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A Guide to Vehicle Insurance in Germany: What You Need to Know

Finding the best car insurance can be overwhelming, especially in a country known for its efficient roads and strict regulations. Choosing the right coverage for your vehicle is crucial. 
You cannot register your vehicle without having insurance.

Types of Vehicle Insurance in German

Germany offers three main types of vehicle insurance, each providing different levels of coverage:

Haftpflichtversicherung

Third-Party Liability Insurance

This is the bare minimum required by law for all drivers in Germany. It covers damages or injuries you cause to other people, vehicles, or property. However, it does not cover any damage to your own vehicle.

 

Teilkasko

Partial Comprehensive Insurance

This type of insurance goes beyond third-party coverage and protects you from certain damages to your own vehicle, such as theft, fire, vandalism, natural disasters (like floods or hail), and damage from animals.

 

Vollkasko

Comprehensive Insurance

Vollkasko offers the most complete protection. In addition to all the coverage provided by Teilkasko, it also covers damages to your vehicle caused by accidents, even when you are at fault. It may also protect you against damages caused by vandalism or hit-and-run incidents.

Factors that may influence Vehicle Insurance Costs

Several factors can impact the price of your vehicle insurance in Germany. While some of these may seem similar to South Africa, others are unique to the German system.

  • Type of Car: The make, model, and age of your vehicle directly influence the cost of insurance. High-performance or luxury vehicles typically attract higher premiums.

  • Driving Experience and Age: If you are a younger driver (under 25), or a new driver in Germany, your insurance premium will likely be higher. The insurer will consider how long you’ve held a German driver’s license or an equivalent license from South Africa. 

  • Location: Where you live plays a significant role in determining the insurance cost. Urban areas with more traffic, like Berlin or Munich, typically have higher premiums than rural regions. This is similar to how insurance in South Africa can differ based on whether you live in a busy city like Johannesburg or a quieter town.

  • Annual Mileage: The fewer kilometers you drive annually, the less you may pay. German insurers calculate that the less you drive, the lower your risk of accidents. You can also choose to insure your vehicle for specific months, such as if you only drive your convertible during the summer.

  • No-Claim Bonus (Schadenfreiheitsrabatt): If you’ve been driving accident-free for a number of years, you can benefit from lower premiums through the no-claim bonus. Your no-claim history from South Africa may also count, depending on the insurance company. It’s worth checking with your new insurer if they accept international driving records. 

No-Claim Bonus (Schadenfreiheitsrabatt)

The no-claim bonus is one of the biggest cost-saving factors in German car insurance. For every year you drive without making a claim, you accumulate bonus points that reduce your premium. This system is known as Schadenfreiheitsklassen (SF-Klasse).

Here’s how it works:

  • New drivers in Germany start with SF 0 and, over time, can progress to SF 1, SF 2, and higher. The higher your SF level, the more discount you receive.
  • If you make a claim, you will drop down in SF level, which means your premiums will increase.
  • Your SF-Klasse is usually listed on your insurance contract and your annual Versicherungsbescheinigung. Many insurance companies in Germany offer online portals where you can log in and view details about your policy, including your SF-Klasse.
  • You can get insurance that allows you one accident per year without losing your no-claim status if you have an accident
 

If you’ve been driving claim-free in South Africa for years, ask your German insurer if they will recognize your South African no-claims history. Some insurers do, allowing you to enter the system at a higher SF level.

However, it’s important to note that the process for transferring your no-claims history from another country, including South Africa, may vary depending on the insurance company. Some insurers may require official documentation proving your no-claims history, while others might have specific criteria for accepting foreign no-claims records. It’s a good idea to check with your chosen insurer about how they handle no-claims bonuses from abroad. Unfortunately, in our experience, very few insurers recognize or give credit for your no-claims history from South Africa.

One of our FB members reported that Debeka did acknowledge his no-claim record and assigned him to level 7. 
Another member also had joy with HUK Coburg but only after some convincing. 
Someone also posted “HUK24 will accept a no claims bonus letter from SA, it must state for how many years no claims for motor own damage and also no claims for liability.

