A Complete Guide to Household Insurance in Germany

Protecting your home and belongings is a fundamental aspect of responsible living, especially in a country like Germany where personal liability and order are highly valued. For residents—whether you’re a local or an expat—household insurance (called Hausratversicherung in German) is an important form of coverage that offers peace of mind against unforeseen events such as burglary, fire, or water damage.

Although not legally mandatory, household insurance is one of the most common and recommended types of insurance in Germany. In this guide, we’ll explore what household insurance covers, how much it costs, what it doesn’t include, and how to choose the best policy for your needs.

What Is Household Insurance in Germany?

Hausratversicherung (household contents insurance) is a type of insurance that covers the personal belongings inside your home against various types of damage or loss. This includes everything that would fall out if you turned your house upside down—furniture, electronics, clothing, valuables, and more.

It is different from liability insurance (Haftpflichtversicherung, which covers damage you cause to others) and building insurance (Wohngebäudeversicherung, which covers structural damage and is typically taken out by homeowners or landlords).

What Does Household Insurance Cover?

Most standard household insurance policies in Germany cover damage or loss caused by:

Fire and smoke
Storms and hail
Water damage from burst pipes or leaks (but not flood damage unless separately insured)
Theft and burglary
Vandalism after a break-in
Explosion or implosion
Damage caused by lightning

Additionally, your belongings are typically covered not just at home, but also temporarily when you are traveling or moving house, depending on the policy.

Some insurers also cover:

Theft from vehicles (if items were stored out of sight)
Theft from hotel rooms
Bicycle theft (if added as an extra)
Glass breakage
Home office equipment

What Items Are Covered?

Household insurance in Germany covers personal items such as:

Furniture and décor
Clothing and shoes
Electronics (TVs, laptops, tablets)
Appliances (washing machines, fridges)
Kitchenware and utensils
Books and media
Jewellery (up to a certain limit)
Sports equipment
Musical instruments
Cash (with limits, typically around €1,000)

High-value items often require separate listing or documentation to be fully insured, especially jewellery, artwork, or collectibles.

What’s Not Covered?

While household insurance offers broad protection, there are several important exclusions:

Negligence: If the insurer deems you were careless (e.g., leaving windows open), claims may be denied.
Wear and tear: Damage from age or regular use is not covered.
Flooding or natural disasters: You need additional Elementarschadenversicherung for events like floods, earthquakes, or heavy rain damage.
Pest damage
War, riots, or nuclear accidents
Items used for commercial purposes may not be covered under standard household insurance.

Always read the terms and exclusions of the policy before signing.

Is Household Insurance Mandatory in Germany?

No, household insurance is not legally required in Germany. However, it is strongly recommended, especially if:

You live in a large city with a higher risk of burglary
You own expensive belongings
You live in a rental apartment, which is typical for most Germans

While landlords cannot force tenants to take out household insurance, some rental contracts may encourage or recommend it.

How Much Does It Cost?

The cost of household insurance in Germany is relatively affordable, especially compared to the value of coverage it provides.

Typical annual premiums: €50–€150 for average-sized flats
Larger homes or higher insured values can cost €200–€300 annually
Bicycle theft or valuable item coverage increases the premium

Premiums are calculated based on:

Location (urban areas may have higher burglary risk)
Size of the living space (in square meters)
Total value of household contents
Coverage extras (bicycle, glass, natural disaster protection)
Claims history and deductible (Selbstbeteiligung)

A common rule of thumb for the sum insured is €650–€750 per square meter. So, for a 70 m² apartment, the insured value might be around €50,000.

How to Take Out Household Insurance

Taking out household insurance in Germany is relatively straightforward and can be done online or through a broker (Versicherungsmakler). Here’s what you typically need:

Your address and size of the property
Value of contents to be insured
Preferred coverage details and extras
Start date of the policy
Banking details for monthly or annual payment

Policies can usually be canceled with three months’ notice before renewal, and many providers offer monthly payment plans.

Best Household Insurance Providers in Germany

Germany has a well-developed insurance market with both traditional and digital providers. Popular and reliable insurers include:

HUK-Coburg – Affordable and reliable, especially for families
Allianz – Offers wide coverage and optional extras
AXA – Strong international backing with customizable plans
DEVK – Good customer service with nationwide offices
Getsafe – A modern, app-based insurer with English-language support
Feather – Designed for expats, offers clear English policies and monthly plans

Comparison sites such as Check24.de, Verivox.de, or Finanztip.de can help you find the best deals.

Making a Claim

In the event of a claim, here are the usual steps:

Report the damage immediately to your insurer, ideally within 24–48 hours.
Document the damage with photos, receipts, and a list of affected items.
File a police report if theft or burglary is involved, and get a copy of the case number.
Complete a claim form provided by your insurer.
Await assessment from the insurance adjuster, if necessary.

Your insurer will either reimburse you for the value of the damaged/lost item or provide replacement value (new-for-old), depending on your policy.

Tips for Choosing the Right Policy

Inventory your belongings: Know the value of what you’re insuring.
Don’t underinsure: It may lower your premium but could cost you during a claim.
Check for extras: Bicycle theft, glass damage, home office cover, etc.
Compare deductibles: A higher excess lowers premiums but means you pay more out-of-pocket for claims.
Read the small print: Know your exclusions, claim procedures, and cancellation policy.
Look for English support: If you’re an expat, consider providers that offer full service in English.

Conclusion

Household insurance in Germany is one of the most accessible and cost-effective ways to protect your belongings from everyday risks. Whether you’re renting a studio flat in Berlin or own a family home in Bavaria, a solid Hausratversicherung ensures that your valuables are protected in case of unexpected loss or damage.

Although not legally required, having household insurance is a wise choice for almost everyone. With a variety of providers and customizable options available, it’s easy to find a policy that fits both your budget and lifestyle.

Before signing any contract, make sure to assess your needs, compare offers, and understand the full terms of your coverage. That way, you’ll be well prepared should the unexpected happen—and your home and peace of mind will be secure.