Liability Insurance in Germany (2026): Best Private Cover for Expats
Private liability insurance (Privathaftpflicht) is one of the most important policies to have in Germany. Life is full of surprises, and if you or a family member accidentally injure someone or damage their property, the other party can claim against you. Liability insurance gives you peace of mind, covering the damage up to the insured amount. It is not legally required, but it is strongly recommended and is inexpensive. This guide compares the best liability insurers in Germany for expats.
How we picked the best liability insurers in Germany
- ✓ English-speaking customer service where available
- ✓ Good cover-to-price ratio
- ✓ Clear contracts with no hidden costs
- ✓ Flexible, tailorable cover
Best liability insurers in Germany
Here is how the main providers compare. Premiums are low, but cover and extras vary, so compare a few before you choose.
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Best overall for expats. AXA is a large insurer offering affordable private liability cover, 24/7 customer service and English-speaking support, with flexible policies you can manage online. |
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Best for multilingual support. CosmosDirekt is an award-winning insurer with quick, easy claims handling and support in several languages (including English). Its basic cover aligns with Stiftung Warentest recommendations. Good all-round value. |
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Best for comparing quotes fast. Tarifcheck is an award-winning insurance comparison portal where you can get a quote in a few minutes. It compares many insurers at once, and some tariffs even cover pets. The site is mostly German. |
Our top pick for English service: CosmosDirekt
CosmosDirekt is a popular liability insurer with expats, partly because it offers support in several languages, including English. Reasons it works well for newcomers:
- Customer support in multiple languages (English, German, Spanish, Italian and French)
- Relatively fast claims payment
- Helps reject unjustified claims made against you
- Worldwide protection for temporary stays abroad
- High cover limits (German private liability policies typically cover several million euros)
- Cover for damage linked to internet and data use
Private liability insurance is inexpensive. When comparing, choose a policy that fits your life situation and offers the most comprehensive cover, so you get the best protection for the money.
What does liability insurance cover?
Cover varies by insurer and policy, but a typical German private liability policy covers:
- Personal injury and material damage you cause to others
- Damage to borrowed or rented items (for example in your flat)
- Lost keys to a rented property
- Protection against uninsured third parties
- For tenants: damage to rented rooms and property
- Damage linked to internet use
Beyond the basics, make sure your policy covers what matters to you. Check the terms before buying and compare a few options to choose the best cover for your situation.
What you need to take out a policy
To take out or switch liability insurance in Germany, have the following ready:
- Your passport or valid ID card
- Proof of address (registration certificate, rental contract or a utility bill)
- Details of your previous insurer, if you are switching
- Your bank details for the direct debit (SEPA)
Liability insurance protects you against many everyday risks, so it is well worth a few minutes to compare and choose the best policy for you and your family. While you are sorting out cover, you may also want our guide to car insurance in Germany.
FAQ about liability insurers in Germany
People have a legal commitment to reimburse anyone who has caused any kind of damage in Germany. As you are legally responsible for an unlimited amount of damage that you cause, it is recommended to purchase liability insurance in Germany.
While finding the ideal liability insurance for you in Germany, you will come across several insurance companies. To select the best:
- Compare the different companies and pay attention to the advantages they offer.
- Find out what kind of liabilities you have.
A little research and advice or references from your colleagues or friends will help you find the best liability insurance in Germany for you.
Liability insurance is very beneficial in Germany. It frees you from paying large sums due to accidental loss or damage.
You need to follow certain processes to get German public liability insurance and stay ready with the following documents:
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– Register/ Sign up online
– Valid identity card or passport
– Proof of address
– Citizen Service Number – BSN
– If you are not a permanent resident of Germany, your residence permit can also be requested
Tip: You can change your insurance every year for cheaper or better options, but pay attention to the cancellation period.
There are more than 11 third party liability insurance companies in Germany. The most important ones are:
- Axa – Get flexible and secure private liability insurance to cover all the unintentional damages caused to any third party.
What they offer:
– Basic protection up to € 5 million
– Well insured up to € 30 million
– Top protection up to € 60 million
– Facility of daily termination
– Convenience of managing contracts onlineKeep yourself secure with AXA inexpensive private liability.
- Cosmosdirekt – This is the most popular liability insurance company in Germany for expatriates. The company ranks higher among expats because of the availability of contracts in languages such as English, Germany, etc.
What they offer:
– Pay claims for damages
– Reject unjustified claims for you
– Pay up to 3 years worldwide
- Tarifcheck – Pay for damage caused to any third party with Tarifcheck liability insurance that can be done in minutes from your home.
What they offer:
– Insurance at as little as € 3.60 every month
– Flexibility of getting insured from the comfort of your home
– Insurance cover that is suitable for everyone
- Hansemerkur – Get coverage for property damage and personal injury with Hansemerkur liability insurance. The company provides defense against all unjustified claims.
What they offer:
– High coverage amounts
– Personal advice
– Fast processing for claim notification
– Affordable liability insurance
- Hansemerkur – The company provides liability insurance against all the unintentional or damages caused negligently.
What they offer:
– Insurance up to € 20 million
– Round the cloud protection
– Basic protection
– Maximum insurance in professional tariffOf course, there are many other liability insurance providers on the market, but Cosmodirekt offers innovative insurance services, especially for young people. You can get your insurance policy directly online in minutes and without any documents.