Tenant Guide: Check Bike Theft Insurance in Germany

As a tenant in Germany, it is important to know how to cost-effectively check whether your bicycle is insured after a theft. Many tenants are unsure whether household contents insurance, liability insurance, or specific clauses cover the damage and what deductible applies. This guide explains step by step which documents you need, how to correctly file a police report and which deadlines apply when reporting to the insurer. You will also learn when a landlord is liable and which court levels are responsible in disputes. The language stays simple and practical so you can act quickly and minimize costs. I show you cost-efficient steps, sample forms and concrete examples so you can quickly decide whether reporting is sensible and how to avoid possible recourse claims.

What to do after a bike theft?

First priority is the police report: report the theft to the police immediately and get a confirmation of receipt; this is often a prerequisite for insurance claims^[3]. In parallel, check your documents (purchase receipt, frame number, photos). Note location, time and possible witnesses and keep all receipts.

Check insurances

Distinguish between household contents insurance (covers belongings), liability insurance (third-party damages) and possible special clauses. Read the policy carefully: what counts as loss, what is the deductible and which deadlines apply? For disputed legal obligations of landlord or insurer, the BGB serves as the basis for tenancy law and liability^[1].

• File a police report immediately and request confirmation of receipt
• Collect photos, purchase receipts, frame numbers and repair invoices
• Check insurance terms for notification deadlines, time limits and deductibles
• Contact your insurer and report the claim (in writing and by phone)
• Keep invoices for repair or replacement

Tenant rights

Tenant rights and obligations regarding damages are governed by the German Civil Code (BGB). Landlords must keep common areas in a reasonable condition; if a landlord breaches duties, they can be liable. In case of dispute, the local court (Amtsgericht) and higher instances handle the matter^[1][4].

When the landlord is liable

The landlord can be liable if they violated their duty of care, for example by leaving communal storage poorly secured. Document defects and damage, take photos and request a written statement and compensation.

FAQ

Does household contents insurance cover a bike in an unattended bike cellar?

It depends on your policy: some household contents insurances pay only for burglary theft with visible forced entry, others also for simple theft. Check the terms and ask your insurer.

Does the landlord have to replace a stolen bike shed?

Only if the landlord's breach of duty is proven, for example missing locks despite knowledge of break-ins. Otherwise, the tenant usually uses their insurance.

Which deadlines apply for reporting the claim?

Insurers usually require immediate notification; exact deadlines are in your policy and the insurance conditions.

How-To

1. Create a police report and secure confirmation of receipt
2. Collect photos, frame numbers and purchase receipts
3. Check your insurance policy and formally notify the insurer
4. Gather repair or replacement offers and keep receipts
5. Observe deadlines and document all communications
6. Collect evidence and consider contacting the local court if there is a dispute

Help and Support / Resources

• German Civil Code (BGB) – gesetze-im-internet.de
• BaFin: Consumer information on insurance
• Federal Criminal Police Office (BKA) – bka.de

1. [1] Bürgerliches Gesetzbuch (BGB) §§ 535–580a — gesetze-im-internet.de
2. [2] BaFin: Consumer information on insurance — bafin.de
3. [3] Bundeskriminalamt (BKA) — bka.de
4. [4] Bundesgerichtshof (BGH) — bundesgerichtshof.de