- Liability insurance pays if you accidentally damage someone else's property or injure someone.
- It is not compulsory, but most people in Germany have it.
- Some landlords ask for it before signing a lease.
- Check that it covers rented property and lost keys.
In Germany, if you damage something that belongs to someone else, you pay for it, and the amount can be very high. That is why private liability insurance (Privathaftpflicht) is the first insurance most Germans buy.
What it covers
- Damage you cause to other people's things, for example a friend's laptop.
- Injuries to other people, for example if you cause a cycling accident.
- Damage to your rented flat, if the policy includes rented property.
- Lost keys, if the policy includes them. Replacing a building's lock system can be expensive.
What it doesn't cover
Damage to your own things (that is household contents insurance), damage while driving (that is car insurance) and damage you cause on purpose.
What to check before you buy
- Coverage amount. Look for a high coverage sum; many policies offer several million euros.
- Rented property and keys. Important for tenants.
- Family or single. Couples can share one policy.
- Cancellation terms. Monthly cancellable policies are useful if you may leave Germany.
Common questions
Is liability insurance compulsory?
No for private individuals, but it is strongly recommended and some landlords require it.
Does it cover my flatmate's things?
Often not, if you live in the same household. Check the terms.
Can I buy it in English?
Yes, several insurers offer English policies and apps.
Sources
I moved to Germany for my master's, collected more than 1,000 rejections, and then got multiple job offers within six months. I work in digital marketing in Germany and help international professionals get hired in Europe. Read my story.