New to Germany or just settling in? Welcome!
But before you get too comfy, let’s talk about one thing you definitely don’t want to overlook—protecting your stuff.
Because accidents happen.
Ever wondered what would happen if…
- You dropped a box down the stairs while moving, and suddenly “fragile” really meant “broken”?
- Your sofa suddenly became a waterbed when the upstairs neighbor’s pipe burst?
- Or if your beloved guitar decides to run away with a burglar?
That’s where home contents insurance comes to the rescue.
Let’s jump right in.
What is home contents insurance?
Home contents insurance or hausratversicherung in German (don’t worry, we’ll stick to English), covers your personal belongings against risks like theft, fire, and water damage.
It saves the day when disaster strikes for renters and homeowners alike.
What does home contents insurance usually cover?
Well, imagine you turn your apartment upside down: anything that falls down is covered.
What home contents insurance typically not cover?
- Normal wear and tear
- Damage from pests or insects
- Intentional damage
- Large-scale conflict, like a war or long-term civil unrest.
- Damage to the building itself (that’s what building insurance is for)
But with so many options available, how do you choose the right one?
Don’t sweat it! We’ve done the legwork for you and researched many providers to bring you the top 5 options for home contents insurance in Germany.
No matter what your needs are, we have you covered.
Ready to dive in?
Let’s take a look at the best home contents insurance providers in Germany for 2024!
Best home contents insurance in Germany: At a glance
| Provider | Best for | Monthly premiums | Ease of use | English support | Trustpilot rating |
| Feather | 🏆 Overall | From €2.33 | 5/5 | Yes | 4.8/5 |
| AXA | 🛠️ Customization | From €1.56 | 2/5 | Limited | 1.4/5 |
| Gothaer | 👨👩👧👦 Families | From €3.06 | 3/5 | No | 2.7/5 |
| Ammerländer | 💎 High-end homes | From €3.00 | 4.5/5 | No | 4.4/5 |
| Getsafe | 🌐 Worldwide coverage | From €2.58 | 3.5/5 | Yes | 3.2/5 |
Want to dive deeper before looking at coverage options?
Check out our comprehensive guide on home contents insurance in Germany.
1. Feather: Best overall
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| ✅ Comprehensive coverage options | ❌ No coverage for pickpocketing |
| ✅ Competitive pricing | ❌ Coverage limits apply to high-value items without additional insurance |
| ✅ Free online consultations | |
| ✅ Fully digital experience | |
| ✅ English support | |
| ✅ Quick sign-up process | |
| ✅ Fast and digital claims process | |
| ✅ Flexible cancellation |
Trustpilot rating: 4.8/5
Unique features:
- 180 days of accommodation coverage in emergencies
- Coverage for both apartments during moves
Ease of use: 5/5 – A fully digital platform makes managing your policy simple and intuitive.
Customer support: English and German, available via email, chat, video, and voice calls.
Customization options: Add-ons available for bicycle theft, broken glass, negligence, and moving expenses.
What do you need to know about Feather?
Feather’s user-friendly digital platform is perfect for expats and locals.
Quick online sign-ups and English support make it easy for newcomers to protect their belongings.
Worried about emergencies? Don’t be.
If disaster strikes and you can’t live in your home due to an insured event, hotel or rental costs for 180 days are covered—that’s six months of breathing room!
Starting price: €2.33 monthly
Contents insurance starting at €2.33 per month
2. AXA: Best for customization
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| ✅ Three flexible tariff options (S, M, L) | ❌ Very low rating and customer experience |
| ✅ Best performance guarantee in tariff L | ❌ Slow claims process |
| ✅ Protection for students’ belongings in dorms or shared rooms | ❌ Limited English support |
| ✅ Coverage for damage due to negligence in higher tariffs | ❌ Finding the right combination can be challenging with 3 main tariff options and various add-ons |
Trustpilot rating: 1.4/5
Unique features:
- Data recovery coverage (in higher tariffs)
- Protection against gross negligence (in higher tariffs)
- Cash replacement up to €500 while traveling
Ease of use: 2/5 – Online portal and mobile app available, but claiming the insurance is not easy.
Customer support: Primarily German, available via phone, online, and through local agents
Customization options: Extensive range of additional modules, including bicycle theft, glass breakage, elemental damage, travel protection, and emergency services
What you need to know about AXA
If you want highly customizable and comprehensive coverage options, AXA might be your pick. Their tiered system (S, M, L) allows for flexibility, with each level unlocking more comprehensive protection.
While the starting price is attractive at €1.56 per month, comprehensive coverage will come at a premium.
