An accident can happen to anyone: a glass knocked over onto a guest's laptop, a cycling accident with property damage, a fall on your property, and you may suddenly face a compensation claim for a considerable sum. Private liability insurance protects you from the financial consequences of such situations.
In Germany the principle of unlimited liability applies: anyone who causes damage through fault is liable with all their assets, in the worst case for life. Private liability insurance pays justified compensation claims and also defends against unjustified ones. It is financial protection and active legal protection at the same time.
Private liability insurance is one of the most important insurances there is, and also one of the cheapest. For a few euros a month you can get full protection against personal injury, property damage and financial loss. Sums insured of at least 10 to 15 million euros are standard in good tariffs.
Rented property damage is usually insured too (that is, damage you cause as a tenant to the landlord's furnishings). Children who cannot yet be held liable up to a certain age can also be covered, as can spouses on a joint policy.
We show you which features are important and find the tariff that fits your personal circumstances.
Private liability insurance benefits
Basic cover in all tariffs:
- Protection against the financial consequences of personal injury, property damage and financial loss
- Rented property damage cover (Mietsachschadenschutz)
- Protection when using vehicles that do not need insurance (bicycles, pedelecs)
- Defence against unjustified claims, including defence in court
Basis (15 million euros): loss of a domestic employee's keys €50,000, damage by persons who cannot be held liable €50,000, drones/model aircraft up to 5 kg: 7.5 million euros, secondary occupations up to €12,000 annual turnover.
Smart (50 million euros): damage to borrowed items €75,000, Mallorca cover included, cover for damage caused by insolvent third parties.
Komfort (75 million euros): borrowed items fully included, reimbursement at new value for items up to 1 year old.
Premium (100 million euros): reimbursement at new value up to 2 years, no-claims discount protection after accidents with borrowed vehicles.
Add-on modules: residential property liability (for landlords), official duties liability (for civil servants), oil tank liability.
Liability insurance examples from everyday life
Smartphones: you accidentally drop a friend's phone and the display breaks. Repair or replacement is paid.
Rented flats: a perfume bottle falls into the sink and damages it. Repair and tradesman costs are reimbursed.
Cars: your bicycle damages someone else's vehicle. Workshop costs and compensation for missed appointments.
Circle of friends: juice spilled on wallpaper. Tradesman and material costs are paid.
Liability claims in the millions:
- Personal injury (cycling collision): paraplegia with €20,000 of care a month = total damage of over 7 million euros
- Property damage (school fire): a listed building damaged by children = total damage of over 17 million euros
