Home Insurance in Germany: What You Needs to Know in 2025

Home Insurance in Germany: Is Your Property (or Stuff) Really Protected?

You may have found your dream apartment in Berlin, a charming flat in Hamburg, or bought a home in Munich’s suburbs — but what happens if your washing machine floods the kitchen, or your bike gets stolen from your hallway?

That’s where home insurance in Germany steps in. While not always legally required, it’s often essential to protect your belongings, your finances, and your peace of mind.

This 2025 guide explains how home insurance works for both renters and homeowners — and why understanding the difference between contents and building coverage could save you thousands.

Is Home Insurance Mandatory in Germany?

Let’s get this clear: home insurance is not legally required by German law. But that doesn’t mean you can (or should) skip it.

When it is mandatory:

If you’re buying a property, your mortgage lender will require building insurance

Some rental agreements may demand proof of liability or contents insurance

For everything else, it’s up to you — but skipping insurance is a gamble in a country where accidents and weather damage can get expensive, fast.

The Two Main Types of Home Insurance in Germany

Germany separates home insurance into two distinct policies, each serving a different purpose.

🏠 Homeowners Insurance (Wohngebäudeversicherung)

Covers the structure of the property itself — the walls, roof, floors, pipes, built-in kitchen, etc.

This insurance protects against:

• Fire and smoke damage

• Storms, hail, and water leaks

• Flooding (with additional Elementarschaden coverage)

• Vandalism

• Damage from burst pipes or roof leaks

Required if you own the home — and usually bundled into mortgage requirements.

🛋️ Contents Insurance (Hausratversicherung)

Covers your personal belongings inside the home — furniture, electronics, clothes, bicycles, and even food in your fridge.

It protects you against:

• Theft (including burglary)

• Fire or smoke damage

• Water damage (e.g., from a leaking appliance)

• Vandalism or break-ins

• Natural disasters (with extra coverage)

Even tenants are highly encouraged to have this — especially in cities where apartment break-ins are not uncommon.

What About Personal Liability? (Privathaftpflichtversicherung)

While not technically “home insurance,” personal liability insurance is often packaged with home coverage or sold as an add-on. It covers you if:

• You damage someone else’s property (e.g., your child breaks a neighbor’s window)

• A visitor gets injured in your home

• Water from your washing machine leaks into your downstairs neighbor’s ceiling

In Germany, you are personally responsible for all damages you cause, even by accident. Liability coverage is a must-have for anyone renting or owning.

Average Costs of Home Insurance in Germany (2025)

Your premium depends on location, property size, risk level (e.g., flood zones), and policy extras.

Typical Monthly Costs:

Insurance Type	Estimated Cost
Contents Insurance	€5 – €15/month
Homeowners Insurance	€20 – €50/month
Personal Liability	€3 – €7/month

Bundling these together often brings discounts, and many providers offer annual payments at reduced rates.

How to Choose the Right Insurance Provider

Germany has a large, regulated insurance market — with both international and local providers offering home policies.

Top companies include:

• HUK-Coburg

• AXA

• Allianz

• LVM

• DEVK

• Online platforms like Getsafe, Feather, and Clark for English-language options

When comparing plans, look out for:

• Coverage limits

• Deductibles (Selbstbeteiligung)

• Flood/storm protection

• Replacement value vs market value

• English support if needed

How to File a Claim

If damage or theft occurs:

1. Document everything — photos, videos, receipts

2. Notify your insurer immediately (many have apps or online forms)

3. Get a police report in cases of theft or vandalism

4. Don’t make repairs until inspected unless it’s an emergency

5. Claims are usually processed within 2–6 weeks, depending on the provider and damage level.

Final Thoughts: Insurance Is Boring… Until You Need It

Whether you’re renting your first flat or buying your forever home, home insurance in Germany is a financial safety net you’ll be glad to have.

A burst pipe, stolen bike, or short circuit can become a €10,000 disaster — or just a mild inconvenience — depending on what you’ve got covered.

So take 30 minutes, compare your options, and secure your space. Your future self (and your landlord) will thank you.