In Germany, the only insurance that is repeatedly called a "must-buy" is the Haftpflichtversicherung (personal liability insurance). Other types depend on your situation — you don't need to get them all at once.
Haftpflichtversicherung — The Most Important, Must-Have
Personal liability insurance covers damages you cause to others. Classic scenarios: losing keys that require the whole building to be rekeyed (costing thousands of euros), accidentally hitting someone while cycling, or spilling a drink on a neighbor's laptop at a restaurant.
Cost: about €40-80 per year — cheap enough to ignore. Many WG (shared flats) and landlords will directly ask "Do you have Haftpflicht?" Not having it can affect your rental chances. Search for "Haftpflichtversicherung" on Check24, choose a basic plan from a reputable company without any add-ons.
Hausratversicherung — Consider Depending on Your Situation
Home contents insurance covers your personal items (laptop, appliances, furniture) against theft, fire, or burst pipes. Annual fee: €50-150, depending on coverage amount and your area.
Is it worth it? If you have expensive equipment (high-end camera, costly musical instruments) or live in an area with a history of burglaries, it's worth considering. If your belongings are not very valuable, the premium plus deductible may not be cost-effective.
Rechtsschutzversicherung — Only If You Face Dispute Risks
Legal expenses insurance covers lawyer and court costs in disputes with landlords, employers, or insurance companies. Annual fee: €200-400. New arrivals in Germany with simple situations (e.g., students) usually don't need it. Consider it if you have complex rental contracts or risk of employment disputes.
Insurance You Don't Need to Buy Separately
- Krankenversicherung (health insurance): Mandatory for living and working in Germany — already covered by your employer/university or applied for individually
- Bicycle insurance: Can be added as an extension to your Hausratversicherung; buying it separately is usually poor value
How to Buy
Use comparison sites like Check24.de or finanztip.de to view different plans. Filter for well-established insurance companies with high ratings and choose their basic plan. Apply online, fill in your basic info, pay the first year's premium, and coverage starts immediately.
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