Work and insurance
Haftpflichtversicherung
Personal liability insurance
Last updated: September 28, 2026
What does Haftpflichtversicherung mean?
Haftpflichtversicherung (private liability insurance, Privathaftpflicht) pays for damage you accidentally cause to other people or their property. It is not legally required, but in Germany you are liable for such damage with all your present and future assets, so nearly every household has it. It typically costs about €40-90 a year.
Key facts
| Mandatory? | No (car liability is a separate, mandatory insurance) |
| Typical cost | About €40-90 a year |
| Recommended cover | €50 million |
| Legal basis of your liability | §823 BGB, with all your assets |
What to do
- Choose cover of at least €10 million; €50 million is commonly recommended.
- Check that damage to rented property and lost keys are included, both common expat claims.
- Add your partner and children: family policies cover the whole household.
- Landlords often ask whether you have it.
Worth knowing
Do not confuse it with Hausrat (contents insurance), which covers your own belongings. Liability covers what you do to others.
Frequently asked questions
Is liability insurance mandatory in Germany?
Private liability insurance is not mandatory, but strongly recommended because you are liable for accidental damage to others with all your assets. Car liability insurance, by contrast, is mandatory for every registered vehicle.
How much does Haftpflichtversicherung cost?
Roughly €40-90 a year for an individual, a little more for a family policy.
Read next
Sources
More German terms: work and insurance
Plain-English explanations of the words on your letters and forms.