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Theo Leimer

Water damage in Germany: What happens next?

You've just noticed a puddle forming under your washing machine. 

Or maybe there's water dripping from the ceiling, spreading across the floor, and creeping dangerously close to your electronics.

Take a breath… 

Water damage is stressful, but it's also surprisingly common in German apartments. 

But there’s good news. 

If you act quickly and follow the right steps, you can minimise the damage, protect your belongings, and make sure insurance covers the repair costs.

In this guide, you'll learn exactly: 

* What to do when water damage strikes  
* Which insurance policies apply to your situation  
* And how to navigate the claims process in Germany (even if your landlord is being difficult).

## 1\. Check for electrical hazards

Before you start mopping up, take a moment to assess the situation. Water and electricity don't mix, so a quick safety check is worth your time.

**In most cases, you can handle this yourself:**

* If water is near electrical outlets or appliances, switch off your apartment's electricity at the fuse box before cleaning up  
* Unplug any appliances in or near the affected area  
* Wear rubber-soled shoes if you need to walk through damp areas

**When to call a professional:**

If there's significant flooding and you can't safely reach your fuse box, or if water has visibly entered electrical outlets or appliances, it's worth waiting for an electrician to confirm it's safe. Keep in mind that emergency call-out fees can be high and typically aren't covered by insurance, so use your judgement: most minor leaks don't require this step.

For the majority of household leaks (a dripping pipe, an overflowing washing machine), switching off the power and unplugging nearby appliances is sufficient to proceed safely.

## 2\. Stop the water source

The faster you stop the leak, the less damage you'll face. Every minute counts.

### If you can identify the source

Turn off the water supply to that specific appliance or fixture. 

For washing machines and dishwashers, there's usually a valve behind or beneath the unit.

### If you can't find where the water is coming from

Shut off the main water supply to your entire apartment. 

You'll find the stopcock (Hauptwasserhahn) typically near your water meter (which is often in the bathroom or kitchen). 

Once the water stops flowing, you can investigate the source without the situation getting worse.

### Clean vs. Contaminated water

Not all water damage is equal:

**Clean water** (from burst pipes or appliance leaks) is manageable. You can often handle cleanup yourself if the amount is limited.

**Contaminated water** (from sewage backups or flooding) is a health hazard. Don't attempt to clean this yourself. Call a professional water damage restoration service immediately.

## 3\. Notify your landlord immediately

In Germany, you're legally required to inform your landlord (Vermieter) or property management company (Hausverwaltung) about water damage as soon as possible. 

Delays can affect your rights and expose you to additional liability.

**To notify your landlord, you can:**

1. Call them immediately if the situation is urgent  
2. Follow up in writing (email or text) with the date, time, and description of the damage (photos help too).  
3. Request that they arrange for repairs or mitigation

Even for small leaks with unknown sources, document your notification. You'll want proof that you reported the issue promptly.

## 4\. Document *everything*

Proper documentation is essential for insurance claims. 

Start recording evidence as soon as it's safe to do so.

**Generally, you want:**

* **Photos and videos** with visible timestamps showing the extent of water damage  
* **The source of the leak** (if identifiable)  
* **All damaged areas** (including floors, walls, ceilings, and furniture)  
* **A detailed inventory** of damaged belongings, including approximate values  
* **Original receipts** for damaged items, if you still have them

Send this documentation to your landlord and keep copies for your own records. The more thorough your evidence, the smoother your insurance claim will be.

## 5\. Understand which insurance applies

This is where many people in Germany get confused. 

Water damage claims often involve multiple insurance policies, and knowing which one applies first can save you significant money and hassle.

### The three types of insurance for water damage

#### 1\. Building Insurance (Gebäudeversicherung)

This policy covers damage to the building structure itself: 

* Walls  
* Floors  
* Ceilings  
* Pipes  
* And fixed installations.

If water leaked from any pipe or connection attached to the mains supply (dishwasher, washing machine, shower, radiator), building insurance handles the structural damage first. 

This applies whether the leak was in your apartment or damaged a neighbour's ceiling, walls pr apartments.

**Why does building insurance come first?** 

Because it covers repairs at full replacement value, while liability insurance typically only covers current depreciated value. 

Starting with building insurance protects everyone from being left out of pocket.

#### 2\. Liability Insurance (Privathaftpflichtversicherung)

If something you did caused the leak, liability insurance covers damage to other people's property:

* Your landlord's fixtures  
* Your neighbour's furniture  
* Or their personal belongings.

The building insurance company may contact your liability insurer directly to share costs once they've processed the structural damage claim.

Learn more about [how liability insurance works in Germany](https://feather-insurance.com/blog/liability-insurance-germany-guide).

#### 3\. Contents Insurance (Hausratversicherung)

This policy covers damage to your personal belongings. 

The general rule is that you're covered when a pipe bursts or an external pipe leaks and damages your possessions.

**What counts as an external pipe?** Pipes you can easily see and access: under your kitchen sink, connecting your washing machine, or feeding your radiators.

**What counts as an internal pipe?** Hidden plumbing within walls, under floors, or behind tiles (like bathtub and shower plumbing).

Learn more about how [home contents insurance works in Germany](https://feather-insurance.com/blog/contents-insurance-germany-guide).

## 6\. Understand what each insurance covers

### Building insurance covers:

* Inspections to determine the leak source  
* Professional drying of affected apartments  
* Renovation costs (floor repair, repainting walls, replacing wallpaper)  
* Loss of rental income for the landlord if tenants need to move out during repairs (in some cases)

**Note for tenants:** If your apartment becomes uninhabitable during repairs, you may be entitled to reduced rent or not have to pay rent for that period. This isn't covered by building insurance—it's a separate tenant's right. 

Check with a Mieterverein (tenants' association) to see if you qualify.

### Building insurance does *not* cover:

* Furniture and personal belongings  
* Non-structural items (rugs, electronics, clothing)  
* Damage to movable property

### Liability insurance covers:

* Damage to your landlord's property (fixtures, fittings) if something you did caused the leak  
* Damage to your neighbour's furniture and personal belongings  
* Third-party property damage resulting from water originating in your apartment, when at fault.

### Liability insurance does *not* cover:

* Your own belongings (that's what contents insurance is for)  
* Structural damage to the building (handled by building insurance first)  
* Damage where you weren't at fault

### Contents insurance covers:

* Damage to your personal belongings from covered leaks  
* Items damaged by water from heating systems, aquariums, air conditioners, water beds, or sprinkler systems

### Contents insurance does *not* cover:

* Damage from overflowing taps or bathtubs (user error)  
* Water splashed during normal use  
* Blocked drains  
* Damage to the building structure itself

## 7\. Be prepared if your landlord refuses to file a claim

This happens more often than you'd expect. Landlords sometimes resist filing claims because it may increase their premiums. 