What to keep in mind

Renewal

Most motor vehicle insurance policies in Germany expire at the end of the calendar year. If this applies to your policy, your insurer must receive your termination notice no later than November 30th. However, some insurers now offer flexible policies that can start at any time during the year—for example, beginning on April 1st and expiring on March 31st of the following year. These policies typically also require a one-month notice period for cancellation.

Road Safety

German roads, especially the autobahn, are known for their high speeds. Understanding local driving customs and obeying the rules will not only keep you safe but also help maintain your no-claim bonus.

Small Print

Read and understand the small print! Be careful of hidden fees when a dealership organises your insurance for you

Add-ons and Extras

German insurers often offer optional add-ons such as roadside assistance (Schutzbrief), which can be handy for expats unfamiliar with local mechanics or towing services.

Comparison Shopping

Like in South Africa, it pays to shop around for the best insurance deal. Several German comparison websites (e.g., Check24, Verivox) allow you to input your details and compare prices across different insurers. See the list below.

Coverage for Older Vehicles

If you drive an older car, you might find that Teilkasko or Haftpflicht insurance suffices. The cost of comprehensive insurance (Vollkasko) may outweigh the benefits for an older vehicle with a lower resale value.

Comparitive websites

To find the best car insurance rates in Germany, it’s a good idea to use comparison websites. These platforms allow you to easily compare a wide range of vehicle insurance providers and their policies.

  • Check24: One of the most popular comparison portals in Germany, Check24 offers comparisons for a wide range of insurance products, including car insurance. It provides a user-friendly interface and detailed comparisons.
  • Finanztip: While primarily a financial advice website, Finanztip also offers comparison tools for car insurance. It provides guidance on finding the best insurance deals and understanding the policies.
  • Preisvergleich.de: This site offers a straightforward comparison service for car insurance and other products, helping you to easily find the best rates and coverage options.
  • AutoScout24 Versicherungsrechner: A specialized tool provided by AutoScout24, primarily known for vehicle sales, that allows you to compare car insurance quotes specifically tailored to your vehicle purchase.
  •  Verivox or Tarifcheck.

We also have companies/people listed on our website who can assist in getting quotes for vehicle insurance.

Chad Joubert – Wealth Advisor

DIE GUTE WAHL – THE GOOD CHOICE – Agency for Allfinanz Deutsche Vermögensberatung. We are here for you, we provide you with professional support in your planning for the future: With the right concept, you are fully protected and can build your wealth step by step. Ask for an individual

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Information on the web

Terminology

  German English Information
KFZ Kraftfahrzeug Vehicle Als Kraftfahrzeuge im Sinne dieses Gesetzes gelten Landfahrzeuge, die durch Maschinenkraft bewegt werden, ohne an Bahngleise gebunden zu sein.
PKW Personenkraftwagen  Passenger car  
LKW Lastkraftwagen  Trucks  
NFZ Nutzfahrzeug  Commercial or Utility vehicle ein Kraftfahrzeug, das nach seiner Bauart und Einrichtung zum Transport von Personen oder Gütern bestimmt ist, oder zum Ziehen von Anhängern, aber kein Personenkraftwagen oder Kraftrad ist, sondern beispielsweise ein Omnibus, ein Lastkraftwagen, eine Zugmaschine oder ein Kranwagen.
  Kfz-Versicherung Vehicle Insurance  
  Zulassung Registration  

 

Related content

Winter Tyres

The winter conditions in Germany can make the roads dangerous and slippery to drive on.Winter conditions are for example black ice, slippery snow, slush, slippery ice or frost. (Glatteis, Schneeglätte, Schneematsch, Eis- und Reifglätte). According to German law (November 2010), you are not allowed to drive without Winter tyres on your vehicle in winter conditions. This makes it a situational requirement (Situative Winterreifenpflicht). – Section 2, Paragraph 3a of the Road Traffic Regulations / §

Safety on the Road – Wildlife

Avoiding collisions with wild animals According to statistics from the German Hunting Association, there were more than 200,000 wildlife accidents throughout Germany in 2020 and 2021. Most of them with deer.Wildlife crosses the roads to search for food, find a partner during the rutting season or for so-called grazing.  When animals see an area as part of their habitat despite a road with high traffic volumes being there,  it is called grazing. The risks of game

