Home Insurance in Germany

While it’s not required, home insurance is a crucial insurance coverage in Germany if you want to be protected in case of unexpected expenses. For peace of mind, home insurance can be an invaluable asset, especially if you want to keep your home’s possessions (contents) safe, even though it is frequently not prioritized as highly as medical insurance, which is required for all residents of Germany.

Estimated reading time: 8 minutes

Since many people have doubts about this kind of insurance, you can find all the information you require about home insurance in Germany, from A to Z, in the sections that follow.

Home insurance: what is it?

In Germany, home contents insurance is another name for home insurance. Homeowners insurance is sometimes confused with it, but that is a topic for another time. An insurance policy that safeguards (read: insures) the goods and possessions within your home or apartment in the event of an unforeseen emergency is a clear definition of home insurance. These things could include any gadgets you have in your house, including your TV, laptop, and kitchen utensils. Basically, it’s the things that you decide to insure because they are important to you. Although it could seem laborious, it might be ideal for your finances. If you continue reading, you will discover why.

What Is Covered by Home Insurance in Germany?

In general terms, anything inside of your apartment is eligible for compensation, but the questions that should be answered are what could those home contents be and in what circumstances would they be covered. You will basically be covered (financially) in case any of your movable objects within your home get damaged or lost.

Home contents insurance covers your belongings in case of: 

• Theft, burglary, or vandalism.
• Damage by water (burst pipes).
• Natural causes (storms/hail, lightning).
• Fire (accidental causes).

Home contents that are covered by home insurance policies in Germany include: 

• Jewelry.
• Clothing, shoes, and sports equipment.
• Electronics (computers, TV, refrigerators, coffee machine, etc)
• Furniture (kitchen, carpets, etc).

Some other costs generally covered by home insurance in Germany include: 

• Cleanup: Costs associated with cleanup, removal, or disposal of insured items.
• Movement: Costs associated with the movement and protection of items when the property is being restored.
• Transport: Costs associated with the transport of insured items when the house/apartment is uninhabitable.
• Lock change: Costs associated with a change of lock in case of a break-in.
• Hotel stays: Costs associated with theft in a hotel room/elsewhere outside of your home.

Keep in mind that different home insurance policies cover different things, and the above mentioned services may or may not be eligible for compensation, depending on the insurance company. This is why it is essential to shop around for the best policy and make sure to read the fine print on the insurance contract.

What Is Not Covered by Home Insurance in Germany?

Although so much of your household contents are insured through home insurance in Germany, there are some things that either need their own insurance policy or are simply not eligible for compensation. Sometimes, even furniture (which is typically insured) lost or damaged due to certain circumstances is not eligible for compensation. Learn more below. 

Some items that are typically not covered by household insurance in Germany include: 

• Vehicles (cars or bicycles). For car insurance, read this article.
• Rental equipment, business equipment, or equipment not owned by you (the policyholder).
• Fixtures, installed parts, walls, or other fittings (you need a homeowners policy for this coverage).

Your home contents will not be eligible for compensation in the following circumstances:

• Stolen items due to negligence (unlocked doors).
• Damaged items caused by pets, rain, or snow.

Types of German Home Insurance

Home insurance policies, or household contents insurance in Germany, may come in different forms and different coverage levels depending on how much you are willing to pay and the home insurance company you choose to insure your household items with. Generally, home insurance in Germany can be divided into two main types. See below. 

Types of home insurance in Germany are:

Home Contents Insurance

Home contents insurance in Germany (Hausratversicherung) is basically the insurance we have been describing in the above sections. This type of insurance policy basically protects you from enormous bills related to losses or damages of your household items, including electronics and jewelry. However, this type of home insurance is only related to movable objects within the household and does not cover the costs of damages caused to fixtures/installed items. 

Homeowners Insurance

This is also an extremely important home insurance policy in Germany for anyone who owns a house or an apartment in the country. In German, Wohngebäudeversicherung, this insurance basically covers the costs of repairs and reconstruction in the case that your house is damaged by either storms, fire, or tap water. Homeowners insurance protects the home, for example, if there is damage to fixtures such as walls, the roof, or the foundation. 

Some homeowners insurance policies cover the cost of damages to other certain fixtures as well, such as bathtubs or heating systems. Almost all home property owners in Germany have this type of insurance. Keep in mind that this is not an obligatory insurance policy for homeowners, however, it is largely recommended. If you are renting a property, the responsibility of obtaining this type of insurance policy falls on the landlord and not you. 

Homeowners and Contents Insurance

A combination of both homeowners and contents insurance is typically more affordable than obtaining two separate home insurance policies. Many people decide to buy this combination, considering that the homeowners insurance policy will cover the fixtures and fittings while the home contents policy will cover individual possessions or belongings within the home. If you are renting, and bringing your own furniture, you will only be responsible for the home contents insurance policy.

Cost of Home Insurance in Germany

The cost of home insurance in Germany, just like all other types of insurances, depends on the level of coverage you are purchasing. For example, basic home contents insurance policies start at approximately €20 per year, while if you pay more, let’s say €50-60 a year, you will be eligible for coverage of up to €200,000. However, some home insurance policies include deductibles (a set amount you pay before the company compensates), which means if you increase your deductible, you can pay a lower monthly premium. 

In general, the cost of home contents insurance in Germany depends on the following factors: 

• The total value of the property/possessions.
• The level of coverage you obtain. 
• The location of your home.

Home insurance companies usually pay the sum based on the value of damaged items. Usually, they use an equation which multiples the total square meter size of the property and approximately €500-600 per square meter (property in square meters x €500-600) which equals the maximum amount that can be paid out. 

Frequently Asked Questions – FAQs

How to Apply for German Home Insurance?

To apply for German home insurance you should first choose your insurance provider and the policy you wish to obtain. The application process is quite simple and many companies also have the option of applying for insurance online (and in English), in addition to applying in-person. You will be asked to provide documents like your ID, bank details, and proof of address, as well as answer a series of questions related to your house/apartment.

The duration of a single policy can last from 12 months to 5 years and often you will need a really good reason to change your policy, meaning terminate your contract early. However, you will also be able to find insurance companies that offer the possibility of cancelling your policy anytime. Make sure to check the details of your home insurance policy and read the contract to see when/how cancellation or renewal happens.

How to Cancel Home Insurance Policy?

If you want to cancel your home insurance policy in Germany, the cancellation is usually done in writing, either by email or through a letter. Many insurance companies will ask you to provide a strong reason for terminating the contract (moving, selling the house/apartment, etc). However, depending on the insurance company, you might have no problem cancelling your contract, considering some companies offer anytime cancellation.

How to Make a German Home Insurance Claim?

In Germany, it is possible to make a home insurance claim online or through the phone. You will need to provide exact details on the claim and include the information on what has been damaged or lost. In case of a burglary, you will also be asked to provide the police reports in the claim. Make sure to keep the receipt of valuable items you purchase. After you file the claim, and the company investigates it, your insurance company will inform you of their decision. If you do not like the insurance outcome, you have the option of filing a complaint.