Here's what you need to know:

**By law, all property owners in multi-apartment buildings must have building insurance.** 

As a tenant, you're likely already paying for this coverage through your Nebenkosten (ancillary costs) as part of your monthly rent.

### If your landlord refuses to submit a claim:

1. Have your [liability insurance](https://feather-insurance.com/personal-liability-insurance) formally request that they do so  
2. If they still refuse, contact a Mieterverein (tenants' association) for advice  
3. Consider seeking legal assistance if the landlord continues to obstruct

### If your landlord claims the building insurance denied coverage:

Ask for a copy of the denial letter in writing. 

You're not obligated to pay for structural repairs without written confirmation that building insurance won't cover them. 

Once you have the letter, provide it to your liability insurer.

Never pay for repairs yourself, expecting reimbursement. Work through the proper insurance channels first.

### What about the floors you installed yourself?

This is a common point of confusion. The rule is straightforward:

The **first habitable floor** of a property is always covered by building insurance, regardless of who purchased or installed it.

For example…

You move into an apartment with vinyl flooring and install parquet on top. 

If water damages your parquet, that's covered by your contents insurance. But if you installed flooring directly onto unsealed concrete, damage would be a building insurance claim.

## 8\. Remove standing water (quickly)

The longer water sits, the worse the damage becomes. Start drying your apartment as soon as it's safe to do so.

### What you can do yourself:

* Use a wet/dry vacuum (Nasssauger) for efficient water extraction  
* Mop up standing water with towels and buckets  
* Open windows to increase airflow  
* Run dehumidifiers and fans to circulate air  
* Check humidity levels regularly

### For severe flooding or professional drying:

Don't arrange professional water damage restoration services yourself: you'll likely be left out of pocket. 

Instead, contact your landlord and ask them to arrange this. 

They can claim the costs through their building insurance, which typically covers professional drying and inspections.

The same applies to checking hard-to-reach areas like behind walls, under floors, and in insulation. Your landlord should arrange for professionals to inspect these spaces, as the building insurance will cover it. 

If you pay for these services yourself, you'd need to ask your landlord to submit your invoices to their building insurance for reimbursement—a process that's often complicated and not guaranteed.

This drying process can take up to a week for larger leaks. Stay in contact with your landlord throughout to ensure everything is properly addressed.

## 9\. Check for mould

Mould can begin growing within 24 to 48 hours of water exposure. Early detection is critical.

**Watch our for these signs of mould:**

* Black spots or discolouration on walls, ceilings, or floors  
* Musty or unusual odours  
* New stains that appeared after the leak

Check hidden areas thoroughly: under carpets, behind furniture, inside cupboards, and along baseboards.

**If you find mould, report it to the landlord, and insist they call a professional immediately.** 

Mould remediation can cost tens of thousands of euros if left untreated, and most insurance policies don't cover mould damage caused by neglected water damage.

## 10\. Assess (and save) your belongings

Once your apartment is dry, evaluate what's salvageable.

**Generally:**

* Furniture, rugs, and upholstered items submerged for more than 24 hours need replacing  
* Hard surfaces can often be cleaned and dried  
* Electronics exposed to water should be professionally inspected before use  
* Sentimental items may be professionally restored by specialists

Keep damaged items until your insurance claim is processed. You may need to show them to an assessor.

## 11\. File your insurance claim

With your documentation ready, it's time to file your claim.

**If you’re a Feather customer, follow these steps:**

1. Log in to your [Feather account](https://app.feather-insurance.com/me/policies) (or contact your provider directly)  
2. Navigate to your liability or contents policy  
3. Select "file a claim" and provide comprehensive details  
4. Upload all photos, videos, and documentation  
5. Respond promptly to any requests for additional information  
6. Receive your decision (typically within 2–4 weeks for straightforward cases)

## 12\. Prevent future water damage

Once you've recovered from this leak, take steps to prevent the next one.

**Preventative measures for tenants:**

1. **Have appliances professionally installed.** When setting up a washing machine, dishwasher, or other water-connected appliance, have a professional handle the installation. Faulty connections are a common cause of leaks. And if improper installation causes damage, you could be held liable.  
2. **Install water leak sensors** in high-risk areas, such as near washing machines, under sinks, beside water heaters, and around toilets. Smart sensors can alert your phone the moment they detect moisture.  
3. **Ensure you have proper insurance coverage:**  
   * Liability insurance protects you when you cause damage to others  
   * Contents insurance covers your belongings  
   * Building insurance (for homeowners) covers structural damage

Learn more about [the most important types of insurance in Germany](https://feather-insurance.com/blog/types-of-insurance-germany).

## Conclusion

Water damage in a German apartment is stressful, but manageable if you act quickly and understand the system.

**Remember these essentials:**

* Safety first—check for electrical hazards before entering wet areas  
* Stop the leak and notify your landlord immediately, following up in writing  
* Document everything with photos, videos, and inventories  
* Building insurance handles structural damage first; liability and contents insurance cover property damage  
* Your landlord cannot refuse to file a building insurance claim if you're contributing through Nebenkosten  
* Dry your apartment quickly to prevent mould growth  
* Call your landlord and ensure they contact professionals for contaminated water, mould, or extensive damage

Water damage is never fun, but with the right preparation and insurance coverage, you can navigate the situation without financial disaster.

Protect your things from fires, floods, and more

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Is contents insurance worth it in 2026? A look at the data.

Imagine a fire in the flat above yours destroying everything you own, a burglar taking your electronics, or a burst pipe flooding your living room. 


Suddenly, replacing your furniture, electronics, and clothes could cost tens of thousands of euros.


What do you do?


One option is to pay for everything out of pocket, but most people will find this financially challenging.


That’s where **[household contents insurance](https://feather-insurance.com/household-insurance)** comes in (aka contents insurance).


Also called household insurance, it protects you financially if your belongings are damaged or lost due to events like fire, theft, or natural disasters. Instead of covering the entire cost of replacement yourself, your insurance steps in.


Of course, insurance isn’t free. You’ll pay monthly or yearly, which leads to the big question:


**Is contents insurance worth it?**


On one hand, if nothing ever happens, you might feel like you’ve wasted money. On the other hand, if something unexpected happens, the financial relief can be priceless.


So, let’s break it down and find out.