Road Rules

Road safety and Rules Driving on German roads is very well regulated, and if you don’t adhere to the rules, you will get penalty points against your name and hefty fines. Your licence can be suspended when you reach a certain number of points (currently 8). Ignorance of road rules is not an excuse. The ADAC (Allgemeiner Deutscher Automobil-Club) website has the following information:  a list of the Traffic signs – the descriptions are in German the

Driving and Driver’s licences

Your Guide to Driving Legally in Germany Visiting Germany: If you’re visiting for a short period, you’ll need an International Driving Permit (IDP) along with your valid South African driver’s licence. You can apply for the IDP at the Automobile Association of South Africa (AA). Staying Longer: For stays longer than six months, you can drive legally in Germany using your South African licence and your IDP for the first six months (185 days from the

The winter conditions in Germany can make the roads dangerous and slippery to drive on.
Winter conditions are for example black ice, slippery snow, slush, slippery ice or frost. (Glatteis, Schneeglätte, Schneematsch, Eis- und Reifglätte).

According to German law (November 2010), you are not allowed to drive without Winter tyres on your vehicle in winter conditions. This makes it a situational requirement (Situative Winterreifenpflicht). – Section 2, Paragraph 3a of the Road Traffic Regulations / § 2 Absatz 3a StVO

When to change to winter tyres

It is hard to say when there will be winter road conditions so most follow the old rule of thumb from October until Östern (O bis O Regel)

How do I identify a winter tyre?

As of January 2018, all new winter tyres in Germany must feature the Alpine symbol – a mountain pictogram with a snowflake – to be considered suitable for winter driving. Tyres marked with M+S (Mud and Snow) that were manufactured before 31 December 2017 are still acceptable for use during winter conditions, but only until 30 September 2024. From 1 October 2024, all winter tyres must have the Alpine symbol. Failure to comply could result in significant fines for driving with winter tyres that don’t meet this requirement.

Exceptions

Motorcycles are excluded from this rule, as well as commercial vehicles for agriculture and forestry.
Rental cars are not excluded, always make sure the car has the correct tyres fitted.
If you have a flat tyre, you may replace it with a summer tyre but it must be changed to a winter tyre as soon as possible

Recommendations

Replace tyres after six years at the latest because the rubber will lose its grip in low temperatures after a while.
On the tyres, a minimum residual profile of 1.6 mm is required although 4mm is recommended

All season tyres

If an all-season tyre has the Alpine symbol on it, it can be used in winter and summer. If they don’t they are not allowed to be used in winter. According to many people, it seems that all-season tyres are not optimal for mountainous or hilly areas, see the tips section below.

Fines

Anyone who fails to use the required tyres in winter conditions can face a fine of at least €60 and receive one point in Flensburg. Flensburg is the central register for traffic violations in Germany, where driving offences are recorded with a certain number of points. Accumulating more than 4 points can result in various penalties, and if you reach 8 points, your driver’s licence will be revoked.

Insurance

Please refer to your insurance contracts, as driving without proper winter tyres in winter conditions will likely have negative consequences for you.

Information on the internet

From Busgeldkatalog:

“Die Winterreifenpflicht in der StVO (Straßenverkehrsordnung)

Seit 2010 hält die StVO präzisere Informationen zur Winterreifenpflicht in Deutschland bereit. Das Gesetz schreibt vor: Winterreifen, oder auch Reifen die der Richtlinie 92/23/EWG entsprechen, müssen genutzt werden, wenn „Glatteis, Schneeglätte, Schneematsch, Eis- oder Reifglätte“ vorherrscht (§ 2 Absatz 3a StVO). Dabei war es bis Ende 2017 noch ausreichend, dass Winterreifen mit M+S gekennzeichnet waren.

Seit Januar 2018 gilt: Die Winterreifenpflicht erfüllen neue Winterreifen nur noch, wenn diese das sogenannte Alpine-Symbol aufweisen können. Dieses zeigt sich als dreigezacktes Bergpiktogram mit einer Schneeflocke in der Mitte. Das zuvor ausreichende M+S-Zeichen erfüllt bei neu zum Verkauf stehenden Reifen nicht mehr die gesetzlichen Anforderungen. Es gibt jedoch eine Übergangsregelung bis zum 30. September 2024. Vor 2018 gekaufte Winterreifen mit M+S-Kennzeichnung erfüllen ebenfalls die Winterreifenpflicht, bis zu diesem Tag. Das soll die Verbraucher entlasten, die so nicht sofort Geld in neue Winterreifen stecken müssen.

