Bicycle Theft for Tenants: Insurance in Germany

As a tenant in Germany it is important to know whether bicycle theft is covered by your liability or household insurance and what obligations you have towards the landlord and the insurer. Many rental agreements and general tenancy law do not automatically regulate the protection of bicycles; therefore tenants should provide evidence, theft reports and photos. In this article I explain clearly when household versus liability coverage applies, which documents are typically required, how to report the damage and which deadlines to observe. The information helps you to file claims correctly and avoid common mistakes so that you as a tenant in Germany can minimize financial loss. Practical examples and sample texts make the process easier.

What does which insurance cover?

Basically the household insurance covers the theft of items from your private flat, cellar or locked bicycle storage rooms, provided this is included in the tariff. Private liability insurance can apply if your bicycle causes damage to a third party and compensation is claimed, but not for your own loss of property. Legal foundations for the tenancy are to be found in §§ 535–580a BGB.^[1] Read your insurance terms carefully: some policies only pay out for locked bicycle boxes or for theft outside the property under certain conditions.

How to report the theft correctly

Step one is to report it to the police immediately so that you receive an official report. This report is a prerequisite for many insurers to process a claim.^[2] Also inform your landlord promptly if the theft occurred in shared rooms or bicycle cellars. Document the scene with photos and note the time, possible witnesses and observed circumstances.

Checklist: Documents for the claim

• Police theft report with file number
• Photos of the scene and damaged lock
• Frame number or serial number of the bicycle
• Purchase receipt, invoice or leasing contract
• Witness names and contact details, if available

What landlords and the tenancy agreement regulate

The landlord is generally not obliged to insure your bicycle against theft. Many problems arise when communal areas are not adequately secured. Check your tenancy agreement for rules on bicycle cellars, locked rooms and liability for damage by third parties. In disputes over access, security or locking systems the local court (Amtsgericht) is responsible; in higher instances the regional court (Landgericht) and possibly the Federal Court of Justice decide.^[3]

FAQ

Does my household insurance cover the bicycle if it is stolen from the bicycle cellar?

That depends on the tariff and conditions: some policies require locked rooms or a specific lock. Check the policy and provide the insurer with the police report and purchase receipts.

When does liability insurance apply in bicycle theft?

Liability insurance protects against damage you cause to others. It generally does not replace your own bicycle theft, but in special cases it may be relevant for claims made by third parties.

What deadlines apply for reporting the damage?

Report the damage to the police immediately and then promptly to your insurer. Specific deadlines are stated in your insurance terms; unreasonable delays can endanger the claim.

How-To

1. File a police report and note the file number.
2. Take photos, note the frame number and find purchase receipts.
3. Inform the landlord if communal areas are affected.
4. Report the damage to your household or liability insurer and submit documents.
5. If the claim is denied, review the decision, file an objection or seek legal advice.

Help and Support

• BFCrgerliches Gesetzbuch (BGB) E28093 Gesetze im Internet
• Federal Criminal Police Office (BKA) E28093 Report guidance
• Federal Court of Justice (BGH) E28093 information and decisions

1. [1] Gesetze im Internet 6 BFCrgerliches Gesetzbuch (BGB)
2. [2] Bundeskriminalamt (BKA)
3. [3] Bundesgerichtshof (BGH)