A good start in Germany also means being well protected in everyday life. Insurance plays an important role in this. In addition to statutory health insurance, there are further voluntary insurance policies that can be highly recommended for everyday life. These include personal liability insurance, household contents insurance, and legal expenses insurance. They protect against unexpected and often very high costs – whether through an accidental mishap affecting others or legal disputes. Information on health insurance can be found here.

Personal liability insurance

Personal liability insurance covers damage accidentally caused to other people or their property, protecting against potentially high costs. It is strongly recommended and can be very important in everyday life.

Why personal liability insurance makes sense

Personal liability insurance provides financial protection, since compensation claims can quickly add up to significant amounts. It covers damage caused by mishaps in the apartment or minor accidents involving third parties, also including damage caused by pets. Many landlords require proof of personal liability insurance when renting out an apartment, to ensure that any damage will be covered. This primarily refers to damage to the landlord's property or the apartment itself – such as water damage from an overflowing bathtub, a broken window, or the cost of replacing a lock after losing a key. This is what sets personal liability insurance apart from household contents insurance, which protects one's own belongings in the apartment, for example in the event of a break-in, fire, or water damage to personal possessions.

Requirements and costs

Taking out personal liability insurance is relatively straightforward. German citizenship is not required, though a permanent address and a bank account in Germany are often prerequisites. Monthly premiums for a single person are generally between 5 and 10 euros.

Key information and practical tips

It is advisable to take out personal liability insurance as early as possible. Before signing up, it is worth thinking about what level of coverage makes sense. A minimum of 3 million euros is recommended, as personal injury claims can be very costly. It is also worth checking whether a deductible is preferred and whether the policy allows partners or children to be included.
It is equally important to check the policy terms regarding minimum contract duration and cancellation periods. All damage should be reported in writing immediately and documented thoroughly – including photos, the date of the incident, and receipts for any costs incurred. This ensures the best possible protection when making a claim.

Personal liability insurance providers

• Allianz
• HUK-COBURG
• DEVK
• Die Haftpflichtkasse
• VHV Versicherungen
• AXA

House contents insurance

House contents insurance protects personal belongings in the home against damage caused by break-ins, theft, fire, or water. It covers damaged or stolen items such as furniture, electronics, and clothing, and can protect against significant financial losses.

Requirements and costs

Taking out this insurance is straightforward and generally requires a permanent address and a bank account in Germany. Monthly premiums depend on the size of the apartment, location, and chosen level of coverage, and typically range from 3 to 15 euros.

Key information and practical tips

When taking out a policy, it is important to ensure that the insured sum reflects the actual value of the household contents. Underinsurance can lead to a proportional reduction in reimbursement in the event of a claim. All valuable items should be documented, for example with photos and purchase receipts, to make it easy to provide proof if needed.

Household contents insurance providers

• Allianz
• HUK-COBURG
• DEVK
• AXA

Legal expenses insurance

Legal expenses insurance covers the costs of legal disputes, for example with a landlord, an employer, or in the event of a traffic accident. It is not mandatory, but can be particularly valuable for international professionals navigating an unfamiliar legal system.

Requirements and costs

Taking out legal expenses insurance is straightforward, though a permanent address and a bank account are usually required. Monthly premiums typically range from 15 to 30 euros depending on the level of coverage.

Key information

Most legal expenses insurance policies have a waiting period of three months before they can be used. It is therefore worth taking one out before a specific problem arises. It is also worth checking which areas are covered – employment law, tenancy law, and traffic law are particularly relevant.

Legal expenses insurance providers

• ARAG
• Allianz
• **HUK-**COBURG
• DEVK

Summary

Those starting out in Germany should look into insurance early. A good first step is taking out personal liability insurance, as it covers the most common everyday risks and is required by many landlords. Depending on personal circumstances, household contents insurance and legal expenses insurance can then be added. All three types of insurance are affordable and easy to take out – and provide valuable peace of mind, especially as an international professional in a new environment. When signing up, it is worth comparing options, for example through online comparison portals such as Check24, to find the right coverage at the best price.