Dogs are still the most popular pets in Germany. Keeping a dog brings joy, but also responsibility and potential liability risks. When a dog harms another person, another animal or someone else's property, the dog owner is usually liable. That liability can have serious financial consequences, which is why dog owner liability insurance (Hundehalter-Haftpflichtversicherung) is so important for every dog owner.
The legal position in Germany is clear: dog owners are liable for damage their dog causes, in principle regardless of their own fault. That means that even if the dog bites without warning, or startles a cyclist who then falls, the owner can be ordered to pay compensation and damages for pain and suffering. In serious cases, for example when someone is permanently injured by a dog bite and needs long-term care, claims can reach hundreds of thousands or even millions.
In some German federal states, dog liability insurance is even required by law. These states include Berlin, Hamburg, Thüringen, Niedersachsen, Bremen and Sachsen-Anhalt. Even where other states do not require it, taking out this insurance is strongly recommended, because the liability risks for dog owners are equally high everywhere in Germany. It is only a matter of time before a dog causes damage.
Dog owner liability insurance is for all dog owners in Germany, whatever the size or breed of the dog. Owners of so-called fighting dogs or certain breeds classed as dangerous often have to meet special requirements and frequently need specialist insurance. But even small, harmless-looking dogs can cause damage that becomes expensive without insurance cover, because liability makes no exception for small breeds.
When choosing dog owner liability insurance, make sure the sum insured is high enough. We recommend at least 5 million euros for personal injury and property damage. You should also check the policy conditions carefully for exclusions, for example whether damage is covered when the dog is handed over to third parties or while it takes part in dog sports events.
We are glad to help you find the right policy and weigh all the relevant points, so that you and your dog can get through daily life without worry.
Dog liability insurance benefits
Allianz dog liability insurance (part of pet owner liability) offers the following benefits:
Basic cover in all tariffs: protection from the financial consequences of personal injury, property damage and financial loss. Cover for rented property when you rent a home. Cover when the dog is without a muzzle or lead. Defence against unjustified claims, including in court.
Extended benefits depending on the tariff: damage to borrowed items, part-time commercial use of the animal, reimbursement at replacement value, waiver of deduction for animal hazard or contributory fault, recovery of the animal and rescue costs, cover for unpaid claims against third parties who cannot pay, sports events and training courses, animal waste in rented property, wanted and unwanted mating, holiday accommodation damage, borrowed vehicle trailers.
Compulsory dog liability: pet owner liability insurance is compulsory for all dog owners in these federal states: Berlin, Hamburg, Niedersachsen, Bremen, Sachsen-Anhalt, Schleswig-Holstein and Thüringen. For so-called list dogs (dangerous breeds), it is required in almost all federal states.
Worldwide cover: the cover applies worldwide if you live in Germany. You are insured around the clock and for an unlimited time during stays abroad.
