Home Insurance in Germany: Everything You Need to Know

Germany is known for its efficient systems, rule of law, and strong emphasis on personal and property protection. For homeowners and renters alike, protecting your living space is a fundamental part of financial and personal security. One of the most effective ways to do this is by securing comprehensive home insurance (Hausratversicherung and Wohngebäudeversicherung).

This article offers a complete guide to home insurance in Germany — including the types of coverage available, legal context, key providers, tips for choosing the right policy, and how to handle claims. Whether you own a house in Munich or rent an apartment in Berlin, this guide will help you make informed decisions to safeguard your home.

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1. Understanding Home Insurance in Germany

In Germany, there are two main types of home-related insurance:

• Home Contents Insurance (Hausratversicherung): Covers movable possessions inside your home.

• Building Insurance (Wohngebäudeversicherung): Covers the physical structure of your property (if you are a homeowner).

Both types of insurance are optional but highly recommended. Some landlords and banks may require them in certain situations, especially when taking out a mortgage.

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2. Home Contents Insurance (Hausratversicherung)

This type of insurance protects the movable belongings inside your home. That includes:

• Furniture

• Electronics and appliances

• Clothing

• Jewelry

• Kitchen equipment

• Art and valuables (with some limits)

It covers damage or loss due to:

• Fire

• Water damage (from burst pipes, not floods)

• Storms or hail

• Burglary and vandalism

• Theft

• Lightning strikes

• Explosion or implosion

a. Additional Coverage Options

Many insurers allow you to add optional riders for:

• Bicycle theft (Fahrraddiebstahl) even when the bike is stolen outside your home

• Glass breakage (windows, ceramic cooktops, etc.)

• Natural hazards (Elementarschäden) such as flooding, earthquakes, or landslides

• Off-premises coverage (e.g., items lost or stolen during travel)

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3. Building Insurance (Wohngebäudeversicherung)

Building insurance applies only to homeowners, not renters. It covers the structure of the building, including:

• Roof

• Walls

• Floors

• Windows and doors

• Fitted kitchens and bathrooms

• Garages, sheds, and other permanent structures

a. Covered Risks Include:

• Fire

• Storm and hail

• Water damage from burst pipes

• Natural disasters (if Elementar coverage is added)

Mortgage lenders in Germany usually require homeowners to have building insurance before approving a loan.

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4. Renters and Insurance in Germany

If you’re renting in Germany, Hausratversicherung is highly recommended but not mandatory. It offers peace of mind and financial protection in case of theft, fire, or water damage.

Keep in mind: The landlord’s building insurance does not cover your personal belongings. If a fire damages your sofa, the building insurance might repair the walls and roof, but not replace your furniture — that’s your responsibility.

Additionally, renters may want to consider private liability insurance (Haftpflichtversicherung), which covers damages you may cause to the rented property or other people.

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5. Is Home Insurance Mandatory in Germany?

Technically, home insurance is not required by law in Germany. However:

• Homeowners with a mortgage are usually required by the lender to have building insurance.

• Landlords might include insurance clauses in the rental contract.

• Not having insurance could leave you financially vulnerable in the event of a disaster.

Most Germans choose to insure their homes or belongings because the cost of replacing furniture, electronics, and personal effects can quickly escalate.

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6. Cost of Home Insurance in Germany

The cost of home insurance depends on several factors:

• Size and value of your home

• Location (homes in flood-prone or high-crime areas are more expensive to insure)

• Security measures (alarms, locks, fire systems)

• Coverage level and deductible

• Optional add-ons (e.g., natural hazards, bicycle theft)

a. Average Prices:

• Hausratversicherung: Around €50–€200 per year for a typical apartment.

• Wohngebäudeversicherung: Starting from €200–€500+ annually, depending on the property.

To get an accurate quote, insurers usually request the size of your living space in square meters and the value of your household goods.

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7. Major Home Insurance Providers in Germany

Germany has a competitive insurance market. Some of the most trusted providers include:

• Allianz

• HUK-Coburg

• AXA

• DEVK

• R+V Versicherung

• LVM

• Gothaer

• Check24 (comparison platform with policy options from multiple providers)

Most insurers offer English-language support, especially in major cities or via online portals.

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8. Making a Claim: Step-by-Step Process

If you need to make a claim on your home insurance policy, follow these steps:

a. In Case of Theft or Vandalism:

1. Call the police immediately and file a report.

2. Take photos of the damage or missing items.

3. Contact your insurer with the police report and photos.

4. Provide receipts or proof of ownership if required.

b. In Case of Fire, Water, or Storm Damage:

1. Try to mitigate further damage (e.g., turn off water or electricity).

2. Document the damage thoroughly with pictures and notes.

3. Contact your insurance provider as soon as possible.

4. Save any repair invoices and communicate all expenses transparently.

Timeliness is crucial — many policies require you to report a claim within a certain number of days (usually 3–7).

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9. Tips for Choosing the Right Home Insurance

1. Compare policies online using sites like Check24, Verivox, or Tarifcheck.

2. Evaluate coverage details, not just price — make sure your valuables are protected.

3. Ask about exclusions — for example, some policies may not cover flooding unless added separately.

4. Understand your deductible — this is the amount you pay before insurance kicks in.

5. Keep an inventory list of your possessions with estimated values.

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10. How to Cancel or Switch Home Insurance in Germany

You can usually cancel your home insurance policy with three months’ notice before the end of the contract term. However, you may also cancel immediately under certain conditions, such as:

• If the insurer increases the premium without increasing coverage

• After a claim has been settled

• If you sell your property or move out permanently

Switching insurers is easy in Germany. Just make sure there’s no gap in coverage between your old and new policies.

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11. Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Underestimating the value of your possessions (this can result in partial payouts)

• Failing to report changes, like renovations or new purchases

• Overlapping policies (e.g., duplicate glass coverage)

• Not reading the fine print about what’s excluded

• Assuming the landlord’s insurance covers your stuff (it doesn’t)

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Conclusion

Home insurance in Germany is a vital safeguard for both renters and homeowners. While it's not legally required, it’s strongly advised to ensure financial protection against theft, natural disasters, or accidents. With the wide range of coverage options available and a competitive market of reliable insurers, securing the right policy is both accessible and affordable.

Whether you're living in a small apartment in Leipzig or own a house in Hamburg, a well-chosen home insurance plan gives you peace of mind — knowing that your home and belongings are protected against the unexpected.