How to Find Out If My Car Is Properly Insured in Germany

One of the most common questions I get is: “How do I know if my car is properly insured in Germany?” It may seem straightforward, but with Germany’s strict traffic laws, different insurance types, and various legal obligations, it’s essential to be sure that you’re fully and adequately covered. 

In this article, I will walk you through everything you need to know to confirm your coverage status, avoid penalties, and gain peace of mind.

The Basics of Car Insurance in Germany

Car insurance is legally required in Germany. You cannot legally register or drive a car without proof of valid insurance coverage. 

This mandatory insurance is called Kfz-Haftpflichtversicherung (third-party liability insurance). It covers damages you cause to other people, vehicles, or property.

While third-party liability is the minimum legal requirement, many drivers opt for more comprehensive coverage:

• Teilkasko (Partial Coverage): Covers theft, fire, natural disasters, and windshield damage.
• Vollkasko (Fully Comprehensive): Includes everything in Teilkasko plus damage to your own car, even if the accident is your fault.

Knowing your insurance type is the first step in verifying proper coverage.

Step-by-Step Guide to Confirm Your Car Insurance Coverage

To run a proper car insurance check before hitting the German roads, follow these steps below:

1. Check Your eVB Number

Every car insurance policy in Germany issues an eVB number (Elektronische Versicherungsbestätigung). eVB number is a seven-digit code that proves you have valid insurance. This number is required during vehicle registration (Zulassung). If your car is registered, it means you had insurance coverage at the time of registration.

You can request your eVB number from your insurer or find it in your insurance documents. If the number is missing or inactive, that’s a red flag that your coverage may have lapsed.

2. Review Your Policy Documents Carefully

Take time to read through your contract. Look for key details:

• Type of insurance (liability, partial, or full comprehensive)
• Start and end date of the policy
• Deductibles (Selbstbeteiligung)
• Coverage limits

If you are unsure what certain terms mean, please contact your insurer or a licensed agent for clarification. Misunderstanding your policy could leave you underinsured.

3. Log into Your Insurance Provider’s Online Portal

Most major insurance providers in Germany, like Allianz, HUK-Coburg, AXA, and DEVK offer secure online portals. You can log in to:

• View current coverage
• Download policy documents
• Update personal details

These portals are often updated in real-time, providing the most accurate picture of your coverage status.

4. Call or Email Your Insurance Provider

If you have doubts or don’t understand your documents, don’t hesitate to call customer service. Insurers have trained professionals who can verify if your policy is active and explain your coverage.

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How to Know If You Are Underinsured or Overinsured in Germany

Being underinsured means your coverage is not adequate for your needs. Overinsured means you may be paying for protections that offer no added value to your situation.

Signs You Are Underinsured:

• You only have liability insurance, but you drive a high-value car.
• Your deductible is too high, meaning you pay too much out of pocket in case of damage. Read this article to learn the usual German car insurance deductible.
• You do not have coverage for theft or natural disasters.

Example: A client of mine once owned a 2020 BMW 5 Series and only had liability coverage. His car was severely damaged in a hailstorm. Because he had no Teilkasko coverage, he had to pay over €7,000 out of pocket. A Teilkasko policy would have cost less than €400 annually and saved him that loss.

Signs You Are Overinsured:

• You have full coverage on a car worth less than €2,000.
• You have multiple add-ons you don’t use, such as legal protection or roadside assistance through another provider.

Example: Another client was paying over €1,200 annually for full coverage on a 15-year-old Opel Corsa. After evaluating the vehicle’s current market value and the high deductible, we downgraded the policy to liability plus roadside assistance, reducing the premium by 60% with no significant risk.

Statistics and Insights on German Car Insurance

While you are here to learn if your car is properly insured in Germany, may I use this opportunity to show you some relevant statistics about this industry:

• As of 2024, the average annual cost of car insurance in Germany is about €280 for liability-only and €675 for fully comprehensive policies (source: Statista).
• Over 90% of vehicle owners in Germany opt for policies with at least partial coverage.
• Insurance fraud and policy misunderstandings cost German consumers over €200 million yearly, often due to underinsurance. Insurance fraud is not just a challenge in Germany alone; other countries in Europe and America are facing the same challenge.

Temporary Car Insurance and Its Relevance

Temporary car insurance, or Kurzzeitversicherung, is valid for up to 5 days. It is mostly used for:

• Test drives
• Car transfers
• Short-term travel or temporary registration

This policy is also tied to an eVB number and must include at least liability coverage. Expats moving cars from abroad or buying a car for export often use this solution. It’s ideal when you need immediate but short-term insurance.

Can Military Personnel Get Discounts on Car Insurance?

Yes, several insurers offer special discounts for NATO and U.S. military personnel stationed in Germany. Companies like USAA (in partnership with German insurers) and Allianz often provide:

• Lower premiums
• Tailored policies for international drivers
• English-speaking customer service

If you qualify, always ask if such discounts are available. Check out all the available USAA auto insurance discounts military personnel can take advantage of.

Legal and Financial Consequences of Driving Uninsured

The primary reason I want you to be sure your car is properly insured before driving in Germany is that there are severe consequences if found guilty. Driving without valid insurance is a criminal offense in Germany. You risk:

• Fines up to €3,000
• Suspension of your driver’s license
• Vehicle confiscation
• Even jail time in severe cases

German authorities take this issue seriously. Every registered car is checked for active insurance via the central database connected to your eVB number.

Tips to Make Sure Your Car Remains Properly Insured in Germany

1. Set Reminders for Renewal Dates: Avoid accidental lapses.
2. Update Details Promptly: Any change in address, vehicle, or ownership must be reported to your insurer.
3. Keep Paper and Digital Copies: Always have your green card (insurance certificate) and a backup copy.
4. Speak to a Licensed Agent: We can evaluate your personal situation to make sure you’re neither underinsured nor overinsured.

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Final Thoughts: German Car Insurance Check

So, is your car properly insured in Germany? Now you know how to find out. Start by confirming your eVB number and policy status. Understand what kind of coverage you have and whether it meets your needs. Don’t assume – verify.

Proper insurance not only protects you legally but also shields your finances in case of an accident or natural disaster. As a licensed agent who has seen too many people face unnecessary losses due to underinsurance, I urge you to take these steps seriously. If in doubt, speak to your provider or an independent advisor.

By staying informed, you protect what matters most: your safety, your money, and your peace of mind. Need help? Send an email to [email protected].