Switch Car Insurance in Germany 2026: No Deregistration
You do not need to deregister your car to switch insurance
Let's get this out of the way first. Switching car insurance in Germany does not require a trip to the registration office (German: Zulassungsstelle). Your plates stay. Your registration stays. The whole process happens online.
Your new insurer sends an updated eVB number, which is the electronic proof of insurance (German: elektronische Versicherungsbestaetigung), directly to the registration office on your behalf. You do not need to be involved in that part at all.
Plenty of people put off switching because they think it means paperwork and waiting in line at the Zulassungsstelle. It does not. Five minutes online, and the switch is done.
Ready to see what you could save? Try our free car insurance comparison and get quotes from multiple providers.
How to switch: step by step
Step 1: Compare rates online
Enter your car details, current coverage level, and your no-claims class. You will see offers from different insurers side by side. This takes about five minutes with our car insurance comparison tool.
Step 2: Pick a new policy
Look at more than just the price. Check the deductible, whether workshop binding (German: Werkstattbindung) is included, and what the coverage limits are. Make sure the new policy matches or improves on what you currently have.
Step 3: Let the new insurer cancel the old one
Most insurers in Germany offer to handle the cancellation letter for you. They send it to your old provider and take care of the timing. If you prefer to do it yourself, use registered mail so you have proof it arrived on time.
Step 4: Get your eVB number
Your new insurer emails you an eVB number, usually within minutes. This number tells the registration office that your car is insured. They get notified automatically. Need an eVB number quickly? Some providers issue them the same day.
Step 5: You are done
Your plates stay the same. Your car stays registered. Nothing changes at the Zulassungsstelle. The new policy takes effect when the old one ends.
When you can switch car insurance in Germany
There are three situations where switching is possible:
| Situation | Deadline | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Annual switch | November 30 | Cancel by this date. New policy starts January 1. |
| Premium increase | 1 month after notification | If your insurer raises your rate, you can leave within one month. This is your Sonderkuendigungsrecht (special cancellation right). |
| After a claim | 1 month after settlement | Both you and the insurer can cancel after a claim is settled. |
The November 30 deadline is the one most people know. Your cancellation letter needs to arrive at your old insurer by that date. Not be sent. Arrive. Use registered mail or let the new insurer handle it for you.
According to the German Insurance Contract Act (Versicherungsvertragsgesetz, VVG), these cancellation rights apply to all motor vehicle insurance contracts in Germany.
Missed the November 30 deadline? Here is what to do
If you missed the annual deadline, you are not stuck for a full year. There are other ways out.
The most common one is the Sonderkuendigungsrecht. If your insurer raises your premium for the next year, and many do, you have one month from the date you receive the premium increase letter to cancel. This right exists regardless of the regular deadline.
You can also cancel after a claim is settled. Both parties, you and the insurer, have one month to end the contract after a claim payment is finalized.
Another option: if you sell your car or buy a different one, the old insurance contract can be transferred or ended. The new owner can choose to keep your policy or switch to their own.
Bottom line: November 30 is the easy path. But it is not the only path.
Three types of car insurance in Germany
If you are new to the German system, here is what the three coverage levels mean:
Liability only (Haftpflicht)
This is mandatory. Every car registered in Germany needs at least liability insurance. It covers damage you cause to other people, cars, or property. It does not cover damage to your own car. According to the German Compulsory Insurance Act (Pflichtversicherungsgesetz, PflVG), you cannot register a vehicle without it.
Partial coverage (Teilkasko)
Covers your car against theft, fire, storm damage, hail, glass breakage, and animal collisions. Does not cover damage from accidents you cause yourself.
Full coverage (Vollkasko)
Everything in Teilkasko plus damage to your own car, even if the accident is your fault. Also covers vandalism. This is the most expensive option but provides the broadest protection.
Most drivers with newer cars choose Vollkasko. Once the car is older than five or six years, many switch to Teilkasko or liability only to save money.
For a detailed look at insurance categories, check our guide to insurance classes in Germany.
How the SF-Klasse affects your premium
Your SF-Klasse (German: Schadenfreiheitsklasse) is the no-claims bonus class. It is the single biggest factor in your premium.
Here is a simplified progression:
| SF-Klasse | Claim-free years | Approximate premium share |
|---|---|---|
| SF 0 | 0 | 230-260% |
| SF 1/2 | 0.5 | 100-140% |
| SF 1 | 1 | 100-115% |
| SF 3 | 3 | 75-85% |
| SF 5 | 5 | 60-70% |
| SF 10 | 10 | 40-50% |
| SF 20 | 20 | 30-35% |
| SF 35+ | 35+ | 20-25% |
The exact percentages vary between insurers. Some are more generous than others, which is one reason comparing makes a difference. After one claim, you typically drop back several classes.
When you switch providers, your SF-Klasse transfers automatically. Your new insurer checks with the old one. But double-check the documents. Mistakes happen, and correcting them later takes more effort than catching them at the start.
Your car's type class (Typklasse) also affects pricing. Some car models cost more to insure because of higher repair costs or theft rates.
What expats should know about switching car insurance
Your no-claims history starts at zero
New residents in Germany start at SF 0 or SF 1/2, which means significantly higher premiums. After a few years of claim-free driving, your rate drops. The first three years make the biggest difference.
Some insurers accept foreign driving history
If you had car insurance abroad, bring a letter from your previous insurer showing how many years you were insured and whether you had any claims. Not every German insurer accepts foreign history, so ask before you sign. This can save you hundreds of euros in the first year.
Liability coverage is not optional
You cannot register or drive a car in Germany without Haftpflicht. If your insurance lapses, the registration office can deregister your car. This is one area where the German system does not offer flexibility.
