Bicycle Theft for Tenants in Germany 2025
Bicycle theft often affects students who rent in Germany. This text explains clearly and practically which rights tenants have, when the landlord should be informed, how household contents and liability insurance differ and which steps are necessary: police report, securing evidence, written damage notification to the insurer and possible claims against third parties. The guide is aimed at non-lawyers and avoids complicated legal terms. It lists deadlines, concrete wording tips and examples of documents so students can assert their claims reliably and correctly.
What to do after a bicycle theft?
Proceed in a structured way: immediately file a police report, secure evidence, document damages and notify the appropriate insurer. As a tenant, you should also check whether the theft was reported internally (stairwell, bike cellar) or outside and whether household or liability insurance applies.
- File a police report: in person or online immediately; note the case number.
- Secure evidence: photos of the scene, lock fragments, serial numbers and witness contacts.
- Submit a damage claim to the household contents insurer: attach invoices, purchase receipts or photos.
- Inform the landlord if the theft is connected to a landlord duty (e.g., insecure bike cellar).
- Change locks and keys if a keyring with apartment access is affected.
Police and report
The criminal complaint documents the offense and is often a prerequisite for insurance payments. Note time, place, description of the incident and possible perpetrator details and keep the case number.
Insurance: household contents vs. liability
Household contents insurance generally covers stolen items from the home and from lockable rooms such as basements or secured bike boxes. Private liability insurance only applies if another person is responsible and liable for the loss. Check your policy carefully and report damages in writing within the stated deadline.
Forms and practical examples
Important forms and procedures:
- Criminal complaint (police report form): completed with the police; example: after theft of the bike in the stairwell, file the report with description and serial number.
- Damage notification to the household contents insurer (written damage report): submit receipts and photos and describe the place and circumstances of the theft.
- Lawsuit at the local court (complaint form under the ZPO), if civil claims against a known person must be pursued.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Who pays for a stolen bicycle?
- Whether household contents insurance pays depends on the location (apartment, basement, street) and the quality of the lock; liability pays only if third parties are liable.
- Do I have to inform the landlord?
- Yes, if the theft occurred in a shared area or if a landlord duty (e.g., defective basement) is involved.
- What deadlines apply for damage reports?
- Reporting deadlines are stated in the insurance contract; inform the insurer as soon as possible and submit documents promptly.
How-To
- File a police report and note the case number.
- Take photos and collect receipts and serial numbers.
- Submit a damage report to the household contents insurer with evidence.
- Inform the landlord if relevant and provide witness names if available.
Help and Support / Resources
- Gesetze im Internet – BGB
- Bundesgerichtshof (BGH) – Decisions
- Federal Criminal Police Office (BKA) – Reporting information