Plus, some essential features are reserved for higher-tier plans.
Also, their rock-bottom Trustpilot rating is a bit of an eyebrow-raiser. Customers say they’re extremely slow to respond, and claims are slow to process or even ignored at times.
Starting price: €1.56 monthly
3. Gothaer: Best for families
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| ✅ Extended coverage for children’s belongings when they move out for the first time | ❌ Limited English support |
| ✅ Compensation for travel costs if you need to end your vacation early due to an insured event at home (in the Premium plan) | ❌ Limited coverage in basic plans |
| ✅ Gross negligence included in the base tariff |
Trustpilot rating: 2.7/5
Unique features:
- Coverage for children setting up their own household: up to €20,00 for 6 months (Plus plan) or 12 months (Premium plan)
- The highest travel reimbursement from our tested tariffs. This means if you need to end your vacation early due to an insured event at home, you’re covered up to €10,000 in Premium plan)
- Protection during moves
- Coverage for theft and pickpocketing up to €3,000 (in premium plan)
Ease of use: 3/5 – Online portal available, but some processes require agent assistance
Customer support: German only, available via phone, chat, and local agents.
Customization options: Various add-ons are available for specific needs
What you need to know about Gothaer
Gothaer’s family-oriented coverage makes it an excellent choice for households with children.
Their coverage grows with your family, including protection for your children’s stuff when they head to university.
With three tiers of coverage—Base, Plus, and Premium—Gothaer allows you to tailor your protection level.
However, it’s not all roses.
English speakers might struggle with support, and comprehensive coverage comes at a premium.
Their customer reviews mention a slow claims process, customer support being hard to reach and slow to respond, suggesting lots of room for improvement in customer service.
The basic plan also has limits on valuable items
Starting price: €3.06 monthly
4. Ammerländer: Best for high-end homes
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| ✅ Highest tariff offers very comprehensive coverage | ❌ Most expensive policy in our rating |
| ✅ Unique features like psychological care after incidents | ❌ Significant price increase for those living in big cities |
| ✅ 100% coverage for valuables in higher-tier plans | ❌ Limited English support |
| ✅ Extensive cyber protection in top-tier plans | ❌ May be complex for those seeking simple coverage |
Trustpilot rating: 4.5/5
Unique features:
- Psychological care after fire, robbery, or burglary (in higher tiers)
- Possible contribution exemption for up to 12 months during unemployment
- Heavy rain protection included in top-tier plan
- Coverage for online trading fraud and smart home devices (in the highest tier)
Ease of use: 4.5/5 – Responsive.
Customer support: German only.
Customization options: Extensive range of tariffs and additional modules available
What you need to know about Ammerländer
Ammerländer is ideal for those with high-value homes or extensive personal property, offering comprehensive coverage and unique features.
They offer a tiered insurance system with four levels: Classic, Comfort, Exclusive, and Excellent to meet different needs.
For those comfortable with German-language services seeking comprehensive coverage for an additional cost, Ammerländer is a strong option.
Starting price: €3.00 monthly
5. Getsafe: Best for worldwide coverage
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| ✅ Comprehensive worldwide coverage | ❌ Low customer ratings |
| ✅ Premium tier offers double the coverage for jewelry and watches (€50,000 vs €25,000) | ❌ Limited information on physical support options |
| ✅ English support | |
| ✅ Worldwide coverage | |
| ✅ Workplace theft covered |
Key coverage: Fire, burglary, water damage, and natural hazards
Trustpilot rating: 3.2/5
Unique features:
- Worldwide coverage for your belongings for up to 12 months
- Coverage for theft, and online banking fraud
- 200 days hotel stay covered for insured emergencies
Ease of use: 3.5/5 – Digital approach with fast sign ups but slow claims process and customer service
Customer support: German and English, primarily through in-app chat
Customization options: Add-ons available for bicycle theft, glass breakage, and smart device protection
What you need to know about Getsafe
For you globetrotters, Getsafe’s 12 months worldwide coverage is great news if you’re always on the move or splitting time between homes. Your personal items are insured globally while you travel, provided you keep a registered address in Germany.
They offer an app-based approach to home contents insurance, making it a good choice for users who prefer managing their policies on-the-go.
But, keep in mind that some users have reported hiccups with claims.
While they offer unique protections like coverage for theft at your workplace, their low Trustpilot rating suggests you should expect some bumps in the road.
Starting price: Starting at €2.58 per month
How to choose the right home contents insurance?
