Contents Insurance for Renters in Germany
As a renter in Germany it is important to understand your contents insurance — especially for students in big cities living in shared flats. This guide explains in plain language which risks and typical student belongings are covered, how coverage limits, deductibles and add-ons work, and when private liability insurance is a useful supplement. You will get concrete checkpoints for the policy, advice on the claims process after damage, and examples of common claims such as water damage, burglary or bicycle theft. At the end you will find official forms, court references and practical steps that renters can use to check and securely optimize their cover.
What does contents insurance cover for renters?
Contents insurance protects movable items inside the flat and often also covers theft outside. Check exactly which damages your policy includes and whether there are value limits, sums or exclusions.
- Burglary theft (record): protects furniture, laptop and valuables in the event of a proven break-in.
- Water damage (water): often covers damage from leaking pipes, e.g. a broken washing machine.
- Fire and smoke damage (safety): protection in case of fire or lightning strike.
- Replacement values (amount): reimbursement or lump sums for replacing household items.
- Bicycle theft (if agreed): check whether cover outside the home is included as an add-on.
Also important are coverage sums, underinsurance rules and whether bicycles, valuables or sports equipment are explicitly included.
When is private liability insurance a useful supplement?
Private liability covers personal and property damage you accidentally cause to third parties. For renters it is especially important for water damage caused by your fault (e.g. overflowing washing machine) or if guests are injured.
Practical checkpoints for your policy
- Check the insured sum (record): Does the sum cover the replacement value of your furnishings?
- Clarify the deductible (water): What is the excess per claim?
- Read exclusions (notice): Are there specific risks not covered?
- Check add-ons (amount): Are bicycle theft or glass breakage optionally insured?
If unsure, compare the policy with a sample claim: what costs arise from a burglary with laptop loss? Calculate likely replacement costs against the insured sum.
How to report a claim: step by step
After damage, act quickly, structured and with documentation: immediate notification to the insurer, take photos, note witnesses and collect invoices. Some insurers set deadlines for reporting; meet them.
- Contact the insurer (notice): Report the claim by phone and email to your insurer.
- Create documentation (record): Photos, list of damaged items and purchase receipts.
- Observe deadlines (calendar-event): Submit documents within the insurer's specified time limit.
- Collect repair offers (water): Obtain cost estimates if repairs are necessary.
FAQ
- Does contents insurance also cover damage in a shared flat?
- Yes, personal items in a shared flat are usually insured; clarify whether insurance sums apply per person or overall.
- Do I have to report every bicycle theft?
- Not all policies automatically pay; check whether bicycles are included by default or require an add-on.
- What deadlines apply when reporting a claim?
- Report damage promptly, often within a few days; exact deadlines are listed in your insurance policy.
How-To
- Read the policy (record): Note coverage sum, deductible and exclusions.
- Gather receipts (notice): Collect purchase receipts, serial numbers and photos.
- Contact the insurer (call): Report the claim and submit documents.
- Meet deadlines (calendar-event): Submit paperwork on time and track confirmations.
Help and Support / Resources
- Gesetze im Internet: BGB – Civil Code
- Federal Court of Justice (BGH) – Case Law
- Federal Ministry of Justice – Forms
