Personal Liability Insurance in Germany

Key Takeaways:

• Personal liability insurance provides critical protection in case of accidental damages such as property damage, personal injury, and financial loss to third parties.
• With over 260 tariff options available, you can compare coverage levels, benefits, and pricing to find a plan that fits your needs.
• Additional features may include coverage for lost keys, damage to rental property, and financial loss if others cannot compensate you for damages.

Table of Contents

1. What is Personal Liability Insurance in Germany?
2. Do I need Liability Insurance in Germany?
3. Liability Insurance for Students in Germany
4. Liability Insurance for Expats in Germany
5. How to Apply for Personal Liability Insurance on CHECK24?
6. Coverage of Personal Liability Insurance: What’s Included?
7. Optional Coverage 
8. Exclusions – When Personal Liability Insurance Doesn’t Apply 
9. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) 
10. Why Compare Liability Insurance Policies? 

What is Personal Liability Insurance in Germany?

Personal liability insurance, or "private Haftpflichtversicherung" in German, is a form of insurance that protects individuals against third-party claims if they are held legally responsible for accidental damages. 

The basic scope of protection provided by personal liability insurance covers costs related to accidental property damage, personal injury, and financial loss caused by the insured.

Liability Insurance for Students in Germany

Whether studying in Germany for a semester abroad or for a full degree, students are advised to have liability insurance for the duration of their stay. For international students, personal liability insurance provides crucial protection, covering costs if they accidentally cause harm to others or damage property.

Examples include spilling a drink on a classmate’s laptop, dropping a friend’s TV during a move, or losing a house key, which could require a costly lock replacement.

Even if a student holds permanent residence in Germany and goes abroad for an exchange semester, personal liability insurance continues to offer coverage. Although many students have limited financial resources, securing this type of insurance is essential, as it protects against potentially high costs from unexpected incidents. Many insurers offer affordable liability insurance plans specifically for students, ensuring that even on a budget, they can have this indispensable coverage.

Do I need Liability Insurance in Germany?

In Germany, personal liability insurance is highly recommended for anyone planning to stay for an extended period, whether for studies, work, or other purposes. Even minor incidents that cause damage to third parties can lead to significant, unexpected expenses—including repair costs, medical bills, and legal fees—that can quickly accumulate. Without insurance, these expenses could be substantial enough to lead to severe financial hardship, potentially even resulting in personal bankruptcy for those unable to cover the costs on their own. 

Around 75% of the local population holds this type of insurance, underscoring its importance and the strong protection it provides against everyday risks. Although liability insurance is not universally mandatory, it’s often required in specific situations, such as when renting an apartment, where landlords may expect tenants to have coverage.

Private liability insurance thus is an essential coverage for anyone living in Germany who wishes to protect themselves from the potential financial risks of everyday mishaps.

Liability Insurance for Expats in Germany

Personal liability insurance is highly recommended for expats in Germany, whether you’re working, job-seeking, or on a temporary contract. Moving to Germany involves navigating a significant amount of bureaucracy, and securing essential coverage, like liability insurance, should not be overlooked.

Another advantage for expats is that the cost of liability insurance can be tax-deductible as part of the income tax declaration. Additionally, family members, including spouses and children, can be included under a single policy, providing comprehensive personal liability coverage for the entire household without requiring separate policies.

How to Apply for Personal Liability Insurance on CHECK24

Applying for personal liability insurance in Germany is much easier with the help of a comparison platform, CHECK24 - Germany's leading online comparison site. CHECK24 allows users to easily compare various insurance providers to find the most suitable tariffs, and buy liability insurance online.

Steps to Acquire Personal Liability Insurance on CHECK24:

1. Profile Setup: First, enter some basic information about yourself so that the insurance providers can provide personalized quotes tailored to your situation.
2. Choosing a Tariff: CHECK24 provides a list of suitable options. Here, you can compare different providers, coverage options, and premiums, helping you choose the personal liability insurance plan that best fits your needs.
3. Finalization: Once you’ve selected a plan, you can complete the application directly on CHECK24. This allows you to secure your liability insurance with just a few clicks.

Coverage of Personal Liability Insurance: What’s Included?