There are three types of home insurance in Germany — and most expats end up with the wrong one (or none at all). Théo breaks down what each one covers, who needs what, and how to stop overpaying.


Do you actually need home insurance in Germany?

A complete guide to home insurance in Germany for expats. Théo from Feather breaks down the three types of home insurance — Hausratversicherung, Wohngebäudeversicherung, and Haftpflicht für Hausbesitzer — and explains who needs each, what they cover, what they don't, and how much they cost.


Do You Actually Need Home Insurance in Germany?

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## What are the pros and cons of contents insurance?


Contents insurance can protect you from substantial financial losses, but it’s not perfect. Let’s look at the benefits and drawbacks to help you decide if it’s right for you.




| **Pros** | **Cons** |
| --- | --- |
| **Peace of mind:** Knowing you’ll be reimbursed for your belongings is a huge relief if disaster strikes. It’s protection against life’s unfair surprises. | **Risk of being underinsured:** If you underestimate the total value of your belongings, your insurer may only pay part of your claim. |
| **Highly customizable coverage:** You can tailor your policy to cover extras like bicycle theft, broken glass, negligence, or moving expenses. | **Depreciation risk:** Without a “new\-for\-old” policy, you’ll only be reimbursed for your items’ current (used) value, which accounts for wear and tear. |
| **Bicycle coverage:** Most policies include bicycle coverage if they’re secured with a lock. You can add extra coverage or get a [bike\-specific policy](https://feather-insurance.com/en-de/bike-insurance) for expensive ones. | **Limited coverage for individual items:** You can’t insure just one item or room. The whole apartment must be covered. |
| **Temporary accommodation:** Policies often cover temporary living costs if your home becomes uninhabitable due to a covered event like fire or flooding. | **Exclusions apply:** Some events, like war, nuclear accidents, flooding, earthquakes, or intentional damage, are typically not covered. |
| **Affordable:** Contents insurance offers excellent value. For as little as 5–7 euros a month, you can insure items worth 50,000–60,000 euros. |  |


Wondering “*how contents insurance even works?*” Read our guide to [contents insurance in Germany](https://feather-insurance.com/blog/contents-insurance-germany-guide/).


## How popular is household contents insurance in Germany?


It is one of the most widely used [types of insurance in Germany](https://feather-insurance.com/blog/types-of-insurance-germany/). 


According to the [German Insurance Association](https://www.gdv.de/gdv/themen/gesellschaft/versicherungsschutz-versicherungsdichte-ueberversicherung-49418), 75\.7% of households have insured their belongings.


But why is it so popular?


The answer becomes clear when you examine the damage claims paid out each year. 


Germans file claims for a wide range of incidents, and insurance companies cover significant amounts to help them recover. Here’s a breakdown of the major categories of claims:




| **Claim Category** | **Total Claims Paid (in millions of euros)** |
| --- | --- |
| Burglary/Theft | 440 |
| Fire | 350 |
| Pipe burst | 280 |
| Storm \& Hail | 50 |
| Natural Hazards\* | 30 |
| Broken and damaged glass | 20 |
| **Total** | **1,170** |


Data sourced from [HIC GmbH](https://www.die-finanzconcepter.de/blog/2020/10/16/eine-kurze-statistik-der-hausrat-schaeden/).


\*Includes flooding, backwater, earthquakes, landslides, etc.


In total, insurance companies reimbursed over **1\.1 billion euros** for household damage claims in a single year.


### What does this mean for you?


Let’s break it down. 


If we divide the total claims paid out by the number of insured households, the average policyholder is reimbursed **€34\.80 annually**.\*


This means if your [contents insurance quote](https://feather-insurance.com/household-insurance) is less than €35 per year, the protection might be well worth it.


Germany’s high percentage of insured households reflects just how much people value this protection. 


And, when you see the numbers, it’s easy to understand why.


*\*Calculated as* [*Total claim paid out by insurance companies*](https://www.die-finanzconcepter.de/blog/2020/10/16/eine-kurze-statistik-der-hausrat-schaeden/)*/*[*number of insured households*](https://www.gdv.de/gdv/themen/gesellschaft/versicherungsschutz-versicherungsdichte-ueberversicherung-49418)*.*


## What does contents insurance actually cost in Germany?


On average, it costs **€9 to €15 per month**, making it surprisingly affordable. 


When you compare that to Feather’s average claim payout of **€654\.50**, it’s clear that this small cost offers significant value. Some payouts are much higher too—up to **€4,500** in extreme cases.


Interestingly, many people file their first claim within three months of getting their policy. That shows how quickly unexpected problems can arise sooner than expected, making this coverage even more helpful.


### What factors affect the cost of contents insurance?


While the average cost is low, your exact premium depends on a few factors:


1. **Your zip code:** Where you live matters. Some areas, like Berlin, have higher risks for burglary or other incidents, leading to higher premiums.
2. **Value of your belongings:** The more you want to insure, the more your policy will cost.
3. **Optional add\-ons:** Your premium will increase if you need extra coverage, like protection for high\-value items or specific risks.
4. **Deductible:** This is the amount you pay out of pocket before the insurance kicks in. A €0 deductible policy, like Feather’s, will cost more than one with a higher deductible.


Of these, **the total sum insured** (value of your belongings) has the most significant impact on cost, followed by your location.


To give you an idea of how premiums vary, here’s a table showing the cost to insure a **90\-square\-meter apartment** with belongings valued at **€60,000** in different German cities:




| **City** | **Cost (Monthly)** |
| --- | --- |
| Dresden | €3\.66 |
| Munich | €3\.07 |
| Stuttgart | €3\.40 |
| Berlin | €7\.29 |
| Hamburg | €7\.50 |
| Dusseldorf | €7\.13 |
| Leipzig | €4\.53 |
| Bremen | €6\.34 |
| Aachen | €7\.44 |
| Hanover | €5\.03 |
| Potsdam | €3\.87 |
| Cologne | €6\.39 |
| Frankfurt | €6\.32 |
| Dortmund | €7\.68 |


## What does contents insurance pay for?


Contents insurance is there to protect you when life throws unexpected problems your way. 


But it’s important to know exactly what is—and isn’t—covered. This way, you can avoid surprises if you ever need to make a claim.


Here’s a breakdown of what most contents insurance policies cover, what some may include, and what’s generally excluded.


### What most plans cover


The following risks are typically included in standard contents insurance policies:


- **Burglaries:** Coverage for stolen belongings after a break\-in.
- **Pipe bursts:** Protection if a water pipe bursts and damages your property.
- **Fire and explosion:** Damage caused by fire or explosions is usually covered.
- **Lightning strikes:** If lightning damages your belongings, insurance can help.
- **Storm and hail:** Policies often cover damage from severe weather like storms and hail.