Mit Bezug auf die Winterreifenpflicht gab es zum Thema Mindestprofiltiefe lange Zeit viele Diskussionen. Fordert der Gesetzgeber auch bei Winterreifen eine Reifenprofiltiefe von 1,6 Millimetern, so geben sich Automobilclubs wie der ADAC erst ab einer Tiefe von vier Millimetern zufrieden. Das Hauptargument dabei: Unter dieser Profiltiefe lassen die Wintereigenschaften der Bereifung stark nach. Der Gesetzgeber hat sich aber gegen eine Verschärfung der Gesetze entschieden, auch da die meisten Verkehrsteilnehmer selbst verantwortungsvoll mit abnehmender Profiltiefe umgehen.”

Tips form our FB members

*All-season tyres*
While all-season tyres may be an option if you live in a relatively flat environment with hardly any snow, one must bare in mind that the road-holding in both seasons is not as good as season-specific tyres. In addition, the all-season tyres will not get me the last 100m home where I have about a 28% incline with only 5cm of snow. It also barely gets the car up a 200m 13% incline with 5cm snow. They also have a higher noise level than summer tyres, so you have that as well during O2O (Ostern bis Oktober).
The all-season tyres also get wobbly at high ambient temperatures when doing high speeds, so look at the max tyre speed as well.
Suggestion: When your winter tyres do not qualify to be driven during another winter, you can use them for the summer and just buy another winter set next winter.
—
*Rims*
For the winter tyres, buy a standard set of cheap steel rims – those black things that you need to put a hubcap on if you want it to look pretty. Normal aluminium rims get heavily corroded by the salt and will most likely need to be re-sealed after about 6-8 years. This is not expensive, they simply use paint to paint the inside of the rim. Alternatively, you could buy tyres that take a tube.
—
*Storage/Changing tyres*
Your local Werkstatt will most likely have a service to do this. They will store your tyres (about €17/change cycle) and might even send you a letter informing you that you need new tyres for the coming season and give you 2 alternative choices that they get a bulk discount on (ours does this).
If you choose to only keep 1 set of rims, they will most likely charge you extra to change tyres because then it’s more work for them as it’s no longer just a case of taking 4 wheels off and putting 4 wheels on.

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Car Insurance

A Guide to Vehicle Insurance in Germany: What You Need to Know Finding the best car insurance can be overwhelming, especially in a country known for its efficient roads and strict regulations. Choosing the right coverage for your vehicle is crucial. You cannot register your vehicle without having insurance. Types of Vehicle Insurance in German Germany offers three main types of vehicle insurance, each providing different levels of coverage: Haftpflichtversicherung Third-Party Liability Insurance This is the

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First aid kit

The traffic law in Germany stipulates that all drivers must carry a first aid kit (Verbandkasten) in their vehicle. The contents of your first aid kit must comply with the DIN 13164 standard. Motorcycles and tractors are exempt. Quad bikes are not.The current (2022) fine for not carrying a first aid kit is €10. The following items should be included as from 2014 1 adhesive plaster, DIN 13019-A, 5 m x 2.5 cm 4 adhesive

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Road Rules

Road safety and Rules Driving on German roads is very well regulated, and if you don’t adhere to the rules, you will get penalty points against your name and hefty fines. Your licence can be suspended when you reach a certain number of points (currently 8). Ignorance of road rules is not an excuse. The ADAC (Allgemeiner Deutscher Automobil-Club) website has the following information:  a list of the Traffic signs – the descriptions are in German the

Read More »

Driving and Driver’s licences

Your Guide to Driving Legally in Germany Visiting Germany: If you’re visiting for a short period, you’ll need an International Driving Permit (IDP) along with your valid South African driver’s licence. You can apply for the IDP at the Automobile Association of South Africa (AA). Staying Longer: For stays longer than six months, you can drive legally in Germany using your South African licence and your IDP for the first six months (185 days from the

Read More »

The traffic law in Germany stipulates that all drivers must carry a first aid kit (Verbandkasten) in their vehicle. The contents of your first aid kit must comply with the DIN 13164 standard. Motorcycles and tractors are exempt. Quad bikes are not.
The current (2022) fine for not carrying a first aid kit is €10.

