Home Insurance for Tenants in Germany - Students
Many tenants and especially students in Germany wonder whether and how they should adjust their home insurance. This overview explains in plain language which risks are covered, which policies are suitable for shared flats or student accommodation and how to correctly calculate coverage amounts and sums insured. You will learn how moves, new flatmates or stays abroad affect coverage, when switching tariffs or adjusting the deductible makes sense and which proofs insurers typically require. Practical steps help when comparing offers and reporting claims. The aim is for tenants to insure their valuables efficiently, avoid unnecessary costs and act quickly and correctly in the event of a claim. The guidance is based on German rules and helps in talks with landlords and authorities.
What does home insurance cover?
The home insurance protects movable items in the rented flat against typical risks such as burglary, fire and water damage. For fundamental duties of landlords and tenants, the tenancy-related provisions in the German Civil Code (BGB) refer to details on maintenance and compensation.[1] Insurers distinguish between basic cover and optional add-ons such as bicycle theft outside the home or natural hazard cover.
- Burglary and break-in damages.
- Leaking water damages (water) and consequential losses.
- Fire and smoke damages.
- Damage to electronics and valuables.
Adjusting for students
Students should check whether their tariff fits the housing type: single flat, shared flat or furnished room have different risk and benefit profiles. Those who move frequently, plan stays abroad or own expensive electronics (laptop, camera) must adjust the insured sums and optional cover. For terminations and formal letters there are templates, e.g. a termination letter template from the Federal Ministry of Justice that can be used as a model for timely notices.[4]
- Check and adjust sums insured (amount) — enter appropriate totals for furniture, tech and personal items.
- Notify flatmates or housing form (notice) — in shared flats check whether joint insurance rules apply.
- Report moves (move-out) — notify address changes and periods when moving; moving damage cover may be an add-on.
- Adjust deductible (amount) — a low deductible increases premiums, a higher deductible lowers contributions.
Documents and evidence
Good documentation speeds up settlement: photos, serial numbers and receipts reduce insurer queries. For high-value items, individual item declarations or value limits in the policy may be worthwhile.
- Photos and videos as evidence — take and secure them immediately after discovery.
- Collect purchase receipts and invoices (receipt) — create digital copies and store them safely.
- Submit the claim to the insurer (submit) — report the claim online or in writing and note the reference number.
Legal steps in disputes
If settlement fails, tenants can pursue civil remedies; many civil procedural rules are in the Code of Civil Procedure (ZPO).[2] Tenancy cases are often first heard in the local court (Amtsgericht); appeals go to the regional court and revisions to federal courts like the Federal Court of Justice (BGH).[3]
FAQ
- Do I need home insurance as a student?
- Home insurance is advisable for students, especially with expensive tech, because it reduces financial risk from theft or water damage.
- What applies for shared flats?
- In shared flats, flatmates should clarify ownership and status; often a joint policy makes sense or each person registers their personal items.
- How do I report a claim correctly?
- Document the claim immediately, inform the police in case of burglary suspicion, collect receipts and report the claim to the insurer while observing deadlines.
How-To
- Report the claim immediately (submit) — online or in writing to the insurer and provide description, photos and date.
- Collect documents (evidence) — secure invoices, serial numbers, photos and witness statements.
- Observe deadlines (calendar) — respond to queries within required periods and keep proof of submissions.
- Consider litigation if necessary (court) — often file suit at the competent local court; tenant advice can help.
Help and Support
- German Civil Code (BGB) and Gesetze im Internet
- Federal Ministry of Justice and Consumer Protection (BMJ)
- Federal Court of Justice (BGH) Decisions
