So don't wait any longer – read on to learn everything you need to know about car insurance in Germany!
Overview of Car Insurance in Germany
All drivers in Germany are required to have car insurance (Kfz versicherung or autoversicherung). In order to get your automobile registered and get a German license plate in Germany, you must have third-party liability insurance on it. At all times, the vehicle must have insurance certificates on display.
Germany has Europe's and the continent's largest vehicle insurance sector as well as the greatest overall automotive sector. According to 2016 figures, the nation has roughly 85 – 90 automobile insurance companies. There are several of them:
In Germany, unlike in many other European nations, the vehicle rather than the driver is required. Several comprehensive plans, on the other hand, allow a single vehicle to be insured by several drivers.
Second vehicle insurance is available on several German policies. As a result, German parents can add their children's vehicles to their insurance policy as a second vehicle.
The German Insurance Association (Die Deutschen Versicherer – GDV) regulates the insurance market and most companies belong to it.
Types of Car Insurance in Germany
In Germany, there are mainly three kinds of car insurance:
Haftpflicht (Liability Insurance)
The minimum legal requirement or the most fundamental kind of car insurance is liability car insurance, often known as third-party insurance. This car insurance coverage arrangement offers a minimum level of coverage, essentially covering any harm you or your automobile might cause to other persons or automobiles, as well as the medical expenses.
The bad news is that it will not compensate for the harm you have done to your own vehicle (since you are the one who caused the collision). As a result, most people choose one of the two additional levels of vehicle insurance discussed below.
Teilkasko (Partial Insurance)
In Germany, liability insurance and additional coverage (excluding vandalism) are combined to provide partial car insurance, which protects people from the damage caused by natural disasters such as earthquakes or floods.
Broken glass, electrical surges, and Marten (weasel) bites are all covered under a partial car insurance coverage policy, in addition to the aforementioned. This insurance policy is more costly in terms of cost than liability insurance because of its greater coverage level.
Vollkasko (Comprehensive Insurance)
The type of vehicle insurance that covers practically everything there is to cover is comprehensive car insurance in Germany. It covers both liability and partial insurance, as well as other coverages (such as acts of vandalism), and it is the most comprehensive type of insurance.
This kind of automobile insurance protects you against losses to your car caused by a collision that you cause. This is the most comprehensive kind of vehicle insurance, but it's also the most costly. In order to keep your automobile insured, you'll have to pay more, although you'll pay less in the event of damage.
What Is an eVB Number?
If you want to register your car in Germany, this number is required, and it is provided to you by your car insurance company via email. When you register your car, you'll need to provide this number as well as other required documents such as your TÜV certificate and car tax. The registration office will know that the automobile is insured because of your eVB number.
Cost of Car Insurance in Germany
In Germany, the cost of automobile insurance is determined by a number of factors that pertain to both the driver and the vehicle. The experience and age of a driver, as well as the location, engine size, and overall value of the vehicle, all influence the price of car insurance in Germany.
Your deductible (the amount you pay out of pocket before the insurance company covers the costs) is generally what determines the cost of car insurance. You'll pay 300 euros, while the insurance company will cover 700 euros, if you have a 300-euro deductible and the damages total 1000 euros.
With partial insurance (Teilkasko) motorists pay a 150€ deductible, whereas with comprehensive insurance (Vollkasko) they pay between 300€ and 500€. Your age also determines how much you pay for car insurance in Germany. Because young drivers have the most traffic incidents, you may be asked to pay more if you are a young driver.
Older vehicles may do well with partial insurance, which is less costly than comprehensive insurance, while young vehicles should have comprehensive insurance. In Germany, the least expensive form of automobile insurance is a liability.
Which Companies Provide the Cheapest Car Insurance in Germany?
The below companies provide the cheapest packages:
CosmosDirekt – offers more value for money than traditional car insurance companies by focusing on low prices as well. In reality, many German tests demonstrated the superb price-performance ratio. You may save up to 40% on the cost of the item.
DA Direkt – one of the most popular insurance firms in Germany, with considerable discounts.
AXA – this is one of the biggest insurers in Germany and Europe. For your automobile, AXA provides a good value and comprehensive coverage. By adding the services you want, you may build your own insurance plan.
Huk24 – This is one of the insurance which is not on any comaparison site and you will also not find it in any other blogs. We would suggest, compare their calculator with others. You will surprised for sure.
In addition, using a free comparison tool like Tarifcheck.de, you can find the right insurance for your car.
Is it possible to use Foreign Automobile Insurance in Germany?
Insurance from one's own nation may be used by drivers from EU/EFTA nations. If they have an international green card, those from outside the EU may sometimes use insurance from their home country.
Long-term residents in Germany, on the other hand, will need to purchase a German insurance policy.
What are the Pros and Cons of Car Insurance in Germany?
There are definitely pros and cons to car insurance in Germany, depending on your needs and preferences. Here are a few key points to keep in mind:
✅ Pros
Wide variety of coverage options – There are a variety of coverage options available, so you can find one that suits your needs and budget.
Low premiums – Car insurance premiums in Germany are relatively low when compared to other countries, making it a good investment.
Good customer service – German insurers are known for their excellent customer service, so you can always count on getting support when you need it.
Flexible payment plans – Many insurers offer flexible payment plans that make it easy to get the coverage you need without having to pay upfront.
⛔ Cons
Limited availability of discounts – Car insurance rates in Germany are generally higher than in other countries, which means that discounts aren't always available.
Complex rules – German car insurance rules can be complex and difficult to understand, making it difficult to know whether you're eligible for a discount or not.
How can I cancel my Car Insurance?
Every year on January 1, your automobile insurance is automatically renewed. Cancel it by November 30 to avoid charges. You should be shopping for cheaper insurance every November. To compare automobile insurance rates, use Verivox or Tarifcheck.
Your vehicle insurance will be canceled automatically if you sell it. There is no need to wait until December end.
