Renter Home Insurance in Germany: Check Coverage

Renters in Germany often face questions when household items are damaged or stolen. This article explains in plain language how to check whether your renter's home insurance (household contents insurance) covers damage, which deadlines apply and which documents you should collect. You will find practical examples for water damage, burglary and fire as well as concrete steps for reporting damage and communicating with the landlord and insurer. The goal is that you as a renter can quickly assess whether a claim is covered, what the deductible is and when taking legal action at the local court may be appropriate. References to relevant legal sources and official forms are linked at the end.

What does renter home insurance cover for tenants in Germany?

Household contents insurance protects movable household items against perils such as fire, water damage, burglary, vandalism and storm/hail. Important: for tenants the policy covers your personal belongings, not the building structure or the landlord's items. Pay attention to coverage limits, maximum payouts for valuables and exclusions in the terms. For legal orientation, the Civil Code (BGB) and case law may be relevant.^[1]

Practical cases and examples

Case 1: Water damage from a burst pipe

A burst pipe in the flat soaks furniture and electronics. Proceed as follows:

• Report the damage to the insurer immediately and observe deadlines.
• Carry out emergency repairs to prevent further damage (document photos before/after).
• Create an inventory with purchase receipts or estimated values.
• Fill in and submit the insurer's claim form completely.

Case 2: Burglary and theft

For burglary and theft follow specific steps to secure claims:

• Notify the police immediately and obtain a confirmation of the report.
• Put together an inventory with serial numbers and value information.
• Report the theft to the insurer and attach the police report.
• Mitigate damage, e.g. secure broken windows.

How tenants check coverage

Check the insurance terms systematically: which perils are insured, which exclusions apply (e.g. gross negligence) and what sums apply to special categories such as jewelry or electronics. Take note of deductibles and notification deadlines in the contract. Documentation is central: date, place, cause (if known), photos, witnesses and all receipts. If uncertain, request a written statement from the insurer; in case of dispute, proceedings at the local court may follow.^[2]

• Review the policy: insured perils and exclusions.
• Clarify deductible and compensation limits.
• Collect receipts and photos systematically.
• Observe deadlines for reporting the claim.

Rights and possible steps in disputes

If a claim is denied, request the insurer's reasons in writing and review them. Often an objection with additional evidence helps. If the insurer refuses to pay and liability is disputed, an independent expert report can be useful. If conflict persists, a lawsuit at the competent local court may be necessary; appeals go to the regional court or the Federal Court of Justice.^[3]

FAQ

Does renter home insurance cover damage caused during tenant repairs?

Standard policies generally do not cover costs for tenant repair work; damage caused by improper repairs may be excluded. Check your terms and contact the insurer if in doubt.

Who pays if the landlord is responsible for the damage?

If the cause is due to the landlord's duty of care (e.g. defective main pipes), the landlord or their liability insurer may be liable; document the damage and inform both parties.

Do I have to have renter home insurance as a tenant?

There is no legal obligation to have household contents insurance, but leases may set contractual requirements. A policy protects against financial loss in total loss events.

How-To

1. Create documentation: take photos, note dates, witnesses and list damaged items.
2. Notify the police for theft or vandalism and document the report.
3. Submit the claim to the insurer and complete the required forms.
4. Provide receipts and, if necessary, arrange for an independent expert opinion.
5. Consider legal action at the local court if disputes cannot be resolved.

Help & Support / Resources

• [1] Gesetze im Internet – BGB (Civil Code)
• [2] Gesetze im Internet – ZPO (Code of Civil Procedure)
• [3] Federal Court of Justice – Decisions

1. [1] Gesetze im Internet – BGB (Bürgerliches Gesetzbuch)
2. [2] Gesetze im Internet – ZPO (Zivilprozessordnung)
3. [3] Bundesgerichtshof – Entscheidungen (BGH)