The following items should be included as from 2014

  • 1 adhesive plaster, DIN 13019-A, 5 m x 2.5 cm
  • 4 adhesive bandages, DIN 13019-E, 10 cm x 6 cm
  • 2 first aid packs, DIN 13151-M
  • 1 bandage pack, DIN 13151-G
  • 1 bandage cloth, DIN 13152-BR, 40 cm x 60 cm
  • 1 bandage cloth, DIN 13152-A, 60 cm x 80 cm
  • 6 compresses, 10cm x 10cm
  • 2 fixation bandages, DIN 61634-FB-6
  • 3 fixation bandages, DIN 61634-FB-8
  • 2 triangular towels, DIN 13 168-D
  • 1 rescue blanket, 210 x 160 cm
  • 1 first aid scissors, DIN 58279-A 145
  • 4 disposable gloves, DIN EN 455
  • 1 first aid booklet
  • 2 wet wipes for skin cleansing
  • 1 14-piece ready-made plaster set
  • 1 bandage packet K

If you shop for a First aid kit, make sure you search for DIN 13164 with the 2014 specifications. New changes are coming in 2022 (two mouth and nose covers must be included in your kit), but you can just add the additional items, and don’t have to buy a new kit.
If any of the items have passed their best-before date, they must be replaced

Resources on the web

The following information was shared to us by someone who went through this process.

What documents do you need

  • Proof of ownership – Proof of purchase / Hire purchase agreement
  • Dealers Invoice
  • Original Vehicle registration documents –  Proof of registration in your name
  • Current vehicle insurance documentation
  • EU Certificate of conformity (Konformitäts-bescheinigung or EWG – Übereinstimmungsbescheinigung)
  • Certificate of exhaust emissions (AU-Bescheinigung) – vehicles older than 3 years
  • Tax clearance certificate (Unbedenklichkeitsbescheinigung). This is to confirm that the vehicle has not previously been registered in Germany
  • Drainage certificate for the shipping agent (you will need several copies)
  • Packing list
  • Documents from the shipping agents for customs. The customs agents will open your container and check your declaration

What else do you need

  • A Shipping agent
  • You will need a conform container

The process

  • Get all the necessary documents together
  • Arrange a shipping agent
  • Have your vehicle VeriDotted –  
  • Prepare the vehicle (no fuel, fuel line and battery disconnected etc)
  • Deregister the vehicle in SA
  • Ship the vehicle
  • Collect your vehicle at customs / arrange vehicle delivery to TUV. You will not be allowed to drive your vehicle before all the paperwork is done and you have a TUV certificate
  • Customs in Germany will issue you with a Unbedenklichkeitsbescheinigung to enable you to get your vehicle licensed, registered and insured here in Germany.
  • Vehicle is modified to German standards e.g changes to the headlights
  •  Register your vehicle in Germany – Licensing 

Registering your vehicle

You will need the following documentation

  • Proof of identification
  • Proof of your registration in Germany (home address)
  • Original registration documents
  • Tax clearance certificate (Unbedenklichkeitsbescheinigung)
  • Proof of duties paid or exemption (Zollrechtliche Bescheinigung)
  • Original Certificate of Conformity
  • Proof of insurance
  • Road tax form
  • TUV (Technischer Überwachungsverein) certificate – Testcentre for Roadworthiness
  • Proof of the original purchase contract

Costs

  • As a rule, you have to pay the following:
  • Duty Fees – 10% import duty
  • Import VAT – 19%

You can get an exemption from the duty and VAT if you are establishing a new residence in Germany and have given up your residence in a non-EU country. The vehicle must be registered in your personal name (sole owner) for at least 6 months and be used by you personally. You will have to declare the vehicle as Übersiedlungsgut

  • Shipping Fees
  • Customs fees

Pitfalls

  • In Germany, you drive on the right lane and the driver sits on the left
  • Your vehicle will have to go through TUV, there are some adjustments that need to be done for example the angle of the headlights

