External Insurance for Tenants & WGs in Germany

As a tenant in a flatshare you should check whether external insurance covers damage to shared property or in other apartments. External insurance means your liability or household contents policy also covers damage occurring outside your rented flat — for example during a move, a visit or when moving out. In Germany policies and coverage limits differ; flatshares, shared furniture and roommate use often must be specified. This guide explains step by step how to read your policy, which questions to ask the insurer and which documents are important in a dispute. The aim is that tenants in Germany clearly know which risks are covered and how to act in case of damage.

What is external insurance?

External insurance is a clause in liability or household contents policies that covers damage outside the rented flat. It can apply if you damage furniture during a move, a guest breaks something, or your bike is stolen in front of the house. Check the exact terms: sometimes external insurance only applies to private visits or only within certain distances.

Difference: Liability vs Household Contents

• Liability insurance: Covers your personal liability for damage you cause to third parties.
• Household contents insurance: Covers your belongings against theft or damage; external insurance can include furniture outside the flat.
• Roommates & shared furniture: Check whether shared items and roommate use must be explicitly listed.

How to check your coverage

1. Read the policy: look for terms like "external insurance", "outside the home" and note coverage limits.
2. Observe deadlines: report damage as soon as possible and within stated notification periods.

3. Contact: call the claims hotline and request a claim form; record the agent name and reference number.
4. Documentation: collect photos, witness names and invoices as proof of extent and timing of damage.

FAQ

Does external insurance cover damage in a neighbor's apartment?

Often yes if you are demonstrably responsible; check the policy and document the incident carefully.^[1]

Does the flatshare have to be named on the policy?

Some insurers require that roommates or shared furniture are named; otherwise benefits may be reduced.

Who decides in case of a payment dispute?

Disagreements are often decided by the local court (Amtsgericht) in tenancy/damage matters; legal proceedings follow the ZPO rules.^[2][3]

How-To

1. Check the policy and note relevant sections and coverage limits.
2. Report the claim in writing and by phone and send photos and invoices.
3. Request written confirmation of receipt and keep all communications.
4. If denied, consider an appeal and, if necessary, legal action at the local court or with legal-aid support.^[4]

Help and Support / Resources

• BGB §§ 535–580a: Tenancy law basics
• ZPO: Rules for civil proceedings
• Information on courts and jurisdiction

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1. [1] Bürgerliches Gesetzbuch (BGB) §§ 535–580a — gesetze-im-internet.de
2. [2] Zivilprozessordnung (ZPO) — gesetze-im-internet.de
3. [3] Information on local courts and jurisdiction — justiz.de
4. [4] Federal Ministry of Justice — consumer information on tenancy law — bmj.de