insurances presented in this article the coverage for replacing keys/locks is currently as follows:
coya: up to 15,000 EUR
getsafe: up to 50,000 EUR
helden.de: up to 50,000,000 EUR
Hope this helps!
Best Regards,
Dominik
Hello I am traveling from new Zealand and am looking for liability insurance that will cover paragliding in all countries, is there a policy that will cover this?
Thankyou.
Hi Cody,
although the liability insurances presented in this post give you worldwide protection, they can only be concluded by German residents. I therefore recommend that you get in touch with an insurance provider in New Zealand.
Best Regards,
Dominik
Very useful information – many thanks
Hi,
There are some small cockroaches in my apartment. And my landlord is saying that they have to redo the whole room to kill the eggs. So I have to bear the whole cost of flooring and reconstruction of kitchen. Does this would be covered by liability insurance?
Dear David,
well… in my eyes your landlord needs to prove first of all that it’s your fault that there are cockroaches in the apartment.
If that’s not the case, he has the bear the costs. If it’s your fault, then you would have to check with your liability insurance if it’s covered by them.
Please note, this is no legal consultation but merely reflects my opinion on this topic.
Best Regards,
Dominik