You’re caught in a legal tangle in Germany.
Maybe it’s a dispute with your landlord, a work contract gone wrong. Or maybe your boss hands you a surprise contract change that seems… well, illegal.
Now, the million-euro question: Are you prepared for the potential financial losses that follow?
Enter legal insurance—your safety net.
Did you know that about 40% of German households have legal insurance? That’s a lot of savvy people protecting their rights!
And with so many providers out there, how do you choose the right one? Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered.
Let’s get started!
But first, what is legal insurance and why do you need it?
Legal insurance, or “Rechtsschutzversicherung” in German, is your financial backup plan for legal disputes.
Here are some common legal issues you might face:
- Employment disputes (unfair dismissal, wage claims)
- Tenancy conflicts (security deposit disputes, eviction threats)
- Traffic violations and accidents
- Consumer rights issues (faulty products, service disagreements)
German courts handle over a million civil cases annually, That’s roughly one case for every 83 Germans. Suddenly, that friendly neighbor looks a bit more litigious, doesn’t he?
Now, brace yourself for the financial reality of legal disputes:
- The average lawyer charges between €180 to €500 per hour.
- Court fees range from a few hundred to several thousand euros, depending on the case.
Without insurance, every cent comes straight from your bank account. Even if you win
How does it work? Let’s say your employer dismisses you and refuses to give you your three months notice. With legal insurance, you can:
- Contact your insurance provider
- Get connected with a lawyer
- Pursue your case without worrying about legal fees
Your insurance typically covers:
- Lawyer fees
- Court fees
- Expert witness expenses
- Costs of the opposing party if you lose the case (ouch, but at least you’re covered!)
You pay a monthly or yearly premium, and when legal trouble strikes, you’re covered up to your policy limit.
Need more details on legal insurance? Check out our comprehensive guide here.
Now that we’ve got the basics covered, let’s get to the main event.
The best legal insurance in Germany at a glance
Here’s a snapshot of the top legal insurance providers that’ll have your back in Germany:
| Feature | Best Overall: Feather | Best for Additional Services: Advocard | Best for Flexible Coverage: GetSafe | Best for Seniors: HUK-COBURG | Best for Customization: Allianz | Best for Extensive Coverage: Adam Riese |
| Trustpilot Reviews | 4.9/5 | 1.5/5 | 3.2/5 | 3.8/5 | 4.1/5 | 2.3/5 |
| Coverage Limit | €250,000 -€500,000 | Unlimited in Europe | Unlimited | €5 million | €1 million | €1 million(Unlimited in Tarif XL) |
| Areas Covered in Base Pack | Private, Professional, Traffic | Private, Professional, Traffic, Home | Private, Professional, Traffic | Private, Professional,Traffic | Private, Professional, Traffic, Home | Customizable |
| Worldwide Coverage | Yes | Yes (Lower coverage) | Yes (Lower coverage, 12 months) | Not Specified | Not Specified | Yes (Lower coverage, 12 months) |
| Deductible | €300-€500 | Varies | €300-€500 | Varies | €0-€1,000 | Reduces yearly |
| English Support | Yes | Limited | Yes | No | Limited | No |
| Cancellation Period | 1 month | Varies | Anytime | Varies | Varies | Anytime |
| Waiting Period | 3-6 months | 3-6 months | 3-6 months (0 for traffic incidents) | 3 months (3 years for university lawsuits) | 3-6 months | 3 months |
| Special Features | Reduced waiting times (Advanced) | ID-Protect | Interest-free bail loan | 60+ plan | Four tariffs | Mix and match |
| Starting Price/Month | €13.51 | €35.44 | €15.12 | €14.71 (€176.63 annually) | €14.69 – €41.46 | €14.76 |
Top 6 legal insurance providers in Germany
1. Feather: Best overall
What you need to know about Feather
Feather is a Berlin-based company founded in 2018, specifically designed for expats in Germany. We offer 100% digital services in English, making it easy for non-German speakers to navigate the complex legal landscape.
So, why do we think Feather’s the best option overall?
- We combine expat-friendly coverage, easy-to-use tech, and customer service that actually serves you
- We understand that being an expat in Germany brings unique legal headaches–from bosses who think labor laws are just suggestions to landlords with a creative interpretation of “liveable space”
- We design our policies specifically to have your back in these common citations expats face (and people seem to like it)
What are the benefits of of Feather’s digital-first approach?
