Tenants: Bike Theft & Insurance in Germany

Many tenants in Germany face questions after a bike theft: which insurance pays, what does the landlord require, and what deadlines apply? This text explains in clear language when liability insurance and when household contents insurance respond, and which steps tenants should take immediately. We cite relevant statutes, official authorities and practical forms, show how to secure evidence and which courts handle rental disputes. The goal is to make you, as a tenant, able to act and to avoid common misunderstandings.

Overview: Liability vs. Household Contents

Liability insurance covers damage you cause to third parties; household contents insurance replaces movable items in your apartment or in a locked cellar. For a stolen bike, household contents insurance often applies if the bike was stored in your living space, a cellar or a locked bike room; for public places it depends on the tariff. In doubt, check the policy terms and report the claim to your insurer.

Common tenant misunderstandings

Mistake 1: "Liability always pays" — wrong; liability usually only covers damages you caused to others. Mistake 2: "The landlord automatically pays" — usually not, unless the landlord had a duty to secure the storage area. Mistake 3: "No police report = no payout" — many insurers require a police report, so always file one and keep the confirmation.

First steps after bike theft

1. Police report: File a theft report promptly and request a written confirmation.
2. Secure evidence: Prepare photos of the lock and storage place and have purchase receipts or frame number ready.
3. Inform insurer: Notify your household contents or liability insurer and submit the police report.
4. Inform landlord: Report incidents affecting communal storage areas to your landlord.

Evidence, deadlines and courts

Keep purchase receipts, photos and the police confirmation. Insurers often set deadlines for reporting; check your policy. In payment disputes, the local court (Amtsgericht) is usually the first instance; procedural rules are in the ZPO and substantive tenancy law in the BGB.^[1][2]

Forms and templates

Important official documents for tenants include:

• Police theft report: File at the responsible police station (request written confirmation).
• Household contents claim form: Many insurers have their own forms; use the insurer's form or a written claim with attachments.
• Template letter to landlord: Briefly state facts and ask for review.

FAQ

Who pays if my bike is stolen in front of the apartment building?

Usually the household contents insurer of the bike owner if the bike was stored and locked in a specifically insured cellar or bike room; check your policy and location terms.

Is a verbal police report enough for the insurer?

Insurers typically require a written police confirmation; therefore have one issued.

Can I demand compensation from the landlord if the bike was stolen from the garage?

Only if the landlord breached duties of care or a contractual guarantee existed; otherwise contact your insurer.

How-To

1. Contact the police and file a theft report.
2. Collect and secure evidence: photos and purchase proof.
3. Report the claim to your household contents insurer and attach the police report.
4. If the insurer refuses, review the decision and prepare a complaint or court action; the local court is the first instance.

Help and Support

• Laws: BGB
• Laws: ZPO
• Police: how to file a report

1. [1] German Civil Code (BGB) — gesetze-im-internet.de
2. [2] Code of Civil Procedure (ZPO) — gesetze-im-internet.de
3. [3] Police: guidance on filing a report — polizei.de