Every car in Germany must carry Haftpflicht — the third-party liability cover that § 1 PflVG requires for every motor vehicle on public roads. No policy, no eVB number, no plates: the Zulassungsstelle will not register a car without proof of insurance. That single sentence explains most of what makes German car insurance different from what you may be used to back home.

The rest of the system builds on top. Teilkasko adds protection against events outside your fault — theft, storms, wildlife collisions, the infamous Marderbiss. Vollkasko adds damage you cause to your own vehicle, including the dent in the supermarket parking garage nobody will admit to. Haftpflicht is compulsory; Teilkasko or Vollkasko can be added on top, depending on how much the car is worth and how much sleep you want to keep.

What German car insurance actually covers: the three tiers in plain English

Kfz-Versicherung operates as a three-tier stack, not three separate products. Haftpflicht is the floor — mandatory. Teilkasko sits on top and adds partial coverage for events outside your control. Vollkasko sits on top of Teilkasko and adds full comprehensive cover for damage you cause to your own car.

How much does car insurance in Germany cost in 2026?

In 2023 and 2024 motor insurers lost money on the line (combined ratio above 100 % according to GDV figures), so premiums rose markedly. The ranges below are rough illustrations, not official figures.

Tier Typical annual cost What it covers
Haftpflicht €150–€400 Damage to other people, vehicles, property. Legally required.
Teilkasko €200–€600 Haftpflicht + theft, fire, storm, hail, glass, wildlife collision (scope depends on the tariff).
Vollkasko €400–€1,100+ Teilkasko + damage to your own vehicle, vandalism.

Rough illustrative ranges; actual premiums depend on vehicle, region, SF-Klasse and insurer.

Haftpflicht vs Teilkasko vs Vollkasko: what is the real difference?

Event Haftpflicht Teilkasko Vollkasko
You cause an accident, damage their car ✓ ✓ ✓
You cause an accident, damage your own — — ✓
Car stolen — ✓ ✓
Hail, storm, fire damage to your car — ✓ ✓
Marten bites engine cables (cable damage; follow-on damage depends on the tariff) — ✓ ✓
Vandalism (keyed, wing mirrors kicked) — — ✓

Exact scope depends on the insurer's AKB and tariff.

Schadenfreiheitsklasse: the discount class that dominates your premium

The SF-Klasse is one of the biggest factors in a German insurance premium, alongside the Typklasse, Regionalklasse, driver group and mileage. A fresh expat with no German record typically starts at SF 0; SF ½ usually requires a driving licence held for at least three years. Special placements exist, for example for a second car or when a partner or parent insures with the same company, and every insurer sets its own rules and percentages. Every claim-free year moves you up one step; a claim settled by the insurer moves you down.

November 30: the Stichtag nobody explains to expats

Many car insurance contracts in Germany run on the calendar year. The notice period is set by your contract (AKB): cancellation must reach the insurer one month before the end of the insurance year. For contracts whose insurance year ends on 31 December, that means 30 November. More and more insurers use other dates, for example the registration date, so check the Hauptfälligkeit in your policy. Miss the deadline and the contract auto-renews for another full year. Your cancellation must reach the insurer — not be sent — in time.

How to get your eVB number before registering the car

The eVB — elektronische Versicherungsbestätigung — is a seven-character alphanumeric code your chosen insurer issues electronically. It is the proof of valid liability insurance the Zulassungsstelle requires before issuing plates. Online insurers issue the eVB number within minutes of signup.

Key takeaways

  • Haftpflicht is mandatory insurance — required by § 1 PflVG; without an eVB the Zulassungsstelle will not register the car.
  • Teilkasko adds theft, fire, storm, wildlife, and glass; Vollkasko adds own-damage and vandalism on top.
  • Rough premium ranges: Haftpflicht €150–€400, Teilkasko €200–€600, Vollkasko €400–€1,100+ per year (illustrative only).
  • SF-Klasse is one of the biggest cost drivers — expats usually start at SF 0 (SF ½ needs a licence held for at least three years).
  • If your insurance year ends on 31 December, cancellation must reach the insurer by 30 November; check your policy.
  • The eVB number must be in hand before you visit the Zulassungsstelle.
  • Rule of thumb: Vollkasko often stops being worth the premium after 7–9 years of vehicle age.

Sources and methodology

  • Gesamtverband der Deutschen Versicherungswirtschaft (GDV) — Kfz-Versicherung Typklassen
  • ADAC — Schadenfreiheitsklasse und Rabatte
  • Verivox — Schadenfreiheitsklasse Tabelle 2026
  • PflVG §1 and § 5c — statutory mandatory-insurance and claims-history provisions