- Simple and fast policy management
- Our app puts everything at your fingertips—file claims, access documents, and get real-time updates with just a few taps
- Flexible monthly cancellation—no long-term commitments here, just coverage adapts to your changing needs
Feather provides comprehensive coverage in personal, traffic, and professional areas. Our Advanced plan offers worldwide coverage up to €500,000, while the Basic plan provides €250,000 coverage.
| Pros | Cons |
| ✅Full English support | ❌ Relatively new in the market |
| ✅Get insured in minutes | ❌ Does not cover immigration matters or self-employment as main occupation |
| ✅Tailored for expats | ❌ Limited offline support for those who prefer in-person interactions |
| ✅Worldwide coverage | |
| ✅Free and simple legal consultations | |
| ✅Flexible monthly cancellation | |
| ✅Worldwide coverage | |
| ✅60-day money-back guarantee on Advanced plan | |
| ✅Offers additional coverage for home and criminal protection |
Starting price: €13.51 per month
How to get Feather legal insurance
Getting covered with Feather is simple. Just visit our website, or download our app, answer a few questions, and you can be insured in minutes.
Legal insurance in Germany from €13.51 per month
2. Advocard: Best for additional services
What you need to know about Advocard
Advocard goes beyond basic legal coverage, offering personal digital data protection and direct lawyer consultations. The insured sum is unlimited in Europe and €500,000 worldwide.
Advocard’s coverage is impressively broad, spanning from tax legal protection (kicking in as soon as you file an objection) to social legal protection (active from the moment of appeal). They even offer extended legal protection in family and inheritance law, helping with issues like child access rights after a separation.
While, the comprehensive additional services sets Advocard apart, but the high starting price and lack of English support may be significant drawbacks for expats.
| Pros | Cons |
| ✅Comprehensive digital protection | ❌ Highest starting price |
| ✅Direct lawyer advice services | ❌ Limited English support |
| ✅High coverage limit | ❌ Yearly cancellation only |
| ✅24/7 telephone and online legal advice | ❌ Complex range of services may be confusing for some users |
| ✅Additional services like fine checks, employment reference checks, and contract checks | ❌ Higher premiums may not be justifiable for those who don’t need all the additional services |
| ✅ID-Protect service to protect personal data on the Internet from identity theft | |
| ✅Personal advice from a lawyer up to €1,000 per year, even for non-insured topics |
Starting price: €35.44 per month
How to get Advocard legal insurance
Visit Advocard’s website to explore their plans and sign up online.
3. Getsafe: Best for flexible coverage
What you need to know about Getsafe
Getsafe offers ultimate flexibility, allowing easy addition of family members and monthly cancellation options. They provide a digital-first approach with a user-friendly app for managing your policy.
However, their free legal consultation process is complicated compared to competitors. This could be frustrating for those seeking quick legal advice.
| Pros | Cons |
| ✅Easy to add family members | ❌ Free lawyer consultations require you to jump through many hoops |
| ✅Free legal consultations | ❌ Limited worldwide coverage |
| ✅Monthly cancellation | ❌ Digital-only approach might not suit those who prefer traditional, in-person service |
| ✅English support available | |
| ✅Digital-friendly with a user-friendly app | |
| ✅Flexible coverage options |
Starting price: €15.12 per month
How to get Getsafe legal insurance
Download the Getsafe app or visit their website to get insured.
4. HUK-COBURG: Best for seniors
What you need to know about HUK-COBURG
HUK-COBURG offers specialized plans for those over 60, catering to the unique legal needs of seniors. Their “Rechtsschutz60” plan is designed specifically for people aged 60 and over who have reached retirement. It offers the same benefits as private, professional, and traffic legal protection, but with legal protection for retirement benefits.
| Pros | Cons |
| ✅Senior-specific plans | ❌ No specific English support |
| ✅Comprehensive family coverage | ❌ Yearly cancellation only |
| ✅Free legal advice | ❌ Billed annually, with no other flexible payment options |
| ✅Affordable pricing | ❌ May not be the best fit for younger expats |
| ✅High coverage limit (€5 million for both traffic and combined package) | ❌ Limited online services compared to more digital-focused providers |
| ✅24/7 emergency call service |
Starting price: €176.63 annually for the combined package
How to get HUK-COBURG legal insurance
5. Allianz: Best for customizable plans
What you need to know about Allianz
Allianz offers highly customizable legal insurance plans, allowing you to tailor your coverage precisely to your needs.
What makes Allianz the best for customizable plans?
- Flexible tariff options: Choose from Base, Smart, Comfort, or Premium plans, each covering different aspects of legal protection with increasing benefits.
- Modular structure: Within each tariff, you can add or remove specific types of coverage (called modules) such as private, professional, traffic, housing, social, administrative, and more.
- Scalable benefits: As you move from Base to Premium, you get access to more comprehensive coverage, higher benefit limits, and additional services.
| Pros | Cons |
| ✅Highly customizable plans | ❌ Limited English support |
| ✅Worldwide coverage | ❌ Yearly cancellation only |
| ✅High coverage limit | ❌ Complex plan structure may be confusing for some customers |
| ✅Initial telephone consultation included in all plans | ❌ May require professional advice to fully understand and optimize coverage |
| ✅Mediation costs covered for out-of-court settlements | |
| ✅Premium tariff includes document checks and advice on will creation, parental allowance, pensions, and care |
Starting price: €14.69 – €41.6. But, with so many custom options, the costs can vary widely.
