Hausratversicherung is the name given in Germany to contents insurance.

Put quite simply, Hausratversicherung covers the contents of your flat or house and insures them against theft or damage through fire, water, or vandalism. Depending on which insurance company you select, it may also cover other events.

The insurance premium depends on the size of the flat that you wish to insure, but may also take into consideration the type of locks used. It is important to ensure that the amount you insure the contents for does actually cover the entire value, otherwise you may be in a situation of Unterversicherung - being underinsured.

To hear a simple explanation and a short discussion in German, listen to the podcast:

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Disclaimer: this podcast is a simple explanation for non-native speakers. For insurance advice, please contact a Versicherungsvertreter or Versicherungsmakler.

Haftpflichtversicherung is the name given to liability insurance in Germany.

Some forms of Haftpflichtversicherung are compulsary, such as 3rd party insurance for cars.  Certain career groups such as lawyers, tax advisors, auditors and hunters are also required to have the relevant type of insurance.

Many people have a Privathaftpflichtversicherung – a liability insurance for individuals or families to cover themselves, eg. in case they damage a rented flat or knock over a display in a shop.

Pet owners in particular may consider the Tierhalterhaftpflichtversicherung, especially if they have pets that they take outside with them.

To hear a simple explanation and a short discussion in German, listen to the podcast:

Audio clip: Adobe Flash Player (version 9 or above) is required to play this audio clip. Download the latest version here. You also need to have JavaScript enabled in your browser.

(Press the “play” button to listen to the podcast)

Download the MP3 file | Comment in the forum

Subscribe to the podcast | Listen by telephone

Disclaimer: this podcast is a simple explanation for non-native speakers. For insurance advice, please contact a Versicherungsvertreter or Versicherungsmakler.