Household Insurance for Tenants in Germany: WG Checklist

As a tenant in Germany, you often face the question: Which household insurance suits a shared flat (WG)? This guide helps tenants compare coverage, deductibles, and shared policies in practical terms. You will learn which items are typically insured, how to document an inventory correctly, and who in the flatshare is responsible for which costs. Typical pitfalls like unclear damage reports, water damage from pipes, or burglary are also explained. At the end you will find a checklist with concrete steps for taking out a policy, adjusting it when moving in or out, and reporting damages quickly so personal belongings and shared furnishings in Germany are better protected. We give tips on when liability insurance is sensible, how to manage joint policies, and which documents are required in a claim. Concrete examples help decide for or against statutory add-ons.

What does household insurance cover?

Household insurance protects movable items inside the apartment or WG room. The main areas are:

• Furniture, clothing and personal belongings
• Damage from water pipes, fire and burglary (water)
• Key loss and access protection
• Costs for alternative accommodation if the apartment is uninhabitable (payment)
• Add-ons like bicycle theft or glass breakage

WG-specific tips

• Clarify whether to have a joint policy or individual contracts
• Keep an inventory list and collect documents/receipts (document)
• Agree on a cost-sharing rule for damages (payment)
• Move-in/move-out: notify the insurer and prepare a handover protocol (move-in)

Report a claim and forms

If damage occurs, document it immediately with photos and receipts and notify your insurer without delay. Record date, time, parties involved and a short description. Some deadlines and formal requirements are regulated by law; for tenancy matters consult the provisions in the Civil Code.^[1]

Important forms

• Termination letter: model termination from the Federal Ministry of Justice (when: at end of tenancy; example: a flatmate terminates their share and submits the model in writing).^[3]
• Insurance claim form (when: immediately after damage; example: pipe burst — provide a detailed list of damaged items including purchase receipts).
• For court disputes: prepare documents for the local court (rental contract, protocols, correspondence).^[4]

FAQ

Do I need a joint household insurance in a WG?

No, tenants can insure individually or jointly. It is important to clearly agree who is responsible for which items.

Does household insurance cover water pipe damage?

Yes, standard policies cover water damage unless caused by gross negligence; exact terms are in the insurance contract and legal provisions.^[1]

Where do I turn in case of disputes about payments or termination?

For tenancy disputes the competent local court (Amtsgericht) is the first instance; procedural questions may involve the Code of Civil Procedure.^[2]

How-To

1. Document the damage: take photos, note dates and list damaged items (photo)
2. Inform your insurer: call or file online and note the claim number (contact)
3. Complete the claim form: attach receipts and supporting documents (form)
4. Arrange repairs: obtain cost estimates and check insurer approval (repair)
5. Submit receipts: claim reimbursement with the submitted evidence (receipt)

Key Takeaways

• Keep a clear inventory and save purchase receipts.
• Decide early whether a joint WG policy or individual policies are better.

Help and Support / Resources

• [1] BGB §535 ff. (gesetze-im-internet.de)
• [2] ZPO (gesetze-im-internet.de)
• [3] Federal Ministry of Justice and Consumer Protection (bmjv.de)

1. [1] Bürgerliches Gesetzbuch (BGB) §535 ff.
2. [2] Zivilprozessordnung (ZPO)
3. [3] Model termination letters and services of the BMJV
4. [4] Information on local courts (justiz.de)