How to get Allianz legal insurance
Visit an Allianz office or their website to customize and purchase your plan.
6. Adam Riese: Best for high and extensive coverage
What you need to know about Adam Riese
Adam Riese offers unlimited coverage in their advanced plans, providing peace of mind for those who want maximum protection. They offer a digital-first approach with minimal paperwork and quick online sign-up.
The lack of English support could be a significant barrier for non-German speakers, but for German-fluent users seeking extensive digital coverage, Adam Riese is a strong contender.
| Pros | Cons |
| ✅Unlimited coverage option | ❌ No English support |
| ✅Free legal advice | ❌ Relatively new player in the market |
| ✅Monthly cancellation option | ❌ Limited track record compared to established insurers |
| ✅Minimal paperwork | |
| ✅Quick and easy online sign-up process | |
| ✅Mix and match coverage options |
Starting price: €14.76 per month
How to get Adam Riese legal insurance
Visit Adam Riese’s website to explore their high-coverage options and sign up online.
How to choose the right legal insurance for you
Feeling a bit overwhelmed?
Don’t worry, here’s a step-by-step guide to help you find the perfect legal insurance:
1. Assess your needs
Think about your current situation (family, job, housing, transportation, travel habits) and potential legal risks.
2. Pick your coverage priorities
Employment issues? Tenancy disputes? Traffic troubles? Rank what matters most to you.
3. Consider these key factors
- How much coverage do you need? Feather’s experts recommend anything from €250,000 to €1,000,000.
- Unless your German is so good you dream in “Deutsch”, look for English support.
- Policies have different waiting periods for different issues. If you need help ASAP, read the fine print carefully.
- Planning to bounce around the world? Make sure your insurance can follow you across borders.
- How much can you afford?
4. Compare the extras:
- Free legal hotline
- Choice of lawyer
- Online services
- Digital claim submissions
5. Evaluate pricing tiers
Remember, prices can vary based on your specific needs and chosen coverage:
- Basic plans: €10-€20 per month
- Comprehensive plans: €20-€40 per month
- Premium plans: €40+ per month
6. Read customer reviews
Don’t just take our word for it! Check out what other users are saying about their experiences with different providers.
7. Ask questions
Still unsure? Don’t hesitate to reach out to providers directly. Here are some key questions to ask:
- “Can you explain your claim process?”
- “What’s your average response time for legal emergencies?”
- “Are there any exclusions I should be aware of?”
- “How do you handle disputes in English?”
Remember, the right legal insurance is an investment in your peace of mind. Take your time, compare options, and choose wisely.
Don’t leave your rights to chance
Remember, in a country where there’s a law for everything (even how to make beer! 🍺), having legal insurance isn’t just you being safe—it’s a very practical choice.
So, what’s your biggest legal worry as an expat in Germany? Rental disputes? Work contracts? The mystery of why everything is closed on Sunday or why every form feels like it’s 10 pages long. We’d love to hear from you!
For a broader look at your insurance needs as an expat, including legal, health, home, and more, try our insurance recommendation tool. It can help you build a well-rounded insurance portfolio tailored to your specific situation.
Get covered with Feather today! We promise our contracts are easier to understand than the German tax system.
FAQs
Q: Is legal insurance mandatory in Germany?
No, legal insurance is not mandatory, but it’s highly recommended due to the high costs of legal disputes.
Q: Can I get legal insurance for an ongoing dispute?
Generally, no. Insurance typically doesn’t cover pre-existing legal issues.
Q: How quickly can I use my legal insurance after purchasing?
Most policies have a waiting period of 3-6 months for certain types of claims.
Q: Does legal insurance cover all types of legal disputes?
No, there are usually exclusions. Typically, pre-existing legal issues, intentional crimes, and certain types of lawsuits (e.g., constitutional court cases) are not covered.
Q: Can I choose my own lawyer with legal insurance?
Yes, most policies allow you to choose your own lawyer, including English-speaking ones.
Still have questions? Don’t be shy—reach out to us! We’re always happy to help expats navigate the world of German insurance.
Our Methodology
Now, here’s how we came up with this list:
- Selection criteria
- We looked at who’s the insurance providers market presence in Germany
- We checked out what real customers are saying (the good, the bad, and the ugly)
- We considered how flexible and comprehensive the coverage options are
- Evaluation factors
- We dug into what areas each insurance covers and how much they’ll shell out
- We compared prices (because we know budgeting is key)
- We tested how easy it is to sign up and make a claim (nobody likes paperwork!)
- We checked if they offerspeak English support
- Data sources
- We scoured insurance company websites
- We read through customer reviews
- We dove into industry reports
- Limitations
- Remember, prices can vary depending on your specific situation
- Insurance policies can change, so always double-check the details
