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For expats & newcomers · 2026 guide

Car insurance in Germany — Kfz-Versicherung, explained in English.

Car insurance is mandatory in Germany: you cannot register a vehicle without at least liability cover (Kfz-Haftpflicht). There are three levels — liability only, partial (Teilkasko) and fully comprehensive (Vollkasko). To register your car you need an electronic confirmation number (eVB) from your insurer. Premiums depend on the car, your no-claims class and where you live.

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The three levels

Haftpflicht vs Teilkasko vs Vollkasko

German car insurance comes in three levels. Liability is mandatory; the other two are optional and add cover for your own car.

What’s covered Liability
Haftpflicht		 Partial
Teilkasko		 Full
Vollkasko
Damage you cause to others
Theft of your car
Fire, storm, hail, flood
Glass breakage
Damage from animals (e.g. marten)
Damage to your OWN car in an accident
Vandalism
Legally required to register a car

Coverage details depend on your tariff. Figures and inclusions are 2026 orientation values — confirm with a licensed expert.

Step by step

How to insure and register your car

You need insurance before you can register — here’s the order.

  1. 1

    Choose your level of cover

    Liability is the legal minimum. New or valuable cars usually justify Vollkasko; older cars often only Teilkasko or liability.

  2. 2

    Get an eVB number

    Your insurer issues an electronic insurance confirmation (eVB) — a 7-character code the registration office (Zulassungsstelle) needs to register your car.

  3. 3

    Register the vehicle

    Take the eVB, your ID, registration papers and proof of address to the Zulassungsstelle. Cover starts the moment you register.

  4. 4

    Check your no-claims transfer (SF-Klasse)

    If you held car insurance abroad, some German insurers credit your claim-free years — ask, as it can cut your premium significantly.

Kosten 2026

What it costs in 2026

Premiums vary a lot by car, region and your no-claims class. Here are realistic annual ranges.

Liability only (Haftpflicht) ≈ €250–600 / year, depending on car & profile
Partial cover (Teilkasko) ≈ €350–800 / year
Full cover (Vollkasko) ≈ €500–1,500+ / year for newer cars
New driver, no SF-Klasse Higher — no-claims discount builds over years
Häufige Fehler

Common mistakes to avoid

  • Driving before registration is complete — you must have valid cover (and an eVB) before you can legally register and drive.

  • Not asking to transfer your no-claims years from abroad — many insurers credit them, which can cut your premium a lot.

  • Taking Vollkasko on an old car — for low-value cars, Teilkasko or liability is usually more sensible.

  • Ignoring the regional class (Regionalklasse) — premiums vary by where you live, not just your car.

  • Forgetting that mileage, garage and additional drivers all change your premium — declare them accurately.

Nächster Schritt

Registering a car? Get the cover right — in English.

Choosing the right level, getting your eVB and transferring your no-claims bonus can save you real money — and you need cover before you can register. A verified, English-friendly insurance expert near you can sort it quickly — neutral, with no obligation. Versipedia is free for you.

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FAQ

Car insurance in Germany — common questions

Is car insurance mandatory in Germany?
Yes. At least liability car insurance (Kfz-Haftpflicht) is legally required, and you cannot register a vehicle without it. It covers damage you cause to other people, their vehicles or property. Partial (Teilkasko) and fully comprehensive (Vollkasko) cover are optional but recommended depending on your car.
What is the difference between Haftpflicht, Teilkasko and Vollkasko?
Kfz-Haftpflicht (liability) is the mandatory minimum and covers damage you cause to others. Teilkasko (partial) adds theft, fire, storm, glass and animal damage to your own car. Vollkasko (fully comprehensive) also covers accident damage to your own car and vandalism. New or valuable cars usually justify Vollkasko; older cars often only need Teilkasko or liability.
What is an eVB number and why do I need it?
An eVB (elektronische Versicherungsbestätigung) is a 7-character electronic confirmation that your car is insured. You get it from your insurer and need it to register your vehicle at the registration office (Zulassungsstelle). Your insurance cover starts the moment the car is registered.
How much does car insurance cost in Germany in 2026?
Liability-only car insurance typically costs around €250–600 per year, partial cover (Teilkasko) around €350–800, and full cover (Vollkasko) from about €500 to €1,500 or more for newer cars. Your exact premium depends on the car, your no-claims class (SF-Klasse), your region and your annual mileage.
Can I transfer my no-claims bonus from another country?
Often yes. Many German insurers credit claim-free years you built up abroad, which lowers your premium through a better no-claims class (SF-Klasse). Policies differ, so ask your insurer or an independent broker — having proof of your previous insurance history helps.
Can I get car insurance advice in English?
Yes. Many independent insurance experts in Germany speak English and help expats with vehicle registration and cover. Versipedia is a neutral directory of verified experts across Germany — find one near you, read reviews and contact them directly. We do not sell insurance and it is free for you to use.
Find an expert near you

English-friendly insurance experts across Germany

Wherever you drive — Berlin, Munich, Hamburg or a smaller town — find verified, independent insurance experts in your city. Many speak English and help expats register and insure their cars.

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Related guides: health insurance (GKV vs PKV) →, personal liability →. See the full overview of insurance in Germany → Prefer to talk it through? Find an English-speaking insurance broker →

Disclaimer: Versipedia is a neutral directory and information platform. We are not an insurance broker, we do not sell insurance and we do not give individual insurance advice. This guide is general information for orientation only and not a substitute for personal advice from a licensed expert. Figures reflect 2026 and may change.

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