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.
Germany offers three main types of vehicle insurance, each providing different levels of coverage:
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.
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 damages from animals.
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.
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.
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:
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.
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.
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.
Read and understand the small print! Be careful of hidden fees when a dealership organises your insurance for you
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.
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.
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.
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.
We also have companies/people listed on our website who can assist in getting quotes for vehicle insurance.
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| 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 |
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