External Insurance for Tenants in Germany 2025

Many tenants in Germany are unsure whether so-called external insurance is actually necessary and which damages it covers. This checklist helps you as a tenant to quickly and budget-friendly check whether your liability or household insurance provides protection outside the apartment, which gaps exist and what costs to expect. I explain in plain language which questions you should ask your insurer, which documents are important and how to contact the appropriate authority or the local court in the event of a dispute. At the end you will find a practical step-by-step guide, answers to frequently asked questions and official links to statutes and courts in Germany. The checklist also contains notes on deadlines, documentation and possible cost coverage by third parties.

What is external insurance and why it matters for tenants?

External insurance means, simply put, that damages outside your rented apartment are insured: for example, bicycle theft in front of the building, damage to stored household items in the basement or liability claims for damage to third parties. As a tenant, you should check whether your private liability and household insurance cover these cases or whether additional clauses are necessary.

Legal basics and authorities

Important provisions on tenancy law can be found in the German Civil Code (BGB), in particular §§ 535–580a, which describe the obligations of landlords and tenants.^[1] In court proceedings, the rules of the Code of Civil Procedure (ZPO) apply to actions and evidence collection.^[2]

Practical checklist for tenants (quick check)

• Note the date and location of each incident immediately to meet deadlines.
• Photograph damage and surroundings (keep photos/videos as evidence).
• Check your insurance terms and look for clauses on external coverage.
• Determine deductible and possible cost coverage by third parties.
• For damage caused by third parties: document repair offers and cost estimates.
• Contact the insurer and request a written confirmation of the scope of coverage.

If the policy is unclear, request a contract copy and mark the relevant passages. If in doubt, ask your insurer for a binding written statement.

What to do if the insurer refuses?

If the insurer refuses to pay, examine the refusal in writing: on what basis was the decision made? Collect your documentation and consider whether mediation or a lawsuit at the local court is appropriate. The local court is responsible for many tenancy disputes; there, for example, eviction suits and rent reduction disputes are heard.^[3]

FAQ

Does private liability automatically cover damages outside the apartment?

Not always; check the policy. Some liability tariffs exclude certain damages or locations.

What is the difference between household and external insurance?

Household insurance usually protects movable items inside the apartment; external insurance supplements protection for locations outside or stored items.

Where do I turn in a dispute with the insurer?

Try to resolve the issue in writing with the insurer first; if unresolved, mediation or the local court can help.

How-To

1. Step 1: Gather all evidence (photos, invoices, police report) and note times.
2. Step 2: Report the damage to your insurer in writing and request a commitment to cover.
3. Step 3: If denied, request a written justification and review the contract carefully.
4. Step 4: If the dispute continues: seek mediation or file a lawsuit at the competent local court.

Help and Support / Resources

• BGB §§ 535–580a — gesetze-im-internet.de
• ZPO — gesetze-im-internet.de
• Federal Court of Justice — bundesgerichtshof.de

1. [1] BGB §§535–580a — gesetze-im-internet.de
2. [2] ZPO — gesetze-im-internet.de
3. [3] Federal Court of Justice — bundesgerichtshof.de