Personal Liability Insurance in Germany: Cost, Comparison and Features

If you live in Germany or plan to relocate there, you might have heard of personal liability insurance or Haftpflichtversicherung. This type of insurance protects you from the financial consequences of accidentally causing damage to someone else’s property, health, or finances. In this article, we will explain what personal liability insurance is, why you need it, what it covers, what it does not cover, and which are the best providers in Germany.

What Is Private Liability Insurance In Germany?

Private liability insurance is a voluntary insurance that covers you in case you are legally liable for damages you caused to a third party. This means that if you unintentionally harm someone or something, the insurance will pay for the compensation or repair costs, up to a certain limit. The insurance will also defend you against unjustified claims from others.

Why Do You Need Liability Insurance In Germany?

Liability insurance is not mandatory in Germany, but it is highly recommended. This is because, according to the German civil code, you are responsible for any damages you cause, regardless of whether it was intentional or not. This means that you could face huge claims from the injured party, which could ruin your finances or even lead to personal bankruptcy.

For example, imagine you accidentally knock over a vase in a friend’s apartment, and it turns out to be a valuable antique. Or you spill coffee on your colleague’s laptop and damage it beyond repair. Or you hit a pedestrian with your bike and cause them serious injuries. In all these cases, you would have to pay for the damages, which could amount to thousands or even millions of euros.

To protect yourself from such risks, it is advisable to have personal liability insurance. This way, you can avoid paying out of your own pocket and enjoy peace of mind.

What Is Covered Under Personal Liability Insurance?

Personal liability insurance covers the following types of damages:

• Personal injury: This refers to any physical or mental harm you cause to another person, such as bodily injuries, pain, suffering, disability, or death.

• Property damage: This refers to any damage or destruction you cause to another person’s property, such as buildings, vehicles, furniture, or electronics.

• Financial loss: This refers to any economic loss you cause to another person as a result of personal injury or property damage, such as medical expenses, lost income, or legal fees.

The coverage of personal liability insurance depends on the policy you choose, but typically it ranges from 5 to 50 million euros per claim. Some policies also offer additional benefits, such as:

• Key loss: This covers the costs of replacing or changing locks if you lose or damage the keys to your own or someone else’s property.

• Damage to rented property: This covers the costs of repairing or replacing items that you damage in a rented apartment or house, such as walls, floors, or windows.

• Damage by pets: This covers the costs of damages caused by your pets, such as dogs or cats, to other people or their property.

• Damage by children: This covers the costs of damages caused by your children, if they are under the age of seven and not legally liable for their actions.

What Is Not Covered By Personal Liability Insurance?

Personal liability insurance does not cover the following types of damages:

• Intentional or grossly negligent damage: This refers to any damage that you cause deliberately or recklessly, such as vandalism, fraud, or assault.

• Contractual liability: This refers to any liability that arises from a contract or agreement that you have with another party, such as a lease, a loan, or a service.

• Professional liability: This refers to any liability that arises from your occupation or business activities, such as malpractice, negligence, or errors.

• Vehicle liability: This refers to any liability that arises from the use of a motorised vehicle, such as a car, a motorcycle, or a boat. This is covered by a separate mandatory insurance called Kfz-Haftpflichtversicherung.

• Own damage: This refers to any damage that you cause to yourself or your own property, such as injuries, illnesses, or losses.

Which Is The Best Personal Liability Insurance In Germany?

There are many providers of personal liability insurance in Germany, but not all of them offer the same level of service, coverage, and price.

A couple of years ago when I decided to buy a personal liability insurance, I had to do an extensive research and finally shortlisted two companies, Getsafe and Feather. I considered whether the company provides English customer support and website / app, what is cancellation policy if I decide to cancel the insurance or want to switch to another provider, and the monthly expense.

As you can see, both Getsafe and Feather offer similar benefits, such as English support, English app / website, and flexible cancellation policy. However, Getsafe has a slightly lower minimum monthly expense, and also offers more types of insurance, such as home, legal, dental, and liability insurance. Feather, on the other hand, specialises in liability insurance and offers a zero deductible option.

Getsafe

Getsafe’s personal liability insurance is easy, affordable, and comprehensive. Unlike other providers, Getsafe lets you manage your insurance entirely online, with a user-friendly app and a chatbot. You can customise your coverage, cancel your policy, and make a claim anytime, anywhere. Getsafe also offers a low monthly cost, starting from 2.9 € if you are single, and a high coverage limit, up to 50 million euros. Plus, Getsafe has a great reputation, with more than 500,000 satisfied customers and a 4.1 TrustScore.

Some benefits of Getsafe

✅ Up to 50 million euros coverage

✅ Option to have no deductible

✅ Website and customer service available in English

✅ A lot of (extreme) hobbies are covered as well, e.g., skiing, surfing, sailing

✅ You may cancel anytime

✅ Access all insurance documents and information via the Getsafe app

✅ You can cancel your policy anytime, and pay as little as 3.60 € per month.

✅ Many coverage options, such as personal injury, property damage, financial loss, key loss, damage to rented property, damage by pets, and damage by children.