### **What some plans may cover**


These features might be included in more comprehensive plans or as optional add\-ons:


- **Bicycle theft:** Coverage for bikes stolen at home or in public (if locked).
- **Natural hazards:** Includes events like flooding, earthquakes, or landslides.
- **Broken glass:** Covers damage to windows, glass furniture, or mirrors.
- **Moving expenses:** If you can’t live in your apartment after an insured event (like a fire), your policy might help with temporary housing costs.
- **Negligence:** For example, if you accidentally leave a candle burning and cause a fire, some policies will still cover the damage.
- **Student accommodation:** Some plans allow you to cover belongings in a child’s dorm or rented room while they study away from home.


### **What few or no plans cover**


Certain things are almost never covered by contents insurance:


- **Unexplained loss or damage:** If something is lost or broken without a clear cause, you likely won’t be reimbursed.
- **Wear and tear:** Normal aging or deterioration of items over time isn’t covered.
- **Poor maintenance:** Damage caused by neglect, like ignoring leaks, is excluded.
- **Mechanical or electrical breakdown:** Appliances or electronics failing due to internal issues are not included.
- **Faulty workmanship or DIY errors:** Mistakes from DIY projects or poor repairs aren’t covered.
- **Pet damage:** Damage caused by pets, such as chewed furniture or stained carpets, won’t be reimbursed.


**Sometimes,** the best household insurance policies can include some of the “may cover” or even “usually excluded” items. That’s why it’s important to read the fine print or speak to your insurance provider or an independent broker.


## Alternatives to contents insurance


Contents insurance is a smart investment, but it’s not for everyone. If you’re not convinced, that’s okay. You still need a plan to replace your belongings if something unexpected happens.


Here are three alternatives to consider:


### 1\. Self\-insure your things


Instead of paying an insurance company, you can save money to cover future losses.


Here’s how it works: Insurance companies collect premiums and invest them to pay future claims. You can take a similar approach by setting aside savings to replace your belongings when needed.


- Start by estimating how much you’d need. Our guideline is **€650 per square meter** of living space to cover the cost of typical household items.
- Save a percentage of your income, such as **3% to 10% of your salary**, and deposit it into a high\-yield savings account or [private pension plan](https://feather-insurance.com/pension-insurance).


While self\-insuring gives you more control over your money, it can take time to build up enough savings and won’t protect you immediately.


### 2\. Extended warranties


Extended warranties or protection plans can be a good option for expensive items like electronics, appliances, or furniture.


- These plans cover specific issues like **mechanical failures or defects** for a period, often beyond the manufacturer’s standard warranty.
- They don’t cover broader risks like **theft, fire, or natural disasters**, so they’re more limited than insurance.


Think of this as protecting individual high\-value items rather than your entire home.


### 3\. Invest in security


Instead of insuring your belongings, you could focus on preventing damage or theft altogether. 


For example:


- Install **advanced home security systems** such as alarm systems, surveillance cameras, or motion detectors.
- Consider adding **fire safety equipment** like smoke detectors and sprinkler systems to minimize fire\-related risks.


While these tools don’t cover financial losses, they can significantly reduce the likelihood of something going wrong in the first place.


These alternatives can be helpful, but they’re not perfect substitutes for contents insurance. 


Saving money or using security measures can protect you in certain situations, but they won’t cover everything—especially in the case of major events like fire or flooding.


If you’re unsure, consider how much you’d need to spend to replace all your belongings simultaneously.


## The verdict: is contents insurance worth it?


**Our opinion? Absolutely. Contents insurance is definitely worth the cost.**


Unless you’re wealthy enough to easily replace your home furniture, kitchen appliances, and everything else, getting this policy is a no\-brainer.


Why? 


Because the cost is minimal compared to the potential payout, spending **€3 a month** can prevent you from spending **€5,000 or more** on a single claim.


You’ll need a backup plan for unexpected events if that seems too much. This could mean setting aside monthly savings, improving your home’s security, or seeking support from family, friends, or the community.


Either way, it’s essential to prepare—because when the unexpected happens, having a safety net makes all the difference.

Sign up for household contents insurance

[BP] is household contents insurance worth it

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What is household contents insurance? What does it cover?

Like most insurances, household contents insurance is what you wish you had gotten after something happens like a burglary or fire. Plans also start €2\.5 per month depending on the size of your home and the amount of coverage you want. 


## What can you expect from your household contents insurance coverage?


There will most likely be different reasons why you’ll need to use household contents insurance, so we can start off with an example: 


Imagine Charlie has moved to Berlin to freelance and is told that he needs to get household contents insurance by a coworker. After signing up and working for a few years, the apartment underneath his catches fire. 


The fire starts right after Charlie leaves to go see a new client, so he is unaware of what is happening. While someone is able to save his dog, everything else in the apartment is too damaged to be salvaged and fire has made it unsafe to live in. The damages include a lot of technology that Charlie normally uses when working. If Charlie’s dog has any injuries, he could make use of his [dog health insurance](https://feather-insurance.com/pet-health-insurance/dog).


Household contents insurance would not only cover replacements for things in the home, but it would also cover an apartment for Charlie and his dog to stay in while they search for a new place to live.


He will need to provide pictures and photos of the contents in his home when filing the claim. This can all be done from his Feather account.


## **What exactly is covered?**


Household contents insurance covers everything in your house that’s not part of the structure. This includes:


- Furniture, rugs, carpets, and decorations;
- Clothing;
- Electrical appliances;
- Curtains and blinds;
- Cash and valuables like jewelry (in limited amounts).



[Get a quote](https://feather-insurance.com/household-insurance)

## **When can I ask for compensation?**


Most household insurance policies cover a wide variety of incidents (known as *insured events*) that result in damage to or loss of property. Coverage under the Feather policy includes: 


- Damage by fire and lightning;
- electrical surges;
- explosions;
- civil unrest;
- strikes;
- Loss of or damage to property caused by burglary and attempted burglary and robbery;
- Damage caused by tapwater and leaks (e.g. if a pipe bursts and damages your stereo system, you’ll be reimbursed);
- Damage caused by acts of nature, including storms and hail.


In many cases, you can also be compensated for costs related to insured events, including:


- Hotel stays, if the damage renders your home unusable;
- The cost of changing locks (e.g. following a burglary);
- Transport or travel costs (e.g. if you need to return from a trip in order to handle your affairs following an insured event).


