You have just arrived in Germany with your French car. Very quickly, you are overwhelmed with questions.
Registration? Vignette? Insurance? Winter tires?
This article will guide you through the steps to comply with German laws.
1. What are the components of car insurance in Germany?
Car insurance (Kfz-Versicherung) can consist of several parts: motor liability, vehicle material damage coverage, breakdown assistance, and legal insurance.
- Third-party liability: mandatory, it covers damages caused to others.
- Partial coverage (Teilkaskoversicherung): covers damages to your vehicle in certain situations, such as theft, fire, etc.
- Comprehensive insurance (Vollkaskoversicherung): offers complete protection, including damages you cause to your vehicle.
2. How much does car insurance cost in Germany?
The cost of car insurance depends on several factors, such as the type of coverage, the car model, the no-claims bonus/malus, the deductible, etc.
In general, car insurance is higher in Germany than in France, due to Germans’ preference for larger cars, which necessarily impacts the insurance price.
The deductible Selbstbeteiligung (SB) helps reduce the cost of insurance and differs between partial coverage (Teilkaskoversicherung) and comprehensive insurance (Vollkaskoversicherung). Germany also has a no-claims bonus/malus system that helps reduce the cost of insurance. For more information, please refer to the section: No-claims bonus/malus in Germany? Can I have my French no-claims bonus recognized in Germany?
3. How to change insurance or cancel my contract?
Most car insurance contracts in Germany renew annually. To cancel a contract, you must send your request at least one month before the end of the insurance year. Since many contracts end on December 31, the request must be made before November 30.
To cancel your contract, send a registered cancellation letter, including your contract number, personal information, and the desired contract end date.
It is possible to change insurers in the following cases:
- In case of a contract price increase.
- After a claim, if you are not satisfied with the handling. You can cancel your contract within one month after the claim.
- In case of a vehicle change.
4. How to choose your car insurance in Germany?
Choosing car insurance in Germany can seem complex. It is important to take your time to select the insurance best suited to your situation and vehicle.
- Choose your type of insurance: third-party liability (Kfz-Haftpflicht) is mandatory. You can then opt for Teilkasko (partial coverage) or Vollkasko (comprehensive coverage), depending on your vehicle’s age. If your vehicle is old, simple third-party liability or partial coverage will suffice.
- Compare rates: use online comparison tools like Check24 to compare rates from different insurance companies.
- Look at additional options: some companies offer options such as occupant insurance, which covers vehicle passengers. Also, study the contract conditions and customer reviews of the insurance company.
5. Can I drive my French vehicle in Germany?
Yes, you can drive your French vehicle in Germany, but this depends on the duration of your stay. If you are staying temporarily in Germany (up to a maximum of one year), you can use your French vehicle with its registration certificate. However, if you plan to reside in Germany or primarily use your vehicle in the country, you must register it according to German laws, under penalty of a fine.
6. Can I keep my car insurance in France?
Depending on the duration of your stay in Germany, it is possible to retain your vehicle insurance in France. Some insurance companies offer international coverage. Check with your insurer if your insurance covers travel in Germany. Generally, the country of residence must match the country where the vehicle is registered and insured.
7. Do I need a vignette to drive in certain German cities?
To drive a vehicle in certain German cities, you must have an environmental badge “Umweltplakette” that you must affix to your windshield. This badge costs between €5 and €20, depending on where you purchase it.
There are three types of badges: red, yellow, and green (for the least polluting cars). Only cars, trucks, and buses are affected; tractors and motorcycles are not.
The badges are valid for life, but be sure to replace them if they become unreadable or if you change your license plate.
It is possible to drive in Germany without a badge, but zones requiring a badge will be prohibited to you, under penalty of a €100 fine. In environmental zones, only cars with the green badge can circulate, although in some cases, cars with the yellow badge are also permitted.
8. How to register your vehicle in Germany?
To register your vehicle in Germany, you must follow several steps:
- Contact your insurance: ask your French insurer how long your vehicle will remain insured before its registration in Germany.
