Looking for the right car insurance in Germany? Comparing prices alone is not enough.
The important question is: What exactly is included in the tariff, and which benefits are only available as optional add-ons?
This guide compares key features of Allianz, ERGO, HUK-COBURG and ADAC and explains what to look for when comparing car insurance in Germany.
Important: Insurance premiums and benefits depend on your individual circumstances, including your vehicle, location, claims history, driving profile and selected tariff.
Car Insurance Comparison: What Is Included?
| Coverage / Feature | Allianz | ERGO | HUK-COBURG | ADAC |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Third-party liability | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Partial comprehensive (Teilkasko) | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Fully comprehensive (Vollkasko) | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Breakdown assistance / Schutzbrief | Optional | Optional | Optional | Tariff-dependent |
| Foreign claims protection | Optional / Direct Plus | Tariff-dependent | Tariff-dependent | Selected tariffs |
| Driver protection | ✓ | Optional | ✓ | Selected tariffs |
| Repair shop option / bonus | ✓ | Optional | ✓ | ✓ |
| New / purchase price protection | ✓ / tariff-dependent | ✓ | Tariff-dependent | Tariff-dependent |
| GAP cover | Tariff-dependent | Optional | Tariff-dependent | Tariff-dependent |
| Telematics | ✓ | Safe Drive | Telematik Plus | Fahr + Spar |
The original comparison identifies the main differences between these providers as additional benefits rather than the basic types of motor insurance.
What Do the Main Car Insurance Types Mean?
Third-Party Liability Insurance
Kfz-Haftpflichtversicherung is mandatory for registered vehicles in Germany.
It covers claims made by other people when you are legally responsible for an accident.
Partial Comprehensive Insurance
Teilkasko provides additional protection for certain risks affecting your own vehicle.
The exact insured events depend on the tariff.
Fully Comprehensive Insurance
Vollkasko provides broader protection for your own vehicle, including situations that are not covered by third-party liability.
The exact scope depends on the policy conditions.
What Additional Car Insurance Benefits Should You Compare?
This is where many insurance comparisons become interesting.
1. Breakdown Assistance / Schutzbrief
A Schutzbrief can provide assistance after a breakdown or accident.
Depending on the insurer and tariff, services may include towing, roadside assistance, replacement mobility or return transportation.
For example, ERGO currently offers its Kfz-Schutzbrief as an optional component, with assistance available in Europe.
Question: Do you regularly drive long distances or travel abroad by car?
If yes, the details of the Schutzbrief can matter more than a small difference in the annual premium.
2. Foreign Claims Protection
Auslandsschadenschutz can be relevant if you drive your own car abroad.
If you are involved in an accident abroad that was not your fault, the coverage can provide claims handling according to the conditions of the German policy.
Allianz currently offers AuslandsschadenSchutz as an optional component in certain product lines, while Direct Plus includes it automatically.
ADAC also currently offers Auslandsschadenschutz as an optional component in its Komfort and Premium product lines.
Question: Do you regularly drive to other European countries?
If yes, check whether foreign claims protection is included and exactly where it applies.
3. Driver Protection
Standard third-party liability primarily protects other people involved in an accident.
FahrerSchutz can provide additional protection for the driver, depending on the tariff.
This is an important feature to compare separately rather than assuming that every Kfz policy includes the same driver protection.
4. New Price / Purchase Price Protection
A new vehicle can lose value quickly.
Some tariffs therefore provide an extended new price or purchase price compensation after theft or a total loss.
For example, ERGO currently offers Wertschutz 24 and Wertschutz 36 as optional components in certain tariffs.
Allianz currently offers its WerterhaltGarantie, which can extend new/purchase price compensation depending on the product line.
5. GAP Cover
If a vehicle is financed or leased, GAP cover can be relevant.
It is designed to address a potential difference between the amount owed under a financing or leasing arrangement and the vehicle’s value used for the insurance settlement.
The exact conditions depend on the insurer and tariff.
6. Telematics Insurance
Telematics insurance uses driving data to assess driving behaviour.
ADAC’s current Fahr + Spar program, for example, rewards careful driving and can provide an additional bonus.
Question: Would you consider sharing driving data in exchange for a potential premium benefit?
If yes, compare the data rules, scoring system and maximum discount — not just the headline price.
Car Insurance Comparison Checklist
Before choosing a tariff, check these points:
- ✓ Liability coverage and insurance limits
- ✓ Deductible for Teilkasko and Vollkasko
- ✓ Repair shop restrictions
- ✓ Breakdown assistance
- ✓ Foreign claims protection
- ✓ Driver protection
- ✓ New / purchase price compensation
- ✓ GAP cover
- ✓ Telematics options
- ✓ Claims-free discount protection
- ✓ Exclusions and limitations
The original comparison specifically highlