External Insurance for Tenants: Students in Germany
As a tenant in Germany, students should know whether an external insurance (also the "external insurance" of household or personal liability insurance) covers damage to third-party property or belongings in shared student housing. This article explains in plain terms what external insurance means, which risks are typically covered and how students can check their policy. Many questions revolve around liability, household contents and coverage limits — for example who pays for borrowed items, bicycle theft outside the home, or damage to shared furniture. At the end you will find a short checklist to check your policy, frequently asked questions and official legal references for tenancy disputes in Germany.
What is external insurance and why is it important for tenants?
External insurance extends private liability or household insurance beyond the living space. For tenants, this can mean that damages you cause outside your apartment or damage to your personal belongings outside the apartment are insured up to certain limits. This is especially important for students in shared flats or who move frequently.
Typical coverage cases for students
- Damage to third-party property due to accidents (repair) – for example broken furniture in the shared flat.
- Costs for replacement or repair of borrowed items (rent|deposit) – who is liable for damaged items?
- Damage during moves or transport (move-out|move-in) – check whether moving damages are excluded.
- Bicycle theft outside the apartment (repair) only if explicitly included or insured separately.
What tenants must check in the policy
Check the insurance terms for scope and exclusions: are loaned items, shared furniture and moving damages included? Pay attention to coverage limits, deductibles and geographic restrictions. In many policies external coverage applies only up to certain sums or for limited periods.
Important contract elements
- Coverage amount and sublimits (notice|form) – what is the maximum compensation?
- Deductible and proof requirements (record|document) – which documents are required?
- Duration and deadlines (calendar|deadline) – when does the protection start and how long does it last?
How tenants check their external insurance — practical steps
Conduct a systematic review: read policies, simulate claims and contact your insurer. If your rental agreement contains special liability clauses or the property manager sets rules, compare these with your insurance terms. If unclear, note questions and request written clarification.
Practical checklist for students (how to check your coverage)
- Read the policy completely and highlight "external insurance" sections (notice|form).
- Note coverage amounts, deductible and exclusions (record|document).
- Contact the insurer in writing and ask for examples relevant to student situations (call|contact).
- Compare whether the household or liability policy provides external coverage and which damages are actually covered (repair).
- For legal uncertainties contact competent authorities or check local courts for tenancy disputes[1] (court|hearing).
Frequently Asked Questions
- Does external insurance always cover damages outside the apartment?
- No. Many policies limit external insurance by time, geography or only pay up to specific sublimits. Read the exclusions carefully.
- Who is liable for damage in a shared flat?
- Usually the person who caused the damage is liable. External insurance or liability insurance can cover claims if the person at fault is insured; clarify coverage and liability limits.
- What to do if the landlord demands costs?
- Document damage and communication, check your policy and inform your insurer. In case of dispute the local court may have jurisdiction; observe deadlines and procedural rules[2].
How-To
- Collection: Gather all policies, the rental agreement and photos (record|document).
- Written inquiry: Send targeted questions to the insurer and request written clarification (notice|form).
- Documentation: Secure receipts, witnesses and invoices in case of a claim (call|contact).
- Legal review: If denied, review remedies and court jurisdictions such as local court, regional court or BGH[3] (court|hearing).
Key Points
- Read policies before moving in to avoid surprises (tip).
- Check for explicit exclusions like intentional acts or commercial use (safety|violation).
Help and Support / Resources
- Bürgerliches Gesetzbuch (BGB) — §§ 535–580a
- Bundesgerichtshof (BGH) — Case law on tenancy
- Federal Ministry of Justice and Consumer Protection (BMJV)