- Obtain an eVB-Nummer: this number (Elektronische Versicherungsbestätigung) proves that your vehicle is insured and is issued free of charge.
- Make an appointment at the TÜV: this technical inspection is mandatory every two years and costs between €120 and €150, depending on the region and the TÜV. For new cars, the first inspection is after three years, then every two years.
- Go to the registration office (Zulassungsstelle): bring the technical inspection documents (TÜV), the eVB-Nummer, your registration certificate, and your passport or ID card to obtain your license plate. License plate fees vary, but expect to pay between €20 and €30 per plate.
9. Are winter tires mandatory? What are the rules?
In Germany, it is forbidden to drive with summer tires when winter conditions (snow, ice, etc.) are present. However, when winter is mild, snow tires are not mandatory, but it is recommended to have tires adapted to the conditions.
Fines may be applied in the following cases:
- A €60 fine and one penalty point if you drive without snow tires when winter conditions are present.
- A €75 fine and one penalty point if you allowed the use of an unsuitable vehicle.
- An €80 fine and one penalty point if you block traffic.
- A €100 fine and one penalty point if it endangers others.
- A €120 fine and one penalty point if an accident occurs.
Your car must be completely cleared of snow or defrosted. In the event of an accident, you are held responsible and liable to a fine, which may result in one penalty point under certain conditions.
- Driving with an uncleared windshield or windows: a €25 fine.
- Snow on the roof: a €25 fine.
- Uncleared license plate: a €10 fine.
- Failure to maintain safe distances: depending on the danger and the accident, a fine of up to €320, two penalty points, and a driving ban in some cases.
- Incorrect use of headlights: a €20 to €35 fine.
- Using the engine to defrost: an €80 fine.
It is important to be aware that your insurance may refuse to cover you in the event of accidents if you used “summer” tires during snowy conditions, because, according to the law, you should have been driving with snow tires. Therefore, it is advisable to drive with “winter” tires from October until spring.
You can consult www.reifen-vor-ort.de to find good tires. Select the tires you want, enter your postal code, and you will find sales points in your area.
10. Vehicle tax?
If you reside in Germany, you are obligated to pay the vehicle tax Kfz-Steuer. This tax varies depending on the date of first registration, engine displacement, type of propulsion, and the CO2 emission rate of your vehicle. You can visit the official website of German customs Zoll.de to calculate your vehicle tax.
11. How to secure your vehicle in Germany?
It is mandatory to have a warning triangle, a reflective vest, and a first-aid kit in your car. These items will be frequently checked in Germany. Do not forget the environmental badge, which must be displayed on your windshield.
12. I had an accident in Germany: what should I do?
It is possible to have a car accident. In such a case, certain steps must be followed to ensure safety and comply with German laws.
- Do not leave the scene: leaving without following the steps below can constitute a hit-and-run offense, punishable by severe penalties.
- Secure the accident area: stop the vehicle, turn on the hazard lights, place the warning triangle, and wear a reflective vest.
- Assess injuries and call emergency services: dial 112.
- Contact the police (110): an official report will be drawn up, useful for insurance purposes. Even in the event of a minor accident without injuries, contact the police.
- Exchange information with the other driver.
- Take photos and document the accident.
- Complete an amicable accident report. The German Automobile Club (ADAC) offers bilingual forms on its website.
- Inform your insurance company within 24 to 48 hours.
Please note that these are general recommendations and the steps may vary depending on the circumstances.
13. No-claims bonus/malus in Germany?
In Germany, the no-claims bonus is called SF-Klasse (Schadenfreiheitsklasse). There are several SF classes (from 1 to 50) influencing the insurance premium based on years without accidents.
Each accident-free year moves you up a level. The higher you go, the lower your premium. For new drivers under three years, the premium is the highest (SF ½ and SF0).
Your German no-claims bonus can be transferred to a relative or someone in the same household.
It is difficult to claim a French no-claims bonus in Germany, as German insurance companies generally do not recognize it. Experts can assist you with this process.
Conclusion
It is important to properly insure your vehicle. Our experts are here to guide you towards the best insurance suited to your situation.