Personal liability insurance in Germany provides essential coverage for various types of third-party damages. Here is a breakdown of the main areas typically covered:

• Property Damage: This includes damage to third-party belongings or rental property. For example, if you accidentally spill a drink on a friend’s new notebook, your liability insurance can cover the repair or replacement costs, which might be around €1,000.
• Bodily Injury: This type of coverage applies if you unintentionally cause harm to another person. For instance, if run on the sidewalk, bump into a passerby, causing him to trip and fall, resulting in a serious ankle fracture, your policy can cover medical expenses, surgery, and any necessary physical therapy. Such cases can easily add up to costs of €60,000 or more, depending on the severity of the injury and the required treatments.
• Financial Losses: This coverage applies when your actions result in financial loss for a third party. For example, if you are hosting a small gathering and accidentally lock the door with a self-employed guest’s car keys inside, they might miss an important client appointment. Depending on the policy’s terms, your insurance may cover the resulting loss of earnings, which could amount to around €3,000.

Recommended Coverage Limits

Personal liability insurance typically covers damages up to the agreed limit. Most insurers in Germany offer coverage between €5 million and €50 million. CHECK24 recommends a minimum coverage limit of €10 million, especially as bodily injury claims can result in high costs, such as rehabilitation expenses, pain and suffering compensation, and lost income.

Optional Coverage

In addition to standard coverage, personal liability insurance in Germany often includes optional features that enhance protection for specific situations. Here is an overview of some key additional features you may consider:

• Loss of Keys

  Many policies cover the costs of replacing lost or stolen keys, particularly for apartment buildings or rented properties. This can save you from significant expenses, as the replacement of building locks can be costly.

• Bad debt coverage (Forderungsausfalldeckung)

  This feature provides protection if you suffer a financial loss caused by someone, who cannot compensate you, because they don’t have insurance or enough funds. It ensures you’re covered even if the responsible party is unable to pay.

• Coverage for Children (Deliktunfähige Kinder)

  Liability insurance can protect you from claims resulting from damages caused by young children who are not yet legally liable for their actions (children under the age of 7 or under the age of 10 in traffic situations). This coverage is particularly useful for families and parents.

• Helping Others (Gefälligkeitsschaden)

  If you accidentally cause damage while helping a friend or neighbor—like assisting with a bike repair that leads to an accident—this coverage can handle any resulting claims, even if it’s a favor.

• Rental Property Damage (Mietsachschäden)

  Designed for renters, this coverage protects against accidental damage to the rental property itself. For example, if a mishap in your apartment causes water damage, liability insurance can cover the repair costs, an important consideration for anyone renting in Germany.

• Professional Liability for Civil Servants (Diensthaftpflicht)

  Civil servants in Germany can face personal liability in certain professional situations. This optional coverage protects them against claims related to their official duties.

• Volunteer Work (Ehrenamt)

  If you’re involved in volunteer activities, this coverage can protect you in case of accidental harm or damage caused while volunteering, ensuring your efforts to help others don’t result in personal financial risk.

Exclusions – When Personal Liability Insurance Doesn’t Apply

Private liability insurance in Germany generally covers damages you cause to third parties. However, there are specific situations and types of damage where this insurance will not provide coverage:

• Self-inflicted Damages: Damages to yourself, household members, or your own property are not covered. This insurance only applies to third-party claims.
• Intentional Damages: Any damages that you intentionally cause will not be compensated by liability insurance, as it only covers accidental incidents.
• Damages Caused by Dogs or Horses: Personal liability insurance excludes damages caused by certain animals, such as dogs and horses. For these situations a separate pet owner’s liability insurance is required.
• Work-Related Damages: Damages occurring in the workplace are generally not covered. Employees are typically protected through their employer’s business liability insurance, while self-employed individuals must secure separate professional or business liability insurance.
• Criminal Activities: Damages caused while committing illegal acts are excluded from coverage, as insurance does not cover losses arising from criminal behavior.
• Breach of Contract: Fines, penalties, or damages resulting from a breach of contract are not covered by personal liability insurance.
• Vehicle-related Damages: Damages caused by motor vehicles, aircraft, or watercraft are excluded. Smaller model vehicles, like drones, may be included in premium plans, but other vehicles generally require separate liability insurance.
• Hunting-related Damages: Damages caused during hunting are also excluded. Individuals who hunt must obtain specialized hunting liability insurance for this purpose.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

• Is my personal liability insurance valid if I move out of Germany?

  Most personal liability insurance policies in Germany are only valid as long as you maintain your primary residence in Germany. If you’re planning to relocate, check with your insurer to see if they offer extended or international coverage, or consider securing a new policy in your destination country.

• What if I need help with a claim and do not speak German?

  CHECK24 offers customer support to assist with questions or claims regarding your insurance policy. While the primary service is in German, you can request support in English. It’s advisable to contact the CHECK24 customer service team directly to confirm the availability of English assistance, ensuring your concerns are clearly and effectively addressed.

• Are my partner and/or children automatically covered under my policy?

  If you have a single-person policy, your partner and children are not automatically included. However, they can be added to the policy, even after the policy has started.

  Alternatively, you can opt for a family or partner plan:

  • Partner Plan: Covers you and your partner.
  • Family Plan: Covers you, your partner, and your children.
  • Single Parent Plan: Covers you and your children.

  Children can usually be covered under your liability insurance if they are unmarried and still in their initial education (such as university or vocational training). For partners, shared coverage generally requires living in the same household, although married couples may qualify for joint coverage even if they live separately.

  If you would like to change the insured group of persons in your active personal liability insurance plan, you can easily adjust this in the customer area of CHECK24 within the “Kundenbereich” (Contract Details) section of your plan under “Vertragsumfang” (Scope of Contract).

• How much does personal liability insurance cost?

  The cost of a personal liability insurance policy depends primarily on the number of people covered (single, couple, or family). Single coverage can start as low as €13.89 per year, while couples and families can find plans starting at €20.71 and €22.85, respectively.

  Other factors that impact the cost include:

  • Coverage limits
  • Scope of coverage
  • Payment frequency
  • Deductible amount

• What deductible should I choose?

  The deductible amount can be selected based on your preference. On the CHECK24 platform, you will have options ranging from no deductible to various amounts (e.g., €150, €300, €1,000). Opting for a policy without a deductible ensures that you’ll receive full reimbursement for covered claims, up to the policy’s limit.

• Is there a waiting period for personal liability insurance?

  Typically, there is no waiting period for personal liability insurance in Germany. Coverage begins on the desired start date, which can be as soon as one day after applying. If you’re switching providers, make sure the new policy starts as soon as the previous one ends to avoid any gaps in coverage.

• Does personal liability insurance cover me abroad?

  Yes, most personal liability insurance policies offer coverage in the EU and sometimes beyond, as long as you maintain a primary residence in Germany. However, this coverage is often limited to temporary stays abroad. Check with your insurer to confirm the extent of coverage and consider adding any additional options if needed.

  Further information on coverage abroad

• How can I switch my existing insurance?

  Switching your liability insurance is simple. Most policies have an annual term and a three-month cancellation period, so it’s important to plan ahead if you intend to switch. However, we make it easy for you by offering a cancellation service — we handle the cancellation for you! Additionally, with CHECK24, you can secure a new contract up to one year in advance, ensuring a smooth transition without the hassle of managing timelines or the risk of gaps in coverage.

• Do skiers need liability insurance?

  As of 2022, personal liability insurance is mandatory for skiers in Italy, including South Tyrol. Although not required in other ski regions, liability insurance is highly recommended to cover potential risks and costs associated with skiing accidents.

• Does personal liability insurance cover water damage?

  Yes, personal liability insurance typically covers water damage you cause to third parties. For example, if a pipe from your washing machine bursts and damages a neighbor's property, your liability insurance will likely cover the costs. Be sure to notify your insurer promptly and take steps to prevent further damage.

Why Compare Liability Insurance Policies?

Comparing liability insurance policies allows you to find the best coverage that meets your needs while saving money. With CHECK24, you can access over 260 different policy options, offering you the opportunity to choose from a variety of coverage levels, benefits, and price points - all in one place.

Why Choose CHECK24?

Over 15 million users in Germany trust CHECK24 for their insurance needs. With CHECK24’s Nirgendwo günstiger Garantie (nowhere cheaper guarantee), you can feel confident that you’re getting the best rate available. Additionally, CHECK24’s certifications and quality seals indicate its reliability and commitment to customer satisfaction.

With these benefits, comparing liability insurance policies through CHECK24 offers a simple and effective way to secure the right coverage at an affordable price.