Home Contents Insurance for Tenants in Germany

Many students and tenants in Germany underestimate how important a suitable home contents insurance policy is. Especially in shared flats or with limited budgets, choosing the wrong tariff, too-low sums insured, or lacking inventory lists can later lead to financial losses. This guide explains in practical terms which coverage types make sense for tenants, which mistakes students should avoid, and how to document and prepare a claim correctly. We list concrete steps and helpful documents and show which official laws and courts are relevant so you can better understand your rights as a tenant in Germany and reliably protect your belongings. At the end you will find FAQs, a short how-to and official links.

Why home contents insurance matters for tenants

As a tenant, a home contents insurance policy protects your personal property against risks such as burglary, fire, water damage from pipes, or storm damage. It compensates for damaged or stolen items up to the agreed sum insured and many policies also cover temporary accommodation costs after a loss.

Common mistakes and how to avoid them

• Choosing a sum insured that is too low, leaving you underinsured in the event of a claim.
• Not creating an inventory list or taking photos of valuables, which means evidence is missing for the claim.
• Failing to include important risks such as water damage or bicycle theft in the policy.
• Not reading terms and exclusions and therefore missing the basis for a claim.
• Submitting claims late or incompletely; observe deadlines and format requirements.
• Not keeping emergency contact information or failing to store your policy documents digitally.

What students should pay special attention to

Students often live in shared flats, move frequently, or bring expensive electronics. Check for new-for-old replacement for electronics, coverage for bicycles outside the home, and short contract terms if you move often. Verify whether subletting or guests are covered if you frequently host visitors.

How-To

1. Record inventory: make a list with photos, purchase dates and approximate value for each item.
2. Calculate the sum insured: add up values and allow for possible increases for electronics.
3. Compare quotes: get multiple offers and check coverage, deductible and exclusions.
4. Contact the insurer: clarify questions by phone and request contract terms in writing.
5. Document a claim: take photos, notify police for burglary, collect receipts and submit the claim promptly.
6. Consider legal steps: if denied, review your rights under the German Civil Code (BGB) and procedural options under the ZPO.^[1][2]

FAQ

Does home contents insurance cover bicycle theft outside the home?

Some policies only cover bicycle theft within certain areas or require additional premiums; check the terms and record your frame numbers.

How quickly must I report a claim?

Report claims immediately to the insurer and file a police report for burglaries; late reporting can endanger your claim.

Which courts handle disputes with insurers or landlords?

Local courts (Amtsgerichte) are usually first instance for tenancy matters; procedural rules are governed by the ZPO.^[2][3]

Help and Support / Resources

• Bürgerliches Gesetzbuch (BGB) – Mietrecht §§535–580a
• Zivilprozessordnung (ZPO)
• Bundesgerichtshof (BGH) – case summaries

1. [1] gesetze-im-internet.de: BGB
2. [2] gesetze-im-internet.de: ZPO
3. [3] bundesgerichtshof.de: BGH
4. [4] bmj.de: Federal Ministry of Justice