Liability, Household Insurance, Legal Aid Insurance
Third-Party Liability Insurance
(Privathaftpflichtversicherung)
Under German law, you are personally liable for any damage you cause to another person’s life, health, or property — whether intentionally or unintentionally. This can lead to very high financial claims, especially in cases involving personal injury.
A good liability insurance policy usually covers not only you, but also your spouse and children living in the same household.
Example:
If you cause an accident while riding your bicycle and damage a parked car, the insurance will cover the repair costs. Without liability insurance, you would have to pay these costs yourself.
Many policies also include:
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Water damage caused by washing machines or dishwashers
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Damage to rented furniture in temporary or furnished accommodation
Approximate annual cost: around EUR 100.
Household Contents Insurance
(Hausratversicherung)
Household contents insurance covers damage or loss of your personal belongings due to events such as:
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Theft or burglary
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Fire
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Water damage
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Your insured contents include items such as furniture, electronics, clothing, and household goods.
As a general guideline, the annual premium is approximately EUR 133 per EUR 10,000 of insured household contents for a 60 m² apartment.
Legal Aid Insurance for Tenants
(Rechtsschutzversicherung für Mietrecht)
Tenant legal protection insurance helps cover legal costs in disputes with your landlord, for example regarding:
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Repairs
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Rent adjustments
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Renovation obligations
The annual cost is usually between EUR 90 and 130.
Comprehensive legal protection insurance (covering additional areas such as employment or traffic law) costs approximately EUR 200–300 per year. As coverage varies significantly between providers, obtaining an individual quote is recommended.
Insurance in Furnished Temporary Accommodation
If you live in a furnished temporary apartment:
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Third-party liability insurance covers damage to furniture and items that do not belong to you.
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Household contents insurance protects your own belongings, such as laptops, phones, clothing, and other personal items.
Insurance Brokers
Below you will find the contact details of insurance brokers who regularly work with international clients. As independent brokers, they cooperate with several insurance companies and can provide tailored advice. They speak English, and you are welcome to mention that you received their contact details from us.
Of course, you are free to choose any broker or insurance provider of your preference.
Matthias Radtke Insurances
Contact:
Mr. Christopher Hirsch
Soorstr.17, 14050 Berlin
Tel.: +49 (0)30 300 99 820
Mobile: +49 (0)175 24 24 283
E-Mail: ch@radtke-versicherungen.de
Cape
cape is a brand of competence exclusive ec GmbH
Contact:
Mr. Claus Edam
Klosterstr. 6, 50181 Bedburg
Tel.: +49 (0)2272 937 41 01
E-Mail: cedam@cape-insurance.com



