What is personal liability insurance?
Personal liability insurance, or “private Haftpflichtversicherung“, covers the financial costs if you accidentally cause damage to someone else,
their property or their assets.
80% of Germans have personal liability insurance. It’s an essential on your
expat checklist.
Frequently asked questions
Why do I need personal liability insurance?
Because not having it can lead to major financial consequences. Personal liability insurance covers the costs associated with potentially very expensive accidents you cause, like breaking something in a fancy store or injuring someone who can’t work anymore as a result of their injury.
When do I need my own personal liability insurance policy?
People who grow up in Germany are covered under their parents’ policy until they turn 18. You need your own policy after you’ve started a job after university, started a postgraduate degree or gotten married. If you’ve moved to Germany from abroad to study or work, it’s definitely a good idea to have your own insurance.
What will I be insured against—and where?
You’ll be insured against personal and property damage, in addition to any financial losses for which you’re liable up to €50 million. In addition to Germany, you’ll be covered during long stays abroad: unlimited within Europe and for up to five years outside of Europe.
Is personal liability insurance mandatory in Germany?
No. Legally speaking, personal liability insurance isn’t required. But 80% of Germans have it. As soon as you’re earning your own money, personal liability insurance is pretty much a must-have. Without it, just one careless moment can be a real shock to your wallet.
Do I have to have personal liability insurance in order to rent a flat?
Legally, no. But if you cause damage to your landlord’s property, you’ll be held financially responsible. That’s why having personal liability insurance is generally a worthwhile investment.
Do I have to be a German citizen or a citizen of another EU country to have personal liability insurance?
Nope! You just have to be a German resident, meaning you’re registered at a German address (known in German as having Anmeldung).
How personal liability
insurance works
The main things that are covered
Leisure and key loss
Lost your keys and the locks need replacing? Hit someone’s nose instead of the goal? Broke something fancy and expensive while window shopping? Covered.
Real estate and rented properties
Your rented flat, garage, shared spaces, and any damage you cause to things like floors or doors in your rental are all covered.
Side jobs and volunteering
Volunteering? Babysitting? Helping out a neighbour for free? Starting up a self-employed side hustle for a bit of extra cash? Activities that you pursue in addition to your 9-to-5 job are also insured.
Some things that aren't covered
Damage caused by you to your own property
Did you spill coffee on your own laptop? Did you drop your own phone in the toilet? Locked yourself out and need to call a locksmith? That sucks, and we empathise—but things like this aren’t covered.
Car accidents
We recommend car liability insurance to cover damage caused by your car. Personal liability insurance doesn’t cover car accidents.
Glass damage
Windows, mirrors and other glass objects aren‘t included in our standard coverage. But you can add a glass extension to our Contents Insurance.
See here.
Comprehensive coverage details
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