✅ Getsafe has a TrustScore of 4.0 out of 5 based on 3,300+ reviews in Trustpilot.

Some drawbacks of Getsafe

🟥 Getsafe only offers online services and there’s no possibility to visit one of their branches in case you need to.

🟥 Getsafe don’t provide any offers even if you want to bundle a couple of insurances.

Feather

Feather liability insurance is a good option that comes without any hidden fees. Their sign up process is online and can be completed in around just 2 minutes, with a fully digital process. No paperwork is necessary. You can also cancel your policy monthly, with no penalties from their website. Feather offers a low monthly cost, starting from 4.94 €, and a high coverage limit, up to 50 million euros. They offer a zero deductible option. English customer service is another plus of Feather.

Some benefits of Feather

✅ Sign up online, with a fully digital process and no paperwork

✅ Complete everything in around 2 minutes, no waiting period or health questions

✅ Cancel monthly, with no fees or penalties

✅ Pay a low monthly cost, starting from 4.94 €

✅ Zero deductible option and a high coverage limit, up to 50 million euros

✅ English customer service, and website

✅ Feather has 4.9 user rating out of 5 (from 887 reviews)

Drawbacks of Feather

🟥 The number of reviews on Google and Trustpilot is lower compared to Getsafe.

🟥 For some insurance types, Feather's pricing is slightly (sometimes negligible) higher than Getsafe.

Conclusion

Personal liability insurance is a valuable protection that can save you from financial ruin in case you accidentally cause damage to someone else’s property, health, or finances. It is not mandatory in Germany, but it is highly recommended, as you could face huge claims from the injured party. Personal liability insurance covers personal injury, property damage, and financial loss, up to a certain limit. It also offers additional benefits, such as key loss, damage to rented property, damage by pets, and damage by children. However, it does not cover intentional or grossly negligent damage, contractual liability, professional liability, vehicle liability, or own damage.

If you are looking for the best personal liability insurance in Germany, you can choose between Getsafe and Feather, two of the most popular and reputable providers. Both of them offer English support, English app / website, and flexible cancellation policy. However, Getsafe has a slightly lower minimum monthly expense, and also offers more types of insurance, such as home, legal, dental, and liability insurance. Feather, on the other hand, specialises in liability insurance and offers a zero deductible option.

Frequently asked questions

Is personal liability insurance mandatory in Germany?

Personal liability insurance is not legally required by German law. However, it is highly recommended due to potential financial risks from accidental damages, especially in cases involving substantial claims.

Are there different types of personal liability insurance policies available in Germany?

Yes, there are various policies available, including individual, family, or comprehensive liability insurance. Policies may differ in coverage limits, additional benefits, and premiums.

Does personal liability insurance cover damages caused by pets in Germany?

Yes, some personal liability insurance policies cover damages caused by pets like dogs or cats. However, specific details may vary between insurance providers, so it's important to review policy terms.

Are there limitations or exclusions to what personal liability insurance covers in Germany?

There might be limitations on coverage for intentional acts, contractual obligations, professional activities, or certain high-risk activities like running a business. It's essential to carefully read the policy terms to understand exclusions.

How much does personal liability insurance cost in Germany?

The cost of personal liability insurance varies based on coverage, individual circumstances, and the insurance provider. Generally, premiums can range from a few dozen to a couple of hundred euros per year.

Can I add additional coverage or tailor my personal liability insurance policy in Germany?

Yes, insurance providers may offer optional coverage extensions or allow customisation based on your specific needs, such as higher coverage limits or specialised protection.

How can I find a suitable personal liability insurance provider in Germany?

Research and compare offerings from different insurance companies. You can use online comparison platforms, seek advice from insurance brokers, or directly contact insurance companies to understand their policies.

What should I consider when selecting a personal liability insurance policy in Germany?

Consider factors like coverage limits, exclusions, deductibles, customer reviews, the reputation of the insurance provider, and whether the policy aligns with your lifestyle and potential risks. Take time to review and understand the terms before making a decision.

Does personal liability insurance cover damages caused by children or family members?

Yes, personal liability insurance often covers damages caused by family members or children under your care, but limitations might exist. Review policy details to understand coverage for family-related incidents.

Can personal liability insurance protect me against legal fees in Germany?

Yes, personal liability insurance typically covers legal fees and court costs if you are sued for damages covered by the policy. It often includes legal representation and defence expenses.

Does personal liability insurance cover damages caused while traveling outside Germany?

Many personal liability insurance policies offer coverage for damages caused during temporary trips abroad, but coverage limitations and duration vary. Check your policy for specifics regarding international coverage.

Can I cancel or change my personal liability insurance policy in Germany?

Yes, you can usually cancel or make changes to your policy, but terms and conditions may apply. Some policies have a notice period, and cancellation might result in fees or loss of accrued benefits.

What should I do if I need to make a claim on my personal liability insurance in Germany?

In case of an incident, contact your insurance provider immediately to report the claim. Provide all necessary documentation, details, and evidence to support your claim. The insurer will guide you through the claims process.