Information on the internet

  • Your Europe – Car registration documents and formalities
  • Zoll (Customs) Transferring residence
  • KBA (Kraffahrt-Bundesampt) Central Vehicle Register

Related content

Moving to Germany

Moving to a new country can be both exciting and overwhelming at the same time. The thought of starting a new chapter in your life can bring a sense of thrill, while the idea of going through the process of moving can be daunting. Countless things need to be taken into consideration, and it can be tough to know where to start. Where will you find a suitable place to live? Should you buy or

Road Rules

Road safety and Rules Driving on German roads is very well regulated, and if you don’t adhere to the rules, you will get penalty points against your name and hefty fines. Your licence can be suspended when you reach a certain number of points (currently 8). Ignorance of road rules is not an excuse. The ADAC (Allgemeiner Deutscher Automobil-Club) website has the following information:  a list of the Traffic signs – the descriptions are in German the

Driving and Driver’s licences

Your Guide to Driving Legally in Germany Visiting Germany: If you’re visiting for a short period, you’ll need an International Driving Permit (IDP) along with your valid South African driver’s licence. You can apply for the IDP at the Automobile Association of South Africa (AA). Staying Longer: For stays longer than six months, you can drive legally in Germany using your South African licence and your IDP for the first six months (185 days from the

Registering a vehicle in Germany

Moving to Germany and bringing your vehicle along? Or perhaps you’re buying a car locally? Either way, navigating the vehicle registration process can seem daunting, especially in a new country. Here’s a comprehensive guide tailored for South Africans to help you register your vehicle in Germany smoothly.

The basics

In Germany, all vehicles must be officially registered with the appropriate authority in the area where the owner lives. This requirement is mandatory and applies universally, even if you move to a different city or region within the country.

01

residence

 If you change your residence, you may need to update your registration to reflect your new location accurately. German license plates feature a specific code that identifies the region of registration, such as “S” for Stuttgart or “NU” for Neu-Ulm.

02

Dealership

If you bought your vehicle from a  dealership, they usually handle the registration process for you, sparing you the hassle of dealing with the paperwork. However, if you purchased the vehicle privately or imported it from another location, you’ll need to manage the registration process yourself. 

03

Service providers

You can conveniently utilize a service provider to handle the entire vehicle registration process on your behalf, saving you time and effort. Search for “Zulassungsservice” in your local area to find the best options available to you.

04

Environmental Zones

Some cities in Germany have low-emission zones (Umweltzonen). Depending on your vehicle’s emission standards, you may need a sticker (Umweltplakette) to drive in these areas.

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Personal Identification

Valid passport or ID card, along with proof of residence (Meldebescheinigung).

Proof of Vehicle Ownership

For new vehicles: Certificate of Conformity (COC) if applicable. Purchase invoice. Zulassungsbescheinigun Teil II For used vehicles: Previous vehicle registration documents (Zulassungsbescheinigung Teil I and Teil II).

Proof of Emissions Standard Compliance

For vehicles subject to emissions testing, proof of compliance with the applicable Euro standard.

Vehicle Insurance

Electronic insurance confirmation (eVB number) from your insurance provider.

Technical Inspection Certificate (TÜV)

Proof of valid safety inspection. New cars typically have a valid inspection for three years; used cars require an inspection every two years.

Customs Clearance

If the vehicle is imported from outside the EU, customs clearance documents may be required

Registration Documents

The Zulassungsbescheinigung Teil I or or Fahrzeugschein (Vehicle Registration Document) and Zulassungsbescheinigung Teil II or or Fahrzeugbrief (Vehicle Title) are two distinct parts of the vehicle registration documentation system in Germany, each serving different purposes:

Zulassungsbescheinigung Teil I - Vehicle Registration Document

  • Purpose: This document is primarily used for everyday identification and operation of the vehicle. It serves as proof of the vehicle’s registration and is required to be carried in the vehicle at all times.
  • Content: It includes essential details about the vehicle such as the vehicle identification number (VIN), license plate number, technical specifications (e.g., weight, engine power), and other information relevant to the vehicle’s operation and compliance with regulations.
  • Usage: It acts as evidence that the vehicle is officially registered and authorized to be on public roads. It’s typically needed during roadside checks by authorities, or when the vehicle is involved in an accident or sold.
  • Requirement: Must be kept in the vehicle whenever it is being driven.