## **Are my belongings insured even when they’re not in my home?**


For the most part, your policy covers property inside the insured location on your contract. But in some cases, it may also cover theft of belongings that are temporarily outside the home (e.g. if your gym bag or purse is stolen at your office or fitness studio). 


## **When does my contract start and how can I end it?**


Your policy begins from the day agreed upon in the contract with the condition that the first payment is made on time. If you’re late, this means that you might have to contact us to see when your insurance will start. 


You have the right to cancel your contract at any time, and your policy will be inactive from the moment we get your request (or the date named on your termination). 


Looking for other [add\-ons insurance plans](https://blog.feather-insurance.com/supplemental-insurance/) like dental or legal insurance? Explore all our plans below:



[Take a look](https://app.feather-insurance.com/questionnaire/year_of_birth?utm_source=blog&utm_medium=organic&utm_campaign=what_is_household_contents)

[BP] what is household contents insurance and what does it cover

Best contents insurance in Germany 2026: Top 4 providers compared

You've signed the lease, the boxes are unpacked, and your sofa is finally where it belongs. Now let's talk about one thing most expats overlook in their first year in Germany: protecting the stuff inside that apartment.

Because accidents happen.

- A box slips down the stairwell on moving day and "fragile" really does mean broken.
- Your upstairs neighbour's pipe bursts and your laptop becomes a casualty.
- A burglar walks off with your bike from the cellar — one of [245,868 reported in Germany in 2024](https://www.bka.de/SharedDocs/Kurzmeldungen/DE/Kurzmeldungen/250423_Entwicklung_Diebstahlskriminalität.html).
- A candle is left burning a minute too long and your living room rug becomes a claim.

That's where household contents insurance — also called [home insurance](https://feather-insurance.com/household-insurance/home), or *Hausratversicherung* in German — comes in. It's the policy that pays to replace your belongings after fire, theft, water damage, or storm damage. About **75% of German households** carry it, and most landlords expect it for furnished rentals.

But there are 90+ providers on the German market, the contracts are in German, and the small print is full of clauses (Unterversicherung, Fahrradklausel, grobe Fahrlässigkeit) that can turn a paid claim into a denied one.

This guide compares the **4 best contents insurance providers in Germany for 2026** — Feather, AXA, Gothaer, and Ammerländer — across pricing, coverage, English support, and the gotchas that catch most expats off guard. If you've just landed in Germany, start with our overview of [the types of insurance you need in Germany](https://feather-insurance.com/blog/types-of-insurance-germany), or our guides for those moving from [the UK](https://feather-insurance.com/blog/moving-to-germany-from-uk) or [the US](https://feather-insurance.com/blog/moving-to-germany-from-usa).

**Disclaimer:**

*This article reflects our independent assessment and methodology. The "best" contents insurance for you depends on the size of your home, the value of your belongings, and your individual situation. We're an [English-speaking insurance broker](https://feather-insurance.com/household-insurance) — Feather appears in this list because we genuinely believe it's the strongest option for English-speaking expats, but we encourage you to review our methodology and to compare quotes yourself.*

*Insurance plans, pricing, and Trustpilot ratings can change. The information in this article was last updated on April 16, 2026.*

## The 4 best Hausratversicherung providers in Germany at a glance

Here's how the four providers compare for a typical expat — a 70m² apartment in Berlin with €45,500 of insured contents, no deductible, January 2026 quotes.

| **Provider** | **Best for** | **Starting price** | **English support** | **Bike theft add-on** | **Gross-negligence waiver** | **Trustpilot rating** |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| **Feather** | English-speaking expats | From €2.33/mo (~€28/yr) | Yes — full app, chat, email, video | Yes (optional) | Yes — up to full insured sum | [4.8/5](https://www.trustpilot.com/review/feather-insurance.com) |
| **AXA** | Premium / full coverage | From €5/mo (~€62/yr) | Limited | Yes (optional) | Yes — up to full insured sum (M plan and above) | [1.4/5](https://www.trustpilot.com/review/www.axa.de) |
| **Gothaer** | Families & growing households | From €3.06/mo (~€65/yr) | No | Yes (optional) | Yes — included in all tariffs | [2.3/5](https://www.trustpilot.com/review/gothaer.de) |
| **Ammerländer** | Digital risk & cyber add-ons | From €3.00/mo (~€36/yr) | No | Yes (optional) | Yes — included in higher tiers | [4.2/5](https://www.trustpilot.com/review/www.ammerlaender-versicherung.de) |

**Our top pick for expats:** Feather — the only provider on this list with full English-language support across sign-up, claims, and customer service, and currently the highest-rated insurance broker in Germany on Trustpilot.

[Get your Feather Hausratversicherung quote in English](https://feather-insurance.com/household-insurance) → takes about 3 minutes.

## How we picked the 4 best providers

Our process began with our internal insurance experts identifying 15 contenders, then narrowing the field through three rounds of evaluation: policy document review, customer-sentiment analysis, and English-support testing. The full step-by-step is below — but here's the short version of why these four made the final cut.

### How Stiftung Warentest's 2024 Hausratversicherung test shaped our picks

[Stiftung Warentest's 2024 review of contents insurance](https://www.test.de/Hausratversicherung-Vergleich-5069958-0/) is the closest thing Germany has to a gold-standard insurance benchmark. They tested **89 insurers across 260 tariffs** for a 100m² owner-occupied apartment. Two findings shaped our shortlist:

- **Price ratio of 1:6.3** for comparable cover — the cheapest recommended tariff was €38/year, the most expensive €240/year. Price alone is a poor signal of quality.
- **Only tariffs that include a gross-negligence waiver were recommended.** Without this clause, an insurer can deny your claim for forgetting to lock the door, leaving a tap running, or letting a candle burn unattended. Every provider in our top 4 includes this waiver in at least one of their tariffs (Gothaer and Ammerländer in their starting tier; Feather and AXA via add-on).

Stiftung Warentest's "particularly affordable" picks (Schleswiger, Schwarzwälder Direkt, Waldenburger) are German-only providers we don't recommend for English-speaking expats. Their top coverage-quality picks (Allianz, Gothaer, Ammerländer, InterRisk — rated by Franke & Bornberg) overlap with two of our four — Gothaer and Ammerländer — and validate that ranking.

