Anyone who keeps an animal takes on responsibility for the animal's welfare and for the damage it can cause. German law is unambiguous on this point: under Section 833 of the Civil Code (BGB), animal keepers are liable for all damage their animal causes, even if they are not personally at fault. Animal owner liability insurance (Tierhalter-Haftpflichtversicherung) protects against the financial consequences of this far-reaching legal liability.
While liability insurance is a legal requirement for dog owners in some federal states, there is no such obligation for many other species. Still, the liability risk is real for every animal keeper, whatever the species. Allianz animal owner liability insurance (Tierhalter-Haftpflichtversicherung) is available for dog and horse owners. Cats are covered by private liability insurance.
The damage scenarios are varied: an animal runs off and causes a traffic accident, an animal injures a visitor on your property, an animal damages someone else's property, at the neighbour's, in the garden or on a walk. In all these cases the keeper is liable. Depending on the type and extent of the damage, claims can be considerable. Personal injury in particular can cause long-term costs for medical treatment, rehabilitation and loss of earnings, which can threaten your livelihood.
Animal owner liability insurance is for dog and horse owners. It complements private liability insurance (Privathaftpflicht), which often excludes damage by animals or covers it only in part.
When choosing, animal keepers should make sure the policy covers the specific risks of their species and offers sufficient sums insured. Some insurers offer comprehensive solutions for keepers of several species.
We help you find the best solution for your individual situation, so you can enjoy your animals without worry and with a clear conscience.
Animal owner liability - benefits
Allianz animal owner liability insurance offers the following benefits:
Basic cover in all tariffs: protection against the financial consequences of personal injury, property damage and financial loss. Cover for rented property damage in rented facilities. Cover when used without a muzzle or lead (dogs) or without a bridle (horses). Defence against unjustified claims, including in court.
Extended benefits depending on tariff: damage to borrowed items, secondary-occupation use of the animal, reimbursement at new value, no reduction for animal risk or contributory fault, animal recovery and rescue costs, cover for unpaid claims against insolvent third parties, sports events and courses, animal excrement in rented properties, intended and unintended covering, holiday accommodation damage, borrowed vehicle trailers, crop damage, contract management through the Meine Allianz app.
Insurable animals: animal owner liability applies to dogs and horses. Cats and small animals are usually covered by private liability insurance.
Worldwide protection: cover applies worldwide if you live in Germany, around the clock and for an unlimited time.
