Car insurance in Germany

Q: Car insurance in Germany: what is the 30 November date?

30 November is the deadline to cancel your car insurance and switch from 1 January. Most contracts run 1 January to 31 December, with one month's notice. After 30 November you are tied for another year.

Q: What is the SF-Klasse?

The SF-Klasse (Schadenfreiheitsklasse) is your no-claims bonus from accident-free years: the higher it is, the less you pay. Switching insurer within Germany, it is kept. A foreign bonus can sometimes be transferred.

Q: What is the eVB number?

The eVB (elektronische Versicherungsbestätigung) is a number your insurer gives you: it is mandatory to register your car. Without it, the registration office will not issue a plate.

Q: What is the difference between Haftpflicht, Teilkasko and Vollkasko?

Haftpflicht = mandatory third-party, covers damage to others. Teilkasko = adds theft, fire, glass, animal collisions. Vollkasko = adds your own accidents and vandalism.

Q: How do I cancel my car insurance in Germany?

In writing, before 30 November for a switch on 1 January. If your premium rises, you have a special right to cancel. Never cancel the old contract before the new one is accepted.

What you need to know before you sign.

Everything you need to know about car insurance in Germany (Kfz-Versicherung): the key 30 November date, how the SF-Klasse bonus works, the eVB number and the three cover levels – explained in English.

Car insurance in Germany: why 30 November is decisive

Almost all car insurance contracts end on 31 December. The notice period is one month. To switch on 1 January, you must have cancelled by 30 November.

It is the most important date in the German insurance year. Miss it, and you usually stay another year.

Car insurance in Germany: where to start

Your vehicle registration document. It contains the HSN and TSN codes (fields 2.1 and 2.2). With those, your car is recognised instantly.
Your SF-Klasse. It's on your last insurance bill. It transfers to the new insurer.
A German bank account (IBAN).

Haftpflicht, Teilkasko, Vollkasko: the three levels explained

Haftpflicht — required by law. Without it you may not drive. It pays for damage you cause to others. Not your own car.
Teilkasko — also: theft, storm, hail, hitting an animal, broken glass.
Vollkasko — also: damage to your own car, even when you are at fault.

What drives the price of car insurance in Germany?

SF-Klasse — every accident-free year lowers the premium. This is the biggest lever.
Selbstbeteiligung — your excess in a claim. The higher it is, the cheaper the premium.
Kilometres per year, where you live, your age, who else drives.
Zahlweise — paying yearly is usually cheaper than monthly.

Car insurance in Germany: two traps to avoid

1. Tell the truth. Wrong details (mileage, drivers, where the car is parked) can mean the insurer does not pay when you claim.

2. To register a car you need an eVB number. Your new insurer gives it to you. Without it, the registration office will turn you away.

Your rights on car insurance in Germany

Price increase? You may usually cancel early.
After a claim? Both sides may cancel — including you.
New car? You can switch insurer at any time, not just at year end.
Signed online? 14 days to withdraw.

General information about the German market. We make no recommendations and give no advice. This is not legal advice — your contract and your insurer's terms are what count.

Frequently asked questions

Car insurance in Germany: what is the 30 November date?

30 November is the deadline to cancel your car insurance and switch from 1 January. Most contracts run 1 January to 31 December, with one month's notice. After 30 November you are tied for another year.

What is the SF-Klasse?

The SF-Klasse (Schadenfreiheitsklasse) is your no-claims bonus from accident-free years: the higher it is, the less you pay. Switching insurer within Germany, it is kept. A foreign bonus can sometimes be transferred.

What is the eVB number?

The eVB (elektronische Versicherungsbestätigung) is a number your insurer gives you: it is mandatory to register your car. Without it, the registration office will not issue a plate.

What is the difference between Haftpflicht, Teilkasko and Vollkasko?

Haftpflicht = mandatory third-party, covers damage to others. Teilkasko = adds theft, fire, glass, animal collisions. Vollkasko = adds your own accidents and vandalism.

How do I cancel my car insurance in Germany?

In writing, before 30 November for a switch on 1 January. If your premium rises, you have a special right to cancel. Never cancel the old contract before the new one is accepted.

Compare car insurance →

← Back to Kompaflow