### The five steps of our methodology

1. **Identifying top contenders.** Our internal insurance experts shortlisted 15 providers offering Hausratversicherung in Germany, prioritising insurers with established track records and broad coverage options.
2. **Data collection.** We requested quotes and sample policies from each — about 50 distinct policies in total — and pulled out the key details: price, what's covered, what's excluded, coverage limits, deductibles, and claim caps.
3. **Reading the fine print.** We went past the marketing pages and into the AVB (Allgemeine Versicherungsbedingungen) — the legally binding terms. This is where bicycle clauses, valuables caps, and empty-flat exclusions hide.
4. **Customer sentiment evaluation.** We reviewed Trustpilot ratings as a satisfaction proxy, knowing it skews negative (unhappy customers are more vocal). We cross-checked against expat-community discussions on Reddit and Toytown Germany.
5. **English-speaking support assessment.** We called each provider's helpline 10 times across three weeks, at different times of day, and tested whether we could reach an English-speaking representative.

The customer-review and methodology data was last updated on April 16, 2026.

## What is household contents insurance (Hausratversicherung)?

**Hausratversicherung** is the German term for contents insurance — the policy that covers your personal belongings inside your home against fire, theft, water damage, storms, and (with add-ons) things like bicycle theft and electronic damage.

The simplest way to think about it: imagine you grabbed your apartment by the corners and turned it upside down. Anything that falls out — furniture, electronics, clothing, kitchenware, books, your bike in the hallway — is your *Hausrat*. Anything that stays attached to the structure (walls, fitted kitchen, built-in wardrobes the landlord installed, the boiler) is the **building**, and that's covered by your landlord's *Wohngebäudeversicherung*, not yours.

For a deeper dive into how the policy works — including limits, claim windows, and exclusions — see our [comprehensive guide to contents insurance in Germany](https://feather-insurance.com/blog/contents-insurance-germany-guide). If you're still asking yourself whether you need it, our piece on [is household contents insurance worth it](https://feather-insurance.com/blog/is-household-contents-insurance-worth-it) walks through the math.

### Is contents insurance mandatory in Germany?

**No.** Hausratversicherung is not legally required in Germany. Unlike *Privathaftpflicht* (personal liability) or your obligatory health insurance, no law forces you to buy it.

That said, two situations make it functionally required:

- **Furnished rentals.** Many landlords expect tenants of furnished apartments to carry contents insurance (and may write it into the rental contract) so that damage to the furniture they own is covered.
- **Mortgage lenders.** If you've bought property in Germany, your bank will almost always require buildings insurance — and many bundle contents cover into the same conversation.

For everyone else, it's voluntary. But with **75.7% of German households** carrying it (per [GDV market data](https://www.gdv.de/gdv/statistik/statistiken-zur-deutschen-versicherungswirtschaft-uebersicht)), it's effectively the default.


### Building insurance vs. contents insurance — what's the difference?

This is the single biggest source of expat confusion. The split:

- **Wohngebäudeversicherung (building insurance):** Covers the physical structure — walls, roof, fitted kitchen, fixed plumbing, fixed electrics. Held by the **owner** of the property (your landlord, if you rent).
- **Hausratversicherung (contents insurance):** Covers everything *inside* the structure that belongs to **you** — furniture, electronics, clothing, your bike, your laptop, your wedding ring. Held by **whoever owns the contents** (you, the tenant).

A useful test: if a pipe bursts in the wall above your bedroom, your landlord's building insurance pays to fix the pipe and re-plaster the ceiling. Your contents insurance pays to replace the soaked mattress, the ruined laptop on the bedside table, and the books on the floor. (Our [water damage in Germany](https://feather-insurance.com/blog/water-damage) guide walks through the full claim sequence.)

If you want a deeper breakdown of every category Hausratversicherung covers — and the few it doesn't — see our guide on [what household contents insurance covers](https://feather-insurance.com/blog/what-is-contents-insurance).

**One more important distinction:** contents insurance is *not* the same as personal liability insurance (*Haftpflichtversicherung*). Hausrat covers your stuff; Haftpflicht covers damage you cause to other people or their property. Most German households have both — see our [liability insurance in Germany guide](https://feather-insurance.com/blog/liability-insurance-germany-guide) and our review of the [best liability insurance providers in Germany](https://feather-insurance.com/blog/best-liability-insurance-germany).

### Disclaimer

*Policy details vary between insurers, and each provider offers multiple tariffs. We selected the tariff we found most representative for an English-speaking expat, but exploring all the options on offer may lead you to a better fit. Speaking with an insurance expert can provide more personalised guidance than this article alone.*

## 1. Feather — Best for English-speaking expats

**Recommended plan:** Extended coverage
**Starting price:** From €2.33/month (~€28/year for a 70m² apartment in Nuremberg)

### Coverage at a glance

- Fire, smoke, lightning, explosion
- Water damage (burst pipes, leaks, washing machine overflows)
- Storm and hail damage
- Burglary, robbery, and vandalism
- Optional: bicycle theft (Fahrradklausel) — covers bikes stolen outside the home
- Optional: glass breakage (windows, glass tabletops, ceramic hobs)
- Optional: gross negligence waiver — up to the full insured sum
- Optional: cover for damage during a house move
- Hotel/rental costs covered for up to **180 days** if your home is uninhabitable after an insured event

### Pricing example (70m² apartment, €45,500 insured sum, 0€ deductible, January 2026)

| City | Estimated annual premium |
|------|-------------------------|
| Nuremberg | ~€28/year (€2.33/mo) |
| Munich | ~€28-32/year |
| Berlin | ~€40-45/year (higher burglary risk premium) |

Final price depends on postal code, exact insured sum, and which add-ons (bike, glass, gross negligence) you select.

### Pros & cons

| **Pros** | **Cons** |
| --- | --- |
| ✅ Full English support — chat, email, video, voice | ❌ No coverage for pickpocketing |
| ✅ Fully digital sign-up and claims via the app | ❌ Coverage limits apply to high-value items stored outside a safe |
| ✅ Cancel anytime | ❌ Single rooms cannot be insured (must cover the entire house or flat) |
| ✅ Highly customisable add-ons | |
| ✅ Highest-rated insurance broker in Germany on Trustpilot | |

### Our take

Feather takes the top spot in our 2026 ranking for one simple reason: it's the only provider on this list where everything — sign-up, contract explanation, claim filing, and ongoing support — happens in **English**, end to end.

The Extended cover plan goes well beyond the legal baseline. You can bolt on cover for bicycle theft, broken glass, gross negligence, and damage during a move. If an insured event leaves your apartment uninhabitable, the plan pays for hotel or temporary rental costs for up to **180 days** — six months of breathing room while a flat is repaired or you find a new one.

Customer support is available via chat, email, video and voice calls every day of the week. Policy management — from sign-up to claims — is handled through the Feather app, which avoids the German-language paperwork most other insurers still rely on.

