Home Insurance in Germany: A Complete Guide for Homeowners and Renters
Germany, one of Europe’s most stable economies and a prime location for both expatriates and locals to settle down, places a high value on protecting property and personal belongings. While the country is known for its strong social infrastructure and organized public services, home insurance remains an essential part of responsible living—whether you're a tenant, landlord, or property owner.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore everything you need to know about home insurance in Germany: the types of insurance available, legal requirements, costs, providers, and key considerations for both locals and international residents.
1. The Importance of Home Insurance in Germany
Germany’s housing market is unique—while a large portion of the population rents rather than owns property, the need for insurance is widespread and deeply ingrained in the culture. Given the increasing frequency of climate-related damage, theft, water leaks, and liability claims, having the right insurance can protect you from substantial financial burdens.
Whether you own a flat in Munich, rent a house in Berlin, or manage a property in Hamburg, the German insurance market offers tailored solutions for different types of occupants and risks.
2. Types of Home Insurance in Germany
There are several key types of home insurance in Germany, each covering a specific set of risks and target groups.
a. Hausratversicherung (Household Contents Insurance)
This is the most common form of home insurance in Germany, typically purchased by tenants and homeowners alike.
What it covers:
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Furniture
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Electronics
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Clothing
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Kitchen appliances
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Personal belongings
Covered events include:
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Fire and smoke damage
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Water damage (e.g., from burst pipes)
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Storm and hail
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Burglary and vandalism
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Theft from the home
Additional options:
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Bicycle theft
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Natural disaster coverage (Elementarschäden)
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Glass breakage
b. Wohngebäudeversicherung (Building Insurance)
This is a must-have for homeowners and landlords, especially those with a standalone house or owned apartment.
What it covers:
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Structural parts of the building: walls, roof, floors
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Built-in elements like bathrooms, kitchens, and heating systems
Typical risks insured:
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Fire and explosions
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Storms and hail
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Water leakage
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Lightning strikes
Note: Building insurance is often mandatory if you have a mortgage.
c. Privathaftpflichtversicherung (Personal Liability Insurance)
Although not strictly a home insurance policy, this is an essential add-on.
Why it matters:
If you accidentally cause damage to someone else's property—say a water leak floods your downstairs neighbor’s flat—liability insurance covers the cost.
It’s relatively inexpensive and considered a standard necessity in Germany.
3. Legal Requirements
Unlike in some countries, home insurance is not legally required in Germany. However, it is highly recommended, and in many cases, effectively mandatory due to the following:
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Landlords often require tenants to have liability or household contents insurance.
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Banks and lenders typically require building insurance for mortgaged properties.
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Property owners' associations may have mandatory insurance agreements for shared buildings.
4. How Much Does Home Insurance Cost?
a. Household Contents Insurance (Hausratversicherung)
Costs vary based on:
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The size of your living space (in square meters)
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The location (urban vs. rural, crime rates)
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The insured amount (e.g., €650 per sqm is a standard)
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Extra options (e.g., bike theft, natural disasters)
Average cost: €50–€150 per year
b. Building Insurance (Wohngebäudeversicherung)
Costs depend on:
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Property value and rebuilding costs
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Year of construction and materials used
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Location (flood-prone areas may pay more)
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Coverage options selected
Average cost: €200–€800 per year
c. Personal Liability Insurance (Privathaftpflicht)
Typically very affordable.
Average cost: €30–€90 per year per person or household.
5. Popular Home Insurance Providers in Germany
Germany has a robust insurance market with many reputable companies. Some of the most trusted include:
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HUK-Coburg: Offers budget-friendly rates and strong customer service.
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Allianz: One of the largest insurers, offering flexible and comprehensive home insurance packages.
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AXA: Known for customized home insurance with strong online tools.
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DEVK: Reliable and widely used across Germany.
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R+V Versicherung: Popular for bundled home and liability policies.
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Getsafe & Feather (InsurTech): English-friendly digital providers popular with expats.
Many of these providers offer comparison tools and online calculators to estimate premiums based on your living situation.
6. Coverage Considerations for Tenants vs. Homeowners
Tenants (Renters):
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Highly recommended: Household contents insurance + liability insurance.
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Protects personal items and covers accidental damage to rental property or neighbors.
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Optional: Bike theft coverage, especially in cities like Berlin or Cologne.
Homeowners:
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Mandatory (de facto): Building insurance.
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Recommended: Add household contents and liability insurance for full protection.
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Consider extra coverage for natural hazards (floods, earthquakes, landslides).
7. Natural Disasters and Optional Elemental Coverage
With increasing incidents of extreme weather—flooding in Bavaria, storms in North Rhine-Westphalia—many insurers offer Elementarschäden (natural hazard) coverage.
Covers damage from:
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Floods
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Earthquakes
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Snow pressure
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Landslides
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Groundwater infiltration
This coverage is optional, but in certain risk-prone regions, it is becoming a vital part of comprehensive protection.
8. How to File a Claim
Steps to take in case of damage or loss:
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Document the incident with photos, videos, and a written description.
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Notify the insurer immediately—most have apps or hotlines.
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File a police report in cases of theft or vandalism.
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Provide receipts or estimates of damaged or stolen items if available.
Most insurers handle claims efficiently, especially when digital records and documentation are promptly submitted.
9. Tips for Choosing the Right Insurance
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Bundle policies to save money (e.g., contents + liability).
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Compare quotes using platforms like Check24 or Verivox.
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Understand exclusions: Flooding or damage caused by negligence may not be covered.
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Adjust your sum insured based on lifestyle and property value.
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English-speaking support is available from some digital insurers.
10. Home Insurance for Expats in Germany
Challenges expats may face:
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Language barriers when reviewing contracts.
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Lack of knowledge about local risks and standards.
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Insurers requiring a German IBAN or residency registration (Anmeldung).
Solutions:
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Choose international-friendly providers (e.g., Feather, Getsafe).
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Ask for English copies of policies.
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Seek help from relocation consultants or expat forums.
Many digital insurers now offer policies tailored to expats with English-speaking support and simplified applications.
Conclusion
Whether you’re a long-term resident or a newcomer to Germany, understanding and purchasing the right type of home insurance is key to safeguarding your financial and personal well-being. While not legally required, household contents, building, and liability insurance are considered standard for most tenants and homeowners.
Germany’s strong insurance culture, competitive market, and increasing climate unpredictability make home insurance not just a safety net—but a smart and responsible decision. By comparing providers, knowing your coverage options, and tailoring your policy to your needs, you can enjoy peace of mind in your German home—rain, shine, or snow.