Private Liability Insurance in Germany (Privathaftpflicht)

The absolute “must-have” protection for your financial existence

If you are new to Germany, there is one insurance policy you absolutely need before any other: the Private Liability Insurance (in German: Privathaftpflichtversicherung). Why? Under German law (BGB § 823), you are held personally responsible for any damage you accidentally cause to a third party – with your entire current and future assets, in unlimited amounts. Whether you accidentally injure someone as a pedestrian, spill coffee over a colleague’s laptop, or cause water damage in your rented apartment: this policy covers the costs and protects your financial ruin.

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To help you navigate the German insurance terms, here is a quick cheat-sheet for the most important settings in the calculator:

• Familienstand (Marital Status): Single (Single) / Familie (Family, covers spouse and children).
• Deckungssumme (Coverage Limit): Always choose at least 50 Mio. EUR for maximum safety.
• Selbstbeteiligung (Deductible/Excess): Ohne (Zero out-of-pocket) or 150 EUR (lowers your yearly premium).
• Mietsachschäden (Rental property damage): Extremely important for expats! Make sure this is included.

German Forms? Let us do the work for you!

If translating the German calculator feels too complicated, simply reach out to us. As a contract-free insurance broker, we are not tied to any single company. We will assess your living situation, filter the best tariffs, and provide you with a tailored recommendation in English. Our service is completely free of charge for you, as we are remunerated directly by the insurance companies.

Key Benefits of Private Liability Insurance for Expats

• Protection for Rented Apartments (Mietsachschäden): Most expats rent their homes. If you damage the wooden floor, the built-in kitchen, or the bathroom sink, your liability insurance pays the landlord, protecting your rental deposit (Kaution).
• Loss of Keys (Schlüsselverlust): Losing a key to a German apartment building with a central locking system can easily cost thousands of Euros if all locks need to be replaced. Good tariffs cover this specific risk.
• Global Coverage: Even if you travel back to your home country for a visit, or go on vacation anywhere in the world, your German liability insurance travels with you.
• Passive Legal Protection: If someone wrongly accuses you of causing damage, the insurance company acts as a shield. They will investigate the claim and pay the legal fees to fight off unjustified demands in court.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Does this insurance cover my dog?

No. In Germany, the private liability insurance only covers small, tame animals like cats or rabbits. If you own a dog or a horse, you are legally required to purchase a separate Dog Owner’s Liability Insurance (Hundehaftpflicht).

Is my spouse or partner included?

Yes, if you select the “Family” (Familie) tariff. This covers you, your spouse or registered partner living at the same address, and your underage children. If you live alone, the cheaper “Single” tariff is sufficient.

What happens if I leave Germany and move back home?

German insurance policies usually have a minimum contract term of 1 year. However, there is a special legal exception: If you permanently deregister your residency in Germany (Abmeldung) and move abroad, you have a special right of termination (Sonderkündigungsrecht). You can cancel the policy effective on the day you leave the country. We will handle the cancellation paperwork for you.

Regulatory Information: Before concluding an insurance contract, we provide our Initial Information according to § 15 VersVermV.