Kfz-Versicherung: Car Insurance Guide in Germany
Learn about the types of car insurance (Haftpflicht, Teilkasko, Vollkasko), eVB numbers, and SF-Klasse in Germany.
Car insurance (Kfz-Versicherung) is legally mandatory for all vehicle owners in Germany. According to German road traffic laws, you cannot register or drive a car on public roads without having at least a basic liability insurance policy. When you buy a vehicle, the insurance company will issue a digital registration code known as the eVB number (elektronische Versicherungsbestätigung), which you must present to the vehicle registration office (Zulassungsstelle) to register the car.
There are three main levels of car insurance coverage in Germany. The mandatory minimum is Kfz-Haftpflichtversicherung, which covers damages you cause to other people, vehicles, or property. For additional protection, you can opt for Teilkasko (partial coverage) which covers theft, fire, animal collisions, and glass breakage, or Vollkasko (comprehensive coverage) which also covers damages to your own car in accidents caused by you or acts of vandalism.
Your insurance premium is heavily influenced by your no-claims class (Schadenfreiheitsklasse, or SF-Klasse), which represents the number of years you have driven without claiming insurance. The higher your SF-Klasse, the lower your premium. Moving to Germany from abroad can sometimes allow you to transfer your driving history from your home country, though this depends entirely on the insurance provider's policy.
📋 How to Insure Your Car in Germany
- 1
Determine coverage needs
Choose between basic liability (Haftpflicht), partial coverage (Teilkasko), or full comprehensive (Vollkasko).
- 2
Compare insurance quotes
Use online comparison portals to find the best premiums and check if they accept foreign driving history.
- 3
Obtain your eVB number
Apply for the policy. The insurer will immediately send you a 7-character electronic insurance confirmation code.
- 4
Register your vehicle
Present the eVB code at the local vehicle registration office (Zulassungsstelle) to get your license plates.
- 5
Understand your SF-Klasse
Confirm your assigned Schadenfreiheitsklasse. Submit proof of past accident-free years to lower your premium.
- 6
Review and switch yearly
Compare rates before the standard cancellation deadline of November 30th to switch insurers for the next year.
✅ Documents for Car Insurance & Registration
- ▸Electronic insurance confirmation number (eVB-Nummer)
- ▸Valid driving license and passport / ID
- ▸Vehicle registration documents (Zulassungsbescheinigung Teil I & II)
- ▸Proof of previous driving history from your home country (translated)
- ▸SEPA direct debit details for premium payments
- ▸Certificate of the latest vehicle safety inspection (TÜV)
⚠️ Common Insurance Pitfalls
- ✕Opting for Haftpflicht only for a brand new or expensive car, risking massive out-of-pocket repair costs
- ✕Failing to register all drivers in the insurance policy, which can void coverage in the event of an accident
- ✕Not translating and submitting your foreign no-claims history, resulting in being placed in the most expensive SF-0 class
- ✕Missing the November 30th contract termination deadline, locking you into your current insurer for another full year
💶 Insurance Costs & Processing Times
The cost of Kfz-Versicherung varies widely, typically ranging from €250 to €1,000 annually depending on your vehicle model, age, location, and SF-Klasse (estimated for 2026). Getting your eVB number is free and takes just a few minutes online. Actual premium payments are usually deducted monthly or annually. Always verify current prices and coverage details directly on the insurer's portal.
📖 Car Insurance Vocabulary
- die Kfz-Versicherung
- Car insurance
- die Haftpflichtversicherung
- Liability insurance (mandatory minimum)
- die Teilkasko
- Partial coverage insurance
- die Vollkasko
- Comprehensive coverage insurance
- die eVB-Nummer
- Electronic insurance confirmation number
- die Zulassungsstelle
- Vehicle registration office
- die SF-Klasse
- No-claims class (Schadenfreiheitsklasse)
- die Selbstbeteiligung
- Insurance deductible / self-participation
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
What is an eVB number?+
It is a 7-character electronic insurance confirmation code required by the Zulassungsstelle to register your car.
What does Haftpflichtversicherung cover?+
It covers only the damages you cause to other vehicles, property, or persons, not damages to your own car.
What is the difference between Teilkasko and Vollkasko?+
Teilkasko covers external events like theft, fire, and storm damage. Vollkasko covers all of that plus self-inflicted damage and vandalism.
Can I transfer my foreign driving history to Germany?+
Many German insurers allow you to transfer accident-free years if you provide official, translated certificates from your previous insurer.
What happens to my insurance if I sell my car?+
The insurance policy is automatically suspended or transferred to the buyer until the registration office is notified of the sale.
How can I lower my car insurance premium?+
You can increase your self-participation deductible (Selbstbeteiligung), pay annually instead of monthly, and maintain a safe driving record.
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