Outside Insurance Check for Renters in Germany
As a renter in Germany, you should check whether your outside insurance covers damage to bicycles, garden furniture, garage contents or from storm and burglary. Many policies limit coverage for movable items outside the apartment; therefore check the policy, coverage limits and deductible. Note the damage event, time, place and photos, report the damage promptly to your insurer and inform the landlord if necessary. In case of uncertainty, official forms and the legal situation under the BGB[1] can help, for example regarding rent reduction or compensation. This guide explains step by step which documents are important, which deadlines apply and which authorities or courts to contact in disputes. Read on for concrete templates.
What does outside insurance cover?
Outside insurance (also called external insurance coverage) often extends protection to movable items located outside the dwelling. Typical covered events are theft, storm and water damage as well as vandalism to items owned by the tenant located on the balcony, terrace, in the bicycle room or in a garage. Check the policy carefully for exclusions and maximum limits.
Important to check
- Repair costs for damaged items and reimbursement limits must be stated in the policy.
- Coverage sums determine whether expensive items are fully replaced or only partially.
- Custody and contributory-fault rules should be checked, especially for improper storage.
- Observe deadlines for reporting damages.
Checklist for renters
- Documentation: photos, date, place, witnesses and a brief description of the event.
- Report the damage in writing to the insurer and request confirmation of receipt.
- Collect invoices and cost estimates for repairs.
- Observe reporting and response deadlines, otherwise performance may be refused.
Which forms and applications are relevant?
There is no unified "outside insurance" form at the federal level, but for legal actions and court procedures the rules of the ZPO[3] apply. Insurers may require specific claim forms; for court claims, the local Amtsgericht is responsible, e.g. for eviction suits or claims proceedings[2]. Use insurer templates and, if necessary, prepare your own signed damage report.
What to do in a dispute with the insurer or landlord?
If claims are denied or there are disagreements about coverage, document all correspondence and deadlines. Often a simple letter with a deadline helps, but in other cases legal counsel or filing a claim at the competent Amtsgericht may be necessary. The substantive law is in the BGB and procedural rules in the ZPO[3].
FAQ
- Does outside insurance cover bicycle theft?
- Often yes, but only if theft outside a locked space or without gross negligence is insured; check the policy for exact conditions.
- Do I have to inform the landlord?
- Inform the landlord if damages affect communal facilities or if the damage affects the usability of the rented property.
- How quickly must I report a damage?
- Report damages as soon as possible, usually immediately within a few days; exact deadlines are stated in the policy and can affect the claim.
How-To
- Check the policy: read coverage, exclusions, coverage limits and deductible carefully.
- Document: collect photos, date, place, witnesses and all receipts.
- Report the damage: report in writing to the insurer and demand confirmation of receipt.
- If denied: observe deadlines and consider filing a claim at the local Amtsgericht.