With a Trustpilot rating of [4.8/5 across 4,000+ reviews](https://www.trustpilot.com/review/feather-insurance.com), Feather has the strongest customer-satisfaction profile of any provider in this comparison — and is currently the best-rated insurance company in Germany.

### Best for

English-speaking expats who want a fully digital experience and don't want to navigate German-language insurance paperwork or call centres.

### Disclaimer

*This is our list, and with 7+ years of insurance experience and great client reviews, we feel that we've earned a top spot for expats in Germany. That said, feel free to take it with as many grains of salt as you'd like. The strengths and weaknesses listed above are based on the Extended coverage tariff specifically.*

## 2. AXA — Best for full-coverage premium seekers

**Recommended plan:** L (top tier)
**Starting price:** From €5/month — AXA M plan example: **€62.48/year for a 70m² apartment in Nuremberg** (effective January 2026, AXA rate calculator)

### Coverage at a glance

- All standard perils (fire, water, theft, storm)
- Optional bicycle theft cover (Fahrradklausel) — high coverage caps
- Gross negligence cover up to the full insured sum (M plan and above)
- "Best performance guarantee" on tariff L — if you find better cover elsewhere, AXA matches it
- Wide range of add-ons including elementary damage, glass, and electronic equipment cover

### Pricing example (70m² apartment, €45,500 insured sum, 0€ deductible, January 2026)

| City | Estimated annual premium (M plan) |
|------|-----------------------------------|
| Nuremberg | €62.48/year |
| Munich | ~€62/year |
| Berlin | ~€87/year |

### Pros & cons

| **Pros** | **Cons** |
| --- | --- |
| ✅ Highly customisable across 3 tariffs and 7 add-ons | ❌ Poor Trustpilot reviews ([1.4/5](https://www.trustpilot.com/review/www.axa.de)) |
| ✅ Best performance guarantee on the L tariff | ❌ Limited English support |
| ✅ Gross negligence cover included from the M plan upward | ❌ Tariff structure is complex — choosing the right plan is challenging |

### Our take

AXA's L plan is the top tier of one of Europe's biggest insurers. Its standout feature is the **best performance guarantee**: if you find broader coverage from a competitor at a comparable price, AXA will match it. For expats who want maximum protection and don't want to second-guess their decision, this is a strong commitment.

The plan also includes protection against damage caused by gross negligence, so you're not out of pocket if you forget to switch off the iron. AXA is also one of the few providers offering meaningful elementary-damage cover (flooding, earthquake, landslide) without significant exclusions.

The downsides are real: AXA's [Trustpilot rating of 1.4/5](https://www.trustpilot.com/review/www.axa.de) is the lowest in this comparison. Customer support is primarily in German, and navigating between the three main tariffs (S, M, L) and seven optional add-ons can feel overwhelming.

### Best for

Customers prioritising premium, fully customised cover from a large established insurer — and who are comfortable navigating contracts and customer service in German.

### Disclaimer

*We focused on the L plan because it represents AXA's top tier of cover. AXA's S and M plans offer simpler, cheaper alternatives that may suit you better. Visit AXA's website for full tariff details.*

## 3. Gothaer — Best for families and growing households

**Recommended plan:** Plus or Premium (depending on family size)
**Starting price:** From €3.06/month — Gothaer Basis: **€64.73/year for a 70m² apartment in Nuremberg** (January 2026 quote). Top-rated for coverage quality by Franke & Bornberg.

### Coverage at a glance

- All standard perils (fire, water, theft, storm)
- **Gross negligence cover included in all three tariffs** (Basis, Plus, Premium)
- Innovation clause — automatic upgrade if Gothaer adds new benefits to the policy
- Children setting up their first independent household covered for up to €20,000 (6 months in Plus, 12 months in Premium)
- Travel-cost reimbursement if you cut a holiday short due to an insured event at home (Premium)
- Theft and pickpocketing cover up to €3,000 (Premium)

### Pricing example (70m² apartment, €45,500 insured sum, 0€ deductible, January 2026)

| City | Estimated annual premium (Basis) |
|------|----------------------------------|
| Nuremberg | €64.73/year |
| Munich | ~€65/year |
| Berlin | ~€91/year |

### Pros & cons

| **Pros** | **Cons** |
| --- | --- |
| ✅ Innovation clause across all tariffs | ❌ Limited English support |
| ✅ Extended cover for children moving out for the first time | ❌ Trustpilot rating of [2.3/5](https://www.trustpilot.com/review/gothaer.de) |
| ✅ Gross negligence included in every tariff | ❌ Basis plan has limited coverage caps for valuable items |
| ✅ Holiday-cut-short reimbursement (Premium) | |

### Our take

Gothaer is built for households that change shape over time — particularly families. Three tariffs (Basis, Plus, Premium) let you start affordable and upgrade as the household grows.

The standout family benefit is **temporary cover for children setting up their first home**: in the Plus plan, your child's new flat is covered up to €20,000 for six months; in Premium, that extends to twelve months. For families with kids approaching university age, this is genuinely useful.

The **innovation clause** in every tariff is another quiet win — if Gothaer adds new benefits to the policy in the future (a higher cap, a new covered peril), you get them automatically without paying more.

Downsides: customer support is German-only, the Trustpilot rating is below average ([2.3/5](https://www.trustpilot.com/review/gothaer.de) with only 30% five-star reviews), and the entry-level Basis tier limits coverage caps for valuables — worth upgrading to Plus or Premium if you have meaningful jewellery, art, or electronics to insure.

### Best for

Families with children, especially those with kids approaching the move-out age, and German-speaking households who value broad coverage from an established insurer.

### Disclaimer

*We focused on multiple Gothaer plans because the value differs significantly between Basis, Plus, and Premium for family situations. Other companies may provide comparable cover at different price points. Visit Gothaer's website for full details.*

## 4. Ammerländer — Best for digital risk and add-on flexibility

**Recommended plan:** Excellent (Sicherheitsanker)
**Starting price:** From €3.00/month — Ammerländer Sicherheitsanker: **~€36/year for a 70m² apartment in Nuremberg** (January 2026 quote). Top-rated for coverage quality by Franke & Bornberg.