Zulassungsbescheinigung Teil II (Vehicle Title)

  • Purpose: This document serves as proof of ownership of the vehicle. It is more focused on the legal aspects of vehicle ownership rather than operational use.
  • Content: It contains the vehicle’s key identifying information, including the make, model, VIN, and detailed information about the current owner (and potentially the previous owner, if applicable). It also notes the total number of previous owners but without listing their names and addresses.
  • Usage: The Zulassungsbescheinigung Teil II is needed during the transfer of ownership, such as when buying or selling the vehicle. It is also required for major administrative changes, like altering the registered owner’s information or re-registering the vehicle.
  • Requirement: This should be stored securely and not kept in the vehicle. It is a critical document in proving ownership and should be protected to prevent unauthorized transfer or theft.

The Registration Process

  1. Insurance and eVB Number: Before registering your vehicle, you must have valid car insurance. The insurance provider will give you an electronic insurance confirmation number (eVB number), which is necessary for registration.
  2. Visit the Local Registration Office (Kfz-Zulassungsstelle): With all your documents in order, visit your local vehicle registration office. You may need to book an appointment in advance, as wait times can vary.
  3. Registration Fees and Taxes: Be prepared to pay the registration fees and vehicle taxes. The amount varies based on the vehicle’s specifications, such as engine size and emissions.
  4. Receive Registration Documents and License Plates: Upon successful registration, you’ll receive the new registration certificate (Zulassungsbescheinigung Teil I and II) and vehicle license plates. You can have the plates made at nearby private vendors, typically located close to the registration office.
  5. Displaying Your Plates: Once you have your license plates, they must be affixed to your vehicle. Ensure they are securely attached and clearly visible, as per legal requirements.

Additional Considerations

  • Language Barrier: While many officials may speak English, having a German-speaking friend or translator can be helpful during the registration process.

  • Familiarize Yourself with Local Driving Laws: German traffic laws can be quite different from those in South Africa. Understanding these laws is crucial for safe driving.

Licence plates

  • German license plates follow a specific format that helps to easily identify the region where the vehicle is registered. The standard format is:

    XX YYYYY

    • XX: A one to three-letter abbreviation indicating the registration district, based on the city or region. For example:

      • “B” for Berlin
      • “M” for Munich (München)
      • “HH” for Hamburg
      • “K” for Cologne (Köln)

    • YYYYY: A combination of one or two letters followed by up to four digits, providing a unique identifier for the vehicle.

    For example, a plate reading “M AB 1234” indicates a vehicle registered in Munich with a specific registration number.

Special Features and Types

 a. TÜV and Emission Stickers:
German license plates include a space for displaying mandatory stickers:

  • TÜV Sticker: Indicates the next due date for the vehicle’s technical inspection (TÜV). The month and year are specified, and the color changes annually for easy identification.
  • Emission Sticker (Plakette): Shows the vehicle’s emissions rating, relevant for entering low-emission zones (Umweltzonen) in many German cities.

b. Variants and Special Plates:

  • Seasonal Plates: For vehicles used only during specific months, the registration period (e.g., “04/10” for April to October) is indicated on the right side of the plate.
  • Historic Plates (H-Plates): For classic cars over 30 years old, a small “H” at the end signifies historical status, providing tax benefits and exemptions from certain environmental regulations.
  • Diplomatic Plates: Special plates for diplomatic vehicles, starting with “0” and a specific format to indicate diplomatic status.
  • Export Plates: Temporary plates (with a red edge) used for vehicles intended to be exported, showing the expiration date.
  • Registration and Ownership: License plates are linked to the vehicle’s registration. When ownership changes or the vehicle is deregistered, the plates are returned, and the registration is updated.
  • Personalized Plates: While Germany does allow for some degree of customization (e.g., choosing certain numbers or letters after the district code), full personalization is not as common as in some other countries. Certain combinations, particularly those related to neo-Nazi symbolism, are prohibited.
 

Info on the web

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Emergency Contacts

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First aid kit

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Road Rules

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