First, understand what the insurance covers
Home contents insurance typically covers:
- Furniture and household goods
- Electronics and appliances
- Clothing and personal items
- Valuables like jewelry and artwork (up to certain limits, so maybe insure the Picasso separately)
Be sure to read the policy details, including coverage limits and exclusions. For example, some policies may have limits on high-value items or require additional coverage for certain types of damage.
Pro tip: Make an inventory of your belongings, including photos and receipts for valuable items if available. This helps ensure adequate coverage and simplifies claims processes.
How to compare different policies
When you’re policy-shopping, keep these factors in mind:
- Coverage limits: Make sure they’ll actually cover replacing your stuff. “New for old” policies like Feather’s ensure that if your item is damaged or stolen, you receive enough to replace it with a brand-new model—even if the original has lost value.
- Deductibles: Higher deductibles often mean lower premiums
- Additional coverage options: Review the coverage options carefully, if you don’t need certain extras (like bicycle theft), make sure they aren’t included in the base policy—otherwise, you may end up paying for coverage you don’t need.
- Claims process: Check how easy it is to file and process claims. Opt for an insurer that streamlines the process by handling claims digitally, like Feather.
- Customer service and support: Look for insurers with good ratings and responsive support
- The extent of coverage: consider these additional protection options to make sure your home is fully covered.
- Underinsurance waiver: Protects you if you accidentally underestimate your coverage needs. When this waiver applies, the insurer agrees not to check whether you’re underinsured when you make a claim. For instance, if you set your coverage at €30,000 while your belongings are worth €50,000, and a loss occurs, the insurer will process your claim without penalizing you for that underestimation.
- Extended fire damage: Covers not just fire but also damage from heat, smoke, and soot, which can affect your property even without direct flames.
- Elemental damage protection: Adds coverage for natural disasters like storms, floods, or earthquakes, which are often excluded from standard policies.
FAQs
Q: How do I file a claim with my home contents insurance?
Most insurers offer online claim forms or mobile apps. You’ll typically need to provide details about the incident, list damaged items, and submit photos or receipts. Contact your insurer as soon as possible after the incident occurs.
Q: What happens if I’m underinsured?
If you’re underinsured, you may not receive full compensation for your losses. For example, if you insure your belongings for €20,000 but their actual value is €40,000, you might only receive 50% of any claim amount. Some insurers offer underinsurance protection to mitigate this risk.
Q: How does moving to a new home affect my home contents insurance?
Notify your insurer before moving. Most policies cover your belongings during the move, but confirm this with your provider. You will then need to update your policy with your new address and any changes in property size or value.
Q: Are my valuable items like jewelry fully covered?
Many policies have limits on high-value items. For example, a standard policy might only cover jewelry up to €1,500. You may need additional coverage or a separate policy for expensive jewelry, artwork, or collectibles.
Q: Does my insurance cover my belongings if I’m away for an extended period?
Most policies cover your belongings even when you’re away, but there may be limitations for extended absences. For instance, some policies might require additional precautions or notifications for absences longer than 60 days. Check with your insurer for specific details.
Our methodology
We evaluated these insurance providers based on:
- Coverage options and flexibility
- Pricing and value for money
- Customer reviews and satisfaction ratings
- Ease of use and digital tools
- Support for English-speaking customers
- Unique features and benefits
Our research involved analyzing policy documents, customer reviews, and industry reports. We also conducted hands-on testing of digital platforms where possible.
We prioritized providers that offer a good balance of comprehensive coverage, user-friendly services, and value for money. Special consideration was given to features that benefit expats and newcomers to Germany, such as English support and flexible policies.
Please note that pricing information may vary based on individual circumstances, and it’s always best to verify current rates directly with the insurance companies.
Wrapping up: your home, your choice
After diving deep into the world of German home contents insurance, Feather stands tall as our top pick. Why? It’s simple:
- 📱 User-friendly digital platform
- 🛡️ Comprehensive coverage
- 🗣️ Excellent English support
But hey, you’re unique, and so are your needs. When choosing your insurance, consider:
- 💎 Your stuff’s value
- 💻 Your tech-savviness
- 📋 Your coverage needs
- 💰 Your budget sweet spot
Remember: The right insurance = peace of mind✌️
So take your time, compare, and choose wisely
Now, we’d like to hear from you.
What’s the most important feature you’re looking for in your home contents insurance?
Is it comprehensive coverage, English support, or maybe a user-friendly digital platform?
If you have any questions left unanswered after reading this post, don’t hesitate to book a call with one of our experts.
Otherwise, you can drop them down in the form below—we’ll reply ASAP.
