In Germany, personal liability is unlimited. One accident could cost you everything. Here's why Privathaftpflichtversicherung is the first policy every expat needs.
If you're from the UK, US, or many other countries, you might not think about liability insurance much. In Germany, it's a completely different story.
Under German law, if you cause harm to another person or their property, you are personally liable with your entire assets — and there is no upper limit. This isn't a theoretical risk. It's a cultural and legal reality that Germans take very seriously.
You accidentally bump into a cyclist, who falls and needs surgery — €50,000+ in medical costs and damages
You leave the water running and flood your neighbour's apartment below — €20,000–100,000+ in water damage
Your child breaks a shop window while playing — €2,000+ for the glass and lost revenue
You lose the key to your rented apartment (including building keys) — €3,000–15,000+ for lock replacement
The cost of liability insurance? Just €5–15 per month. That's less than a Netflix subscription for protection against potentially life-ruining financial claims. There's a reason 85% of German households have it — and why every expat should too.
A good Privathaftpflichtversicherung policy covers damages you accidentally cause to third parties. Here's what's typically included:
If you accidentally injure someone — medical costs, pain and suffering, lost wages.
If you break or damage someone else's property — their car, phone, furniture, etc.
If your actions cause someone a financial loss (e.g., you damage a server that causes business interruption).
Lost your apartment or building key? This alone can cost thousands. Most policies cover it.
Damage caused by your dog or cat (important for dog owners — some breeds require separate dog liability insurance).
Damage caused by your children (children under 7 can't be held legally liable, but some situations still require coverage).
Individual: €5–10/month
Couple/Family: €8–20/month
For coverage of €10–50 million — protection against even catastrophic claims.
Our tip: Don't save on the wrong end. A policy that costs €2/month less but doesn't cover key loss or has a low coverage limit could cost you thousands when you need it most. We compare policies to find the best value — not just the cheapest price.
Quick, easy, and free. We'll find you the best policy in one consultation.
Whether you need liability insurance for the first time or want to check if your current policy is good enough — we're here to help.