### Coverage at a glance

- All standard perils (fire, water, theft, storm)
- **Cyber and digital protection** (online trading fraud, smart-home device damage) — Excellent tier only
- 100% coverage for valuables in higher tiers (vs. the typical 20-25% cap)
- **Psychological care** after burglary, fire, or robbery
- 4 tariff tiers: Classic, Comfort, Exclusive, Excellent

### Pricing example (70m² apartment, €45,500 insured sum, 0€ deductible, January 2026)

| City | Estimated annual premium (Sicherheitsanker) |
|------|---------------------------------------------|
| Nuremberg | ~€36/year |
| Munich | ~€36/year |
| Berlin | ~€50/year |

### Pros & cons

| **Pros** | **Cons** |
| --- | --- |
| ✅ Unique features like psychological care after incidents | ❌ Significant price increase in big-city postal codes |
| ✅ 100% coverage for valuables in higher-tier plans | ❌ Limited English support |
| ✅ Extensive cyber protection in top-tier plans | ❌ Digital protection is only available in the Excellent tier |
| ✅ Trustpilot rating of [4.2/5](https://www.trustpilot.com/review/www.ammerlaender-versicherung.de) — strong | |

### Our take

Ammerländer has built a quiet reputation for two things: unusual add-ons and consistently good Trustpilot scores. The **Excellent tariff** is where most of the differentiation lives — it's the only tier with full cyber and smart-home device protection, including cover for online trading fraud (a growing claim category as more household value moves into apps and online accounts).

The provider also offers a less-talked-about benefit: **psychological care after a covered incident** like a burglary or house fire. For anyone who's had their home broken into, this is more meaningful than it sounds on paper.

Customer support is primarily in German, and digital protection is locked behind the most expensive tariff — so if cyber risk is your reason for choosing Ammerländer, plan to pay for the Excellent plan, not Classic or Comfort.

### Best for

Tech-heavy households (multiple smart devices, frequent online trading, valuable electronics) and German-speaking customers who want strong coverage with unusual add-ons.

### Disclaimer

*We focused on the Excellent plan because it offers the most differentiated cover. Ammerländer's Classic, Comfort and Exclusive tariffs may better suit lower-risk households. Visit Ammerländer's website for full details.*

## How much does contents insurance cost in Germany in 2026?

Contents insurance is one of the cheapest insurance policies you can buy in Germany. The **national average premium is around €168/year**, and starting prices for a small apartment can dip well below €40/year. But the real number depends on three factors: where you live, how much you insure, and how much risk you transfer to the insurer.

### The €650/m² rule (calculating your insured sum)

German insurers use a standard formula to estimate the value of an average household: **€650 per square metre of living space**. So for a typical apartment:

| Living space | Recommended insured sum |
|--------------|-------------------------|
| 50 m² | €32,500 |
| 70 m² | €45,500 |
| 100 m² | €65,000 |
| 120 m² | €78,000 |

This formula matters because if you insure your contents for *less* than their actual value, the insurer can apply a proportional reduction to any claim payout (see the underinsurance section below). If you stick to the €650/m² rule **and** request an *Unterversicherungsverzicht* (waiver of underinsurance) when you sign, the insurer cannot reduce a claim on those grounds.

If your belongings are unusually high-value — designer furniture, expensive musical instruments, a large art collection — add their value on top of the €650/m² baseline, or speak to a broker about a Wertsachenversicherung (valuables rider).

### Average premiums by city

City matters a lot. Postal codes with higher recorded burglary rates carry meaningful premium loadings:

- **Berlin:** ~€196/year average — about +40% vs national average due to burglary risk
- **Hamburg:** ~€195/year average — similar premium loading to Berlin
- **National average:** ~€168/year (per GDV market data)
- **Munich:** ~€105/year average — among the cheapest of the major cities
- **Nuremberg:** ~€60-70/year average — used as benchmark in our pricing examples above

These are averages across all providers and tariffs. A budget tariff in Nuremberg can cost €36/year; a premium tariff in Berlin's centre can run €250+/year.

### How a deductible (Selbstbeteiligung) affects your premium

A *Selbstbeteiligung* is the amount you pay out of pocket before your insurance kicks in. Most providers offer three tiers:

- **€0 deductible** — highest premium, every claim covered from euro one
- **€150 deductible** — typical mid-tier choice; saves ~10-15% off premium
- **€250–€300 deductible** — saves up to ~20% off premium, but small claims (e.g., a stolen €200 phone after a €250 SB) become uneconomical to file

For most expats, a €150 deductible is the sweet spot. Larger deductibles only make sense if you have an emergency fund and you want to use insurance only for genuinely large losses.

### What can push your premium up

- **Postal code with high burglary risk** (Berlin Mitte, Hamburg Altona, Frankfurt Innenstadt, Cologne city centre)
- **Adding bicycle theft cover** (~€20-50/year extra, depending on bike value)
- **Adding glass breakage cover** (~€15-30/year)
- **Adding elementary damage cover** for floods/earthquakes (~€10-30/year)
- **Higher insured sum** (above €650/m² baseline)
- **Smart-home/cyber add-ons** (~€20-40/year)

For a more general view of how much you'll spend on insurance overall, our [types of insurance you need in Germany](https://feather-insurance.com/blog/types-of-insurance-germany) guide breaks down the full annual budget for a typical expat household.

Our products

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How contents insurance works in Germany

In Germany, a home burglary is reported roughly [every six minutes](https://www.gdv.de/gdv/medien/medieninformationen/zahl-der-wohnungseinbrueche-bleibt-hoch-versicherungsschaeden-klettern-auf-350-millionen-euro-187280). The average claim — laptops, cameras, jewellery, bikes — is the highest it has been in 20 years. And that is before you count water damage, which quietly costs German insurers more than burglary every single year.

Contents insurance (Hausratversicherung) is the policy that pays out in all of those scenarios. It is not legally required, but around three-quarters of German households carry it because the alternative is replacing your entire flat out of pocket.

This guide is written for expats in Germany: renters, homeowners, freelancers, students, and anyone who has tried to decode Unterversicherungsverzicht on a policy document written in 14-point legalese.

In this guide, you'll learn:

- The 2024 burglary and claims numbers in Germany — from official sources
- What contents insurance actually covers (and the four categories of exclusions that catch expats off guard)
- The €650/m² rule and why ignoring it can cut your payout in half
- Why the gross-negligence (grobe Fahrlässigkeit) waiver is non-negotiable
- Whether you also need personal liability insurance (Haftpflicht) — with a 7-scenario comparison table
- How to file a burglary claim the right way, including the one document expats most often miss
- How to keep your coverage when you move apartments, and how to cancel when you leave Germany

Contents insurance is one of the [most common types of insurance in Germany](https://feather-insurance.com/blog/types-of-insurance-germany), alongside [personal liability](https://feather-insurance.com/personal-liability-insurance) and health. Here is everything you need to know in 2026.
