Do I really need personal liability insurance in Germany?

Short answer: Personal liability insurance in Germany is not legally required, but we strongly recommend it because a single accident can trigger claims worth millions while premiums start at roughly €5 per month.

Personal liability insurance—known locally as private Haftpflichtversicherung—covers everyday mishaps: spilling coffee on a colleague’s laptop, scratching a neighbour’s car, or a child breaking a shop window. Under German civil law you are liable with your entire assets, and there is no upper compensation limit. For expats this risk is amplified: you may have no close family network here, and your work permit could depend on stable finances. A good policy offers €10–50 million in coverage, worldwide protection for travel, and add-ons such as key-loss or rental property damage.

At Finance for Expats we compare English-language policies, filter out hidden deductibles and arrange bilingual contracts so you understand every clause. Because providers pay our fee, advice and application support are free for you. Need a quick quote? Visit our insurance desk, answer five questions, and receive offers within 24 hours.

Key take-aways:

• German law holds you personally liable for accidental damage—no cap on claims.
• Comprehensive cover starts at about €5 per month and protects up to €50 million.
• Finance for Expats secures English policy documents and handles claims support at no extra cost.