Hausratversicherung in Germany: Contents Insurance Guide for Expats (2026)
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Your landlord insures the building. Nobody insures your stuff inside it, unless you do. Hausratversicherung (household contents insurance) covers everything you own inside your apartment: furniture, electronics, clothing, bicycle and more. While contents insurance protects your assets inside the flat, you also need Haftpflichtversicherung in Germany for damage to others. It is one of the most important and most affordable insurances in Germany, yet many expats skip it entirely until something goes wrong. Having proper contents insurance protects your personal belongings, which is valuable when getting your rental deposit back in Germany.
What Is Hausratversicherung?
Hausratversicherung translates literally as “household contents insurance.” It covers the value of everything inside your rented or owned home against damage or loss caused by:
- Burglary and theft (Einbruchdiebstahl)
- Fire and smoke damage (Brand)
- Water damage from burst pipes (Leitungswasser)
- Storm and hail (Sturm/Hagel)
- Vandalism
- Lightning strikes
Hausratversicherung vs Haftpflichtversicherung: What’s the Difference?
These two insurances are often confused but cover completely different things:
| Insurance | What It Covers | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Hausratversicherung | Your own belongings damaged or stolen | Your laptop stolen in a break-in |
| Haftpflichtversicherung | Damage you accidentally cause to others | You spill water on a neighbour’s carpet |
Most expats in Germany should have both. We cover Haftpflichtversicherung separately in our liability insurance guide.
What Does Hausratversicherung Cover?
Included in standard policies:
- Furniture, appliances and electronics
- Clothing and personal belongings
- Cash up to a certain limit (usually €500–1,000)
- Bicycle theft (sometimes needs to be added as extra)
- Valuables like jewellery (up to policy limits)
Usually NOT covered:
- Damage you cause yourself (that’s Haftpflicht)
- Car theft (that’s separate car insurance)
- Items stolen from your car
- Flooding from external water sources (needs separate Elementarschadenversicherung)
How Much Does Hausratversicherung Cost in Germany?
For most expats renting a 1–2 room apartment, expect to pay €3–10 per month (€36–120 per year). The premium depends on:
- Apartment size (m²)
- Postcode (risk area for burglary)
- Sum insured (Versicherungssumme): typically calculated at €650–700 per m²
- Optional extras (bicycle, valuables, etc.)
Best Hausratversicherung Providers for Expats (2026)
| Provider | Monthly Cost* | Bicycle Theft | Online Sign-up | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| HUK-COBURG | From €3/mo | Add-on available | ✅ | Best value overall |
| ERGO | From €4/mo | Included in premium | ✅ | Good all-rounder |
| Allianz | From €6/mo | Included in premium | ✅ | Premium coverage |
| AXA | From €5/mo | Add-on available | ✅ | Flexible policies |
| R+V | From €4/mo | Add-on available | ✅ | Cooperative bank customers |
*Prices for a 50m² apartment in a medium-risk postcode. Use a comparison tool for your exact address and circumstances.
Compare Hausratversicherung Rates in 2 Minutes
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How to Get Hausratversicherung as an Expat
- Calculate your sum insured: multiply your apartment size in m² by €650. For a 60m² flat: 60 × €650 = €39,000 insured value.
- Compare online: use a comparison tool with your postcode and apartment size
- Sign up online: most providers have English-friendly online forms. You need your address, apartment size and IBAN.
- Policy starts immediately: you receive your policy document (Versicherungsschein) by email
Do You Need Hausratversicherung in Germany?
It is not legally required, but it is strongly recommended. A single burglary, kitchen fire or burst pipe can easily cause €5,000–20,000 in losses. At €5/month, Hausratversicherung is one of the best-value insurances you can have.
Some landlords specifically ask for proof of Hausratversicherung in the rental application process, particularly in competitive cities like Munich or Frankfurt.
Protect Your Belongings with Premium Coverage
Get comprehensive contents insurance to protect your furniture, electronics, and valuables from theft, fire, and water damage.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does Hausratversicherung (contents insurance) cover in Germany?
Hausratversicherung covers all personal belongings in your rented apartment (furniture, clothing, electronics, valuables) against damage caused by fire, water leaks, storm, vandalism, and burglary.
Is contents insurance mandatory for renting an apartment in Germany?
No, contents insurance is not legally mandatory, but it is highly recommended. Many landlords will ask if you have it, as water damage from a washing machine leak can easily cost thousands of euros.
Does contents insurance cover bicycle theft in Germany?
Standard policies cover bicycle theft only if the bike is stolen from inside your locked cellar. To cover your bike when it is locked on the street or at a train station, you must add a "bicycle rider" (Fahrraddiebstahl) option to your policy for a small fee.
How is the sum insured (Versicherungssumme) calculated for my flat?
Insurers typically use a flat-rate calculation of €650 per square meter of living space. Using this calculation guarantees you "underinsurance protection" (Unterversicherungsverzicht), meaning the insurer will pay out the full value of damages up to the sum insured without checking if you were underinsured.
Disclaimer: Expatzentrum is an informational portal designed to help expats navigate life in Germany. While we make every effort to keep our guides accurate, up-to-date, and compliant with current German regulations, the information on this website does not constitute official legal, tax, or financial advice. We are not certified tax advisors (Steuerberater) or legal practitioners. Always consult a qualified professional or the relevant German authorities (such as the Finanzamt or Deutsche Rentenversicherung) before making major financial or legal decisions.
