Check Bicycle Theft for Tenants in Germany

Many students and tenants in Germany are unsure whether bicycle theft is covered by liability or household insurance and what role the landlord plays. This article pragmatically explains the types of protection available, which conditions insurers often require (e.g. locked lock, parking location) and which immediate steps you should take after a theft. I describe how to file a police report^[2], which evidence insurers expect and when a claim can fail. The aim is that as a tenant in Germany you can more confidently decide whether and how to check coverage, file claims and which courts are competent in case of a dispute.^[1] I also name official authorities and sample forms so you can act quickly.

What tenants need to know

In short: household insurance covers bicycle theft in many policies if the bike was stolen in the apartment, in a locked cellar room or in certain cases when locked outside. Private liability insurance usually does not cover the insured's own property but covers damages caused to third parties. For borrowed or loaned bicycles, liability may become relevant. Check your policy and its terms carefully; typical exclusions concern unsecured parking locations or missing proofs.

Check coverage: liability vs. household

• Household insurance: Check whether bicycle theft is explicitly included and what security obligations are named.
• Liability insurance: Check whether damage from borrowed bicycles or third parties is covered.
• Collect evidence: purchase receipt, photo, frame number and key proofs help with the claim.
• Police report: File a report promptly and request a confirmation of receipt.

Concrete steps after a theft

1. File a police report immediately and note the case number^[2].
2. Collect photos, purchase receipts, the frame number and witness statements.
3. Inform your household and, if applicable, liability insurer and report the damage.
4. Observe deadlines: reporting obligations to insurers and possible legal deadlines for court action.

Tenant rights and the landlord's role

Only in exceptional cases is the landlord directly liable for the theft of bicycles; this depends on violations of his duties of care or inadequate security of communal areas. Check whether the tenancy agreement contains regulations on bicycle storage or liability issues. In disputes over responsibility, local courts (Amtsgerichte) are usually competent; questions on interpretation of tenancy duties refer to §§ 535–580a BGB and procedural rules under the ZPO.^[3]

FAQ

Does my household insurance cover a bicycle stolen in front of the house?

That depends on your policy: some household contracts cover bicycle theft outside the home only with an add-on or require a certified lock.

Can private liability insurance help with bicycle theft?

Liability insurance typically covers damage you cause to others; it usually does not replace your own stolen property, except for certain borrowed items if the policy provides for such coverage.

What do I have to report to the insurer and within what deadline?

Report the damage as soon as you become aware, provide police records, purchase receipts, photos and the frame number, and observe the reporting deadlines in your insurance terms.

How-To

1. File a police report immediately and note the case number.
2. Collect receipts, photos, frame number and witness contacts.
3. Inform your household and possibly liability insurer and submit the documents.
4. Check your tenancy agreement and contact the local court or legal advice if settlement fails.

Help and Support / Resources

• Gesetze im Internet (BGB, ZPO and related provisions)
• Police – guidance on filing reports
• Federal Court of Justice – information on jurisdiction and case law

1. [1] Gesetze im Internet – BGB, ZPO and relevant provisions
2. [2] Police – guidance on filing reports
3. [3] Federal Court of Justice – information on jurisdiction and case law