Home Insurance: Tenants & Students, Germany

As a tenant or student in Germany, it is important to tailor your home insurance to your needs. Many students underestimate the value of their personal belongings or are unsure which damages are covered. This checklist helps you take inventory, choose an appropriate sum insured and correctly document and report damages. You will also learn which deadlines and court jurisdictions in tenancy law to watch so that you, as a tenant in Germany, can act quickly and confidently in the event of a claim. Use these tips to reduce financial risks and prepare necessary forms in time.

Practical Checklist

• Check the sum insured (amount) and compare the premium with your needs.
• Create an inventory: collect photos, receipts and serial numbers (document).
• Report repairs (repair) promptly and check which costs the policy covers.
• Notify the insurer: complete the claim form (form) and attach all evidence.
• Keep receipts: store invoices, payment proofs and emails (document).
• In case of disputes check possible court actions at the local court or regional court (court).
• Contact your property manager or landlord early (contact).
• When moving out, plan inventory and key handover (move-out) carefully.

What to do in case of damage?

If damage occurs, document scope and time immediately with photos and short notes. Inform your insurer without delay and send the required forms in full. If repairs are necessary, obtain quotes and keep communication with the landlord and insurer in writing. If unsure about deadlines or jurisdiction, the local court can provide relevant information, especially for eviction or legal disputes ^[2].

Forms and official guidance

There is no single nationwide standard form for every claim; insurers provide their own claim forms. For legal actions, such as a lawsuit or eviction, the rules of the ZPO apply ^[2] and tenancy obligations are governed by §§ 535–580a of the BGB ^[1]. If template letters are needed, the Federal Ministry of Justice provides general guidance and templates ^[4]. If a legal dispute arises, local courts and higher instances (regional court, BGH) are the competent authorities ^[3].

FAQ

Do I need home insurance as a student?

Home insurance is not legally required, but as a tenant or student it is recommended to protect personal belongings from fire, water, theft or vandalism.

What sum insured is appropriate?

Choose a sum insured that covers the value of your furniture, electronics and personal items; create an inventory to calculate the sum realistically.

What to do in disputes with landlord or insurer?

Document everything in writing and consider legal action; tenancy matters are handled by the local court and possibly the regional court, and legal questions are guided by the BGB and ZPO ^[1][2].

How-To

1. Step 1: Document the damage immediately with photos and a list of affected items (document).
2. Step 2: Inform the insurer and complete the claim form (form) in full.
3. Step 3: Obtain quotes for repair or replacement and collect receipts (repair).
4. Step 4: Observe deadlines (deadline), submit documents on time and keep confirmations.
5. Step 5: If dispute arises, check jurisdiction and consider filing at the local court (court).

Key Takeaways

• Documentation is the most important step after a damage event.
• Choose a realistic sum insured that covers all valuable items.
• Communicate in writing with insurer, landlord and property manager.

Help and Support / Resources

• [1] §§ 535–580a BGB - Gesetze im Internet
• [2] Zivilprozessordnung (ZPO) - Gesetze im Internet
• [3] Federal Court of Justice (BGH) - Decisions and Information

1. [1] §§ 535–580a BGB - Gesetze im Internet
2. [2] Zivilprozessordnung (ZPO) - Gesetze im Internet
3. [3] Federal Court of Justice (BGH) - Decisions and Information
4. [4] Federal Ministry of Justice (BMJ) - Information and Forms