Privathaftpflichtversicherung — German personal liability insurance — is, together with health insurance, one of the three most important policies in Germany. It protects you against the financial consequences of damaging others, from a spilled coffee on a stranger's laptop to a cyclist you injure. Our personal liability insurance calculator shows your premium in seconds.
Why personal liability insurance matters
Under § 823 BGB you are liable for damages you cause to others — with your entire assets, potentially for life. If you injure someone so seriously through negligence that they require lifelong care, the damage can quickly reach €500,000 to several million euros. Personal liability insurance covers these risks and also defends against unjustified claims at the insurer's cost ("passive legal protection").
What drives the premium?
Three levers:
- Household type — single is cheap (€50–€80/year), family tariffs with children €80–€120/year, senior tariffs typically 10–20 % cheaper.
- Coverage — going from €10 M to €50 M usually costs only €5–€15 extra per year.
- Deductible — €150 cuts premium by 5–10 %, €300 by 8–15 %.
How much coverage do you need?
The most important rule: do not save on the coverage. A single personal-injury claim with lifelong care can reach two-digit millions. Recommendation:
- Minimum: €10 M — anything lower is no longer adequate today.
- Recommended: €20–€50 M — what most good tariffs offer as standard.
- Premium: €50 M+ — sensible with high assets or risky hobbies.
Worked example: family with two children
- Household: family
- Coverage: €20 M
- Deductible: €150
- Yearly premium: ca. €104 (monthly ca. €8.67)
The same tariff as a single policy costs ca. €65/year — the family tariff adds around €40 for children covered until end of studies.
Key clauses — what to look for
- Bad-debt cover (Forderungsausfall) — pays out when an insolvent person injures you. Mandatory for good tariffs.
- Lost keys — covers replacement of full locking systems (can be five-figure).
- Favor damages (Gefälligkeitsschäden) — when you damage something while helping a friend (moving, kid's party).
- Rental damages — including fire and water damage in your rented flat.
- Tort-incapable children — children under 7 are not legally responsible (§ 828 BGB); without this clause the insurer will not pay.
- E-bikes and drones — modern tariffs include this.
- Worldwide validity — essential for longer travel or stays abroad.
Family vs. single tariff
The family tariff includes spouses, registered partners and all unmarried children until the end of studies or first vocational training — even if they no longer live at home. After separation or move-out a separate policy is essential, otherwise children and ex-partner become uninsured.
Best-coverage guarantee and update clauses
Modern premium tariffs often include an update clause: if competitors improve their coverage, your policy automatically follows. A best-coverage guarantee also reimburses benefits that another tariff would have included — very valuable in case of claim.
Who can skip personal liability insurance?
Practically no one. Even small children can cause significant damages (if parents breach supervisory duty). Students are often still covered by their parents' policy — check at move-out or start of first job!
Related calculators
- Building insurance calculator — covers the property itself
- Accident insurance calculator — complements liability for own personal injury
- Disability insurance calculator — the most important income protection
- Financial health check — overall view of your insurance setup
Frequently asked questions
What does liability insurance not pay?
Intentional damage, your own damage, damage between insured persons (within the family), motor-vehicle damages (use Kfz-Haftpflicht for that) and professionally caused damage (use professional liability).
Is a cheap tariff worth it?
Rarely. Tariffs at €25–€35/year often skip bad-debt cover, lost keys or rental damages. Mid-range tariffs at €60–€80/year (single) or €80–€110/year (family) usually offer the best price/value ratio.
How fast does the insurer pay?
For clear cases usually within 2–4 weeks. For contested damages (contributory fault, amount) the passive legal protection can take weeks or months — but the insurer pays attorney and court costs.
Can I cancel anytime?
Regular cancellation typically at contract end with 3 months' notice. Special cancellation rights after any claim (whether paid or denied) and after premium increases.