Car insurance (Kfz-Versicherung) is mandatory in Germany — but yearly premiums range from €90 to €1,500. Five factors decide: SF-Klasse, Typklasse, regional class, mileage and cover. Our car insurance calculator estimates your premium in seconds.
How the premium is built
Three components combine into your yearly bill:
- Liability (Haftpflicht) — mandatory. Covers damage you cause to third parties (statutory minimum €7.5 m, market standard €100 m).
- Partial comprehensive (Teilkasko) — optional. Covers theft, fire, glass, storm, hail, wildlife collision. Not no-claims-rated.
- Full comprehensive (Vollkasko) — optional. Adds self-inflicted damage and vandalism. Follows the SF-Klasse.
SF-Klasse: the biggest lever
The Schadenfreiheitsklasse (SF) counts claim-free years. The longer you drive without a claim, the lower your premium rate:
- SF 0 — beginner: 245 %
- SF 1 — 1 year claim-free: 100 %
- SF 5 — 5 years: 55 %
- SF 10 — 10 years: 39 %
- SF 25+ — top tier: 25 %
A claim demotes you several classes (e.g. SF 10 → SF 4). A Rabattretter or Rabattschutz add-on protects your SF-Klasse from one claim per year.
Typklasse: your car's contribution
The German Insurance Association (GDV) publishes new Typklassen yearly, based on claims statistics:
- Liability Typklasse: 10 (lowest risk) to 25 (highest)
- Partial Typklasse: 10–33
- Full Typklasse: 10–34
Examples: a VW Golf typically sits at 16 / 20, a BMW M3 at 22 / 31, a Dacia Sandero at 12 / 17. You'll find the values on your policy or the GDV online tool.
Regional class and mileage
The Regionalklasse (1–12) follows your postal code. Big cities like Berlin and Hamburg sit in higher classes (more theft, more accidents). Rural regions like Mecklenburg-Vorpommern enjoy low classes.
The annual mileage is captured in bands (e.g. 6,000 / 9,000 / 12,000 / 15,000 / 20,000 km). Be honest! Under-reporting can lead to claim reductions for incorrect declarations.
Full vs. partial comprehensive — when to pick which
- Liability only — cars older than 10 years, value below €5,000.
- Partial comprehensive — mid-aged cars (5–10 years), value €5,000–€15,000.
- Full comprehensive — young cars (under 5 years), financed cars, leases, value above €15,000.
Rule of thumb: if a total loss would hurt your finances, you need full comprehensive.
Worked example: VW Golf, 35-year-old in Hamburg
- SF-Klasse: 10 (= 39 % rate)
- Typklasse: 16 / 20
- Regional class: 9 (Hamburg)
- Mileage: 12,000 km/year
- Full comprehensive yearly premium: about €475 (≈ €40/month)
Saving tips
- Workshop binding — 15–25 % discount, but tied to insurer's partner.
- Deductible — €150 partial / €300 full saves 5–10 %.
- Annual payment — up to 8 % cheaper than monthly.
- Garage parking — declare it; saves 5–10 %.
- Switch insurers — cancel by 30 November for a fresh contract from 1 January.
Related calculators
- Vehicle Tax Calculator — what does the tax office charge for your car?
- Loan Calculator — monthly rate for car financing
- Accident Insurance Calculator — invalidity cover after a road accident
- Financial Health Check — overall view of your finances
FAQ
Which SF-Klasse does a beginner get?
SF 0 or SF ½ — premium rate 230–245 %. Beginners insured as a second car under their parents can start at SF 1 or higher.
Can I transfer SF-Klassen?
Yes — from parents, grandparents or spouses to a second car. The original holder keeps theirs. Useful for family vehicles.
Is switching insurer every year worth it?
Often yes. The deadline is 30 November. Comparison portals usually find €100–300 savings at similar cover. Watch tariff scope, not just price.
What is the Mallorca-Police?
An add-on extending your liability cover to rental cars in EU countries. It lifts the typically low rental-car liability sums to German levels (€100 m). Useful for frequent travellers.