If you are also looking for financing options for your car purchase, our loan comparison for expats can help find affordable rates.
How long does switching take?
The process itself takes about 10-15 minutes online. The timeline looks like this:
- Comparing rates: 5-10 minutes
- Signing up with the new insurer: 5 minutes
- Receiving the eVB number: minutes to a few hours (usually same day)
- Cancellation of old policy: handled by the new insurer (or by you via registered mail)
- New coverage starts: January 1 (for annual switches) or the date specified in the cancellation
From start to finish, the active work is under 20 minutes. For annual switches, you cancel before November 30 and the new policy begins January 1.
7 ways to pay less for car insurance
1. Pay annually
Monthly payments include a surcharge. Paying once a year saves you that processing fee.
2. Set a reasonable deductible
A deductible of 150 EUR for Teilkasko or 300 EUR for Vollkasko can lower your annual premium noticeably. You pay that amount out of pocket if something happens, but for most people the annual savings outweigh the risk.
3. Accept workshop binding
If you agree to use your insurer's partner workshops for repairs, many providers cut your rate. The quality of repairs is the same since all workshops in Germany must meet the same standards.
4. Limit who drives your car
If only you and your partner drive the car, say so. Adding "any driver" increases the premium. Restricting the driver list to named individuals brings the cost down.
5. Report your actual mileage
If you drive fewer than 10,000 km per year, make sure your policy reflects that. Lower mileage means lower risk, which means a lower premium.
6. Consider telematics
Some insurers offer telematics tariffs where a device in your car tracks driving behavior. Safe drivers, meaning consistent speed and gentle braking, can earn discounts of 10-30%.
7. Compare every year
Prices change. Your SF-Klasse improves. New providers enter the market. What was the cheapest option last year might not be the cheapest this year. Five minutes of comparing can save you a few hundred euros. Use our car insurance comparison to check.
Curious which cars are cheapest to insure? See our guide to the cheapest cars to insure in Germany 2026.
What car insurance typically does not cover
Even with Vollkasko, certain things are excluded from most policies:
- Wear and tear, mechanical breakdowns, and maintenance
- Damage caused while driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs
- Damage from racing or illegal driving
- Intentional damage
- Items left inside the car (personal belongings)
- Damage outside the coverage territory (most policies cover Europe, but check yours)
Read the policy conditions carefully before signing. If something matters to you, like coverage for marten damage (German: Marderschaden, which is surprisingly common in Germany) or towing services, make sure the policy includes it.
Mistakes to avoid when switching
- Missing the deadline. November 30 is firm. A letter that arrives December 1 does not count.
- Cancelling before your new policy is confirmed. German law requires continuous insurance for every registered vehicle. Cancel only after the new one is active.
- Not checking your SF-Klasse transfer. It should transfer automatically, but verify it on your new policy documents.
- Comparing only on price. A cheap policy with a high deductible or major exclusions is not actually cheap. Compare what is covered, not just what it costs.
- Forgetting to ask about foreign driving history. If your new insurer accepts it, you could start at a better SF-Klasse and pay much less.
What you need to switch online
- Your vehicle registration document (German: Fahrzeugschein), specifically the HSN and TSN numbers
- Your current SF-Klasse, which is on your last premium notice
- Your bank details (IBAN) for the new policy
The comparison tool asks for these details, shows available rates, and lets you sign up directly. The new insurer emails your eVB confirmation, usually within minutes.
For quick insurance confirmation, you can also get an instant eVB number through our portal.
Frequently asked questions
Can I switch car insurance in Germany without deregistering?
Yes. You do not need to visit the Zulassungsstelle. Your new insurer sends the updated eVB number to the registration office directly. Your plates and registration stay the same.
When is the deadline to switch car insurance in Germany?
The annual deadline is November 30. Your cancellation must arrive at your old insurer by that date. If your insurer raises your premium, you get an additional one-month window under the Sonderkuendigungsrecht.
What happens to my no-claims bonus when I switch?
Your SF-Klasse transfers to the new insurer automatically. They verify it with your old provider. Always check your new policy documents to confirm the correct class was applied.
Can I transfer my no-claims bonus from another country?
Some German insurers accept proof of claim-free driving from abroad. You need a letter from your previous insurer showing years of coverage and claims history. Not all insurers accept this, so ask before signing.
What is an eVB number and how do I get one?
The eVB (elektronische Versicherungsbestaetigung) is the electronic proof that your car is insured in Germany. You receive it from your insurer by email, usually within minutes of signing up. The registration office is notified automatically.
What is the difference between Haftpflicht, Teilkasko, and Vollkasko?
Haftpflicht (liability) covers damage you cause to others and is mandatory. Teilkasko (partial) adds coverage for theft, fire, storms, and animal collisions. Vollkasko (comprehensive) covers everything including damage to your own car from accidents you cause.
How much can I save by switching car insurance?
Savings depend on your car, driving history, and current provider. Prices for the same coverage can vary significantly between insurers. The only way to know is to compare current offers.
Is there a gap in coverage when I switch providers?
No. Your new policy starts the day your old one ends. For annual switches, the old policy ends December 31 and the new one starts January 1. There is no gap.
The bottom line
Switching car insurance in Germany takes less time than most people expect. No trip to any office. No deregistration. No plates to return. The November 30 deadline matters for annual switches, but premium increases and other events give you additional windows throughout the year.
If you have not compared rates recently, spending five minutes on it could change what you pay for the next 12 months. Prices vary between providers, even for the exact same car and driver profile.
Compare car insurance rates now. Free, in English, and takes about five minutes.