Germany offers exciting opportunities in terms of stable employment, high-quality healthcare, and a well-organized society. Understanding the local insurance system is crucial for immigrants settling into new apartments or buying their first homes. Home insurance (household contents and building insurance) protects your property, belongings, and financial stability in Germany.
Understanding the types of home insurance in Germany for immigrants ensures peace of mind whether you’re a tenant, homeowner, or expat. Whether you rent or buy a home, adequate insurance coverage protects your assets from fire, water damage, theft, and liability. A German residency insurance policy is an important part of establishing a secure life for many new residents.
German Home Insurance Types
Immigrants should be aware of two types of home insurance in Germany:
- Home Contents Insurance: The contents of your home, such as furniture, electronics, clothing, and personal possessions, are protected against damages caused by fire, water, theft, and vandalism.
- Insurance for buildings: The structure of the building, including walls, roof, basement, and built-in fixtures, is covered against damage from events like storms, fires, and floods.
Among the additional types of coverage are:
- Indemnity Insurance (private liability insurance) – This policy covers accidental damage caused to others or their property, and is highly recommended for all residents.
- Insurers provide natural hazard coverage (natural hazard insurance) – Flood, earthquake, and heavy snowfall protection, which is especially important in certain German regions.
What Immigrants Need to Know About Home Insurance
Upon moving to Germany, many immigrants rent apartments or homes. Building insurance is typically the landlord’s responsibility, but contents insurance protects your personal belongings. Furthermore, German landlords often demand proof of liability insurance from tenants before signing a lease.
It is generally mandatory to have building insurance when purchasing a home, especially if you are securing a mortgage. Legal approvals can be delayed and you may lose a significant amount of money if you do not have adequate coverage.
Expectations for coverage and costs
Immigrants in Germany will find that there are a variety of home insurance providers offering affordable policies. Depending on the location, the size of the property, and the level of coverage chosen, prices vary.
- Home contents insurance: From €30 to €150 per year
- Insurance for buildings: According to the value of your property, you should expect to pay between €200 and €500 a year
- Add-ons for natural hazards: €50 to €200 annually
- Insurance coverage for liability: Approximately €50 to €100 per year
If you bundle your home, auto, and liability insurance policies, many insurers will offer you a discount.
Insurance Types and Key Features Table
| Insurance Type | Recommended For | Annual Cost (€) | Covers | Required by Law? |
| Household Contents (Hausrat) | Renters, homeowners | €30–€150 | Fire, water damage, theft | No (but essential) |
| Building (Wohngebäude) | Homeowners with property | €200–€500 | Structure, roof, basement | Often required by banks |
| Liability (Haftpflicht) | All residents | €50–€100 | Accidental damage to others | Not mandatory, highly advised |
| Natural Hazards (Elementar) | High-risk areas | €50–€200 | Flood, snow, earthquakes | Optional |
| Legal Protection (Rechtsschutz) | Families, workers | €200–€350 | Legal fees and assistance | Optional |
| Pet Liability (Tierhalterhaf tpflicht) | Pet owners | €30–€60 | Damage caused by pets | Mandatory for dog owners |
| Tenant Liability | Apartment renters | Often included | Damages to rental property | Required by landlords |
Immigrant-friendly insurance providers
For newcomers to Germany, there are a number of insurance companies that offer English-language support and flexible services:
- Insuring feathers – Providing English-language digital applications for expats
- Getsafe – Easy-to-use insurance with a technology-driven approach
- AXA, Allianz, and HUK24 – Providers with a national footprint that are well-established
- Coya and Luko – Providing young immigrants with affordable, fully digital insurance options
Many of these companies offer guidance and assistance in English and other languages, making it easier for non-German speakers to use the service.
Choosing the Right Insurance Policy
Here are a few steps immigrants in Germany should follow when selecting a home insurance policy:
- Analyze your living situation: What kind of housing do you have? Do you rent, own, or share?
- Make a valuation of your belongings: Replace all contents with new ones by insuring them.
- Take a look at the local risks: Flood-prone areas may benefit from coverage for natural hazards.
- Provider comparison: The best deals can be found by using online comparison tools such as Check24 or Verivox.
- Check the fine print: Ensure you know what the policy excludes, what the deductible is, and how to file a claim.
Depending on your policy, negligence, wear and tear, and certain types of water damage may not be covered. Ensure that these details are clarified before signing.
Connecting Visas and Residency
While insurance policies aren’t directly linked to visa types, having proper liability and home insurance helps you integrate into German society. Residents and visa applicants with proof of insurance and financial responsibility may be considered more favorably when applying for residency permits and visas (such as for long-term reunification or property purchase).
Insurance benefits are available to the following categories of immigrants:
- Workers with EU Blue Cards (skilled workers)
- The international student
- Visa holders for family reunification
- Naturalized citizens and permanent residents
- Permit-holders seeking asylum
Home insurance products can be accessed by each group either individually or through non-profit and municipal assistance programs.
Getting home insurance in Germany is a smart and essential step for every immigrant, whether they are newly arrived or have lived in Germany for a long time. Affordable plans, wide coverage options, and multilingual support make it easier than ever to protect your home and possessions.
The benefits of insurance go beyond financial protection when you move to Germany: they provide confidence, peace of mind, and a sense of belonging as you make your new home. From your very first apartment lease to your dream home purchase, having the right coverage ensures your peace of mind. You can embrace the future with security by choosing wisely, staying protected, and embracing the future with security.