HOME INSURANCE IN GERMANY: A COMPREHENSIVE GUIDE
Germany is known for its efficient legal systems, strong consumer protections, and a well-regulated insurance market. For homeowners and tenants alike, home insurance (Hausversicherung) plays a vital role in safeguarding property and personal belongings. While not all types of home insurance are legally required, they are strongly recommended to protect against financial loss from fire, burglary, water damage, and natural disasters.
In this guide, we explore the different types of home insurance in Germany, what they cover, how much they cost, and what you need to know as a resident, homeowner, tenant, or expat.
1. Overview of Home Insurance in Germany
Home insurance in Germany generally falls into two main categories:
-
Homeowners Insurance (Wohngebäudeversicherung) – For property owners; covers the building structure.
-
Household Contents Insurance (Hausratversicherung) – For renters and owners alike; covers the contents inside the home.
Each policy serves a different purpose, and many Germans purchase both for full protection.
2. Is Home Insurance Mandatory in Germany?
Homeowners Insurance
-
Not legally mandatory, but required by most mortgage lenders.
-
If you purchase property with a mortgage, your bank will typically require proof of building insurance before finalizing the loan.
-
Even without a loan, having insurance for your home is considered a wise decision due to potential fire, storm, or water damage.
Household Contents Insurance
-
Not mandatory, but very common.
-
Especially popular among renters, as it provides affordable protection for valuables and furniture.
3. Homeowners Insurance (Wohngebäudeversicherung)
This insurance protects the structure of your home, including:
-
Walls, floors, and ceilings
-
Roof and foundation
-
Built-in elements (e.g., kitchens, bathrooms)
-
Garages, sheds, and outbuildings (if included in the policy)
What It Covers:
-
Fire and lightning damage
-
Storm and hail
-
Water damage from burst pipes
-
Natural disasters (with additional policies)
Optional Add-ons:
-
Elementarschädenversicherung: Covers floods, earthquakes, landslides, snow pressure, and other natural disasters.
-
Glass breakage coverage
-
Solar panel or heat pump coverage
Who Needs It?
-
Homeowners and property investors
-
Anyone building or buying residential property
4. Household Contents Insurance (Hausratversicherung)
This insurance protects your belongings inside the home. It’s one of the most popular types of insurance in Germany, with millions of households covered.
What It Covers:
-
Furniture
-
Clothing
-
Electronics and appliances
-
Kitchenware
-
Personal valuables
-
Decorations and books
Coverage usually includes:
-
Fire damage
-
Water damage (e.g., from broken pipes or leaking appliances)
-
Burglary and theft
-
Vandalism
-
Storm and hail
What’s Not Typically Covered:
-
Wear and tear
-
Negligence
-
Items left in public spaces (unless specified)
Who Needs It?
-
Renters, homeowners, shared apartments
-
Students living in dormitories (coverage may be limited)
5. Personal Liability Insurance (Privathaftpflichtversicherung)
While technically not a home insurance policy, personal liability insurance is often bundled with or recommended alongside household insurance.
It covers:
-
Damage caused to others' property
-
Injury to third parties (e.g., a guest slipping in your home)
-
Damage caused by your children or pets
Most Germans consider this essential, as personal liability in Germany is unlimited by law.
6. How Home Insurance Works in Germany
Premium Calculation Factors:
-
Property location (urban vs. rural, flood-prone areas, etc.)
-
Size of the property
-
Year of construction and building material
-
Level of coverage and chosen deductible
-
Type of heating, roof, and safety equipment
-
Past insurance claims
How to Apply:
-
Choose a provider and request a quote online or through a broker.
-
Provide property details, estimated value of contents, and safety features.
-
Sign the policy and receive a confirmation of coverage (Versicherungsschein).
-
Pay premiums monthly, quarterly, or annually.
7. Cost of Home Insurance in Germany
Homeowners Insurance (Building Insurance):
-
Typically €150 to €350 per year for a standard single-family home.
-
Higher premiums for larger homes or properties in high-risk areas.
Household Contents Insurance:
-
Starts from €50 to €150 per year, depending on:
-
Value of contents
-
Apartment size
-
Location (urban centers may have higher theft risk)
-
Example:
For a 70 m² apartment in Berlin with contents worth €40,000, a Hausrat policy may cost around €80 to €120 per year.
8. Filing a Claim
Steps to Follow:
-
Notify your insurer immediately after an incident.
-
Take photos and videos of the damage.
-
File a police report (in cases of theft or vandalism).
-
Submit a claim form with details of the loss and estimated value.
-
An adjuster may visit to verify the damage.
Payouts are usually made based on replacement value, not original purchase price.
9. Home Insurance for Expats in Germany
Expats living in Germany, whether renting or owning, should consider:
-
Hausratversicherung for personal belongings
-
Wohngebäudeversicherung if buying property
-
Privathaftpflicht for liability protection
Many major insurers offer English-language services, online portals, and customer support.
Popular providers for expats:
-
Feather Insurance
-
Getsafe
-
AXA
-
Allianz
-
DEVK
-
HUK-Coburg
10. Home Insurance and Natural Disasters
Germany has seen an increase in weather-related incidents like floods and storms. While basic policies cover storms and water damage from internal plumbing, damage from flooding or heavy rain usually requires an Elementarschadenversicherung add-on.
Some regions, particularly near rivers (like the Rhine or Elbe), are high-risk zones, and insurers may charge more or impose special conditions.
11. Tips for Choosing the Right Policy
-
Compare providers: Use comparison sites (e.g., Check24, Verivox) to find the best rates.
-
Don’t underinsure: Make sure your contents are insured for their full replacement value.
-
Check deductibles: Higher deductibles lower premiums but increase out-of-pocket costs.
-
Bundle policies: Some insurers offer discounts for combining home, auto, and liability insurance.
-
Review annually: Adjust your coverage if you renovate, move, or buy expensive items.
12. Termination and Switching
Can You Cancel Your Policy?
Yes. You can:
-
Cancel within the first 14 days of signing (withdrawal period).
-
Cancel annually before the contract's renewal date.
-
Cancel after a claim is denied or premium increases.
To switch providers, notify your current insurer in writing and ensure the new policy starts immediately after the old one ends.
13. Digital Insurance and Smart Tools
The rise of InsurTech companies in Germany has made buying and managing home insurance easier than ever. Digital insurers like Getsafe, Feather, and Clark offer:
-
App-based claim filing
-
Instant policy management
-
Paperless processes
-
English support for expats
These options are ideal for tech-savvy or younger renters and homeowners.
14. Conclusion
Home insurance in Germany is a key component of responsible living, whether you rent a small apartment or own a family home. While not all coverage is legally required, the risks of going uninsured far outweigh the relatively low premiums. With options to tailor policies to your needs—covering buildings, contents, natural disasters, and personal liability—German home insurance provides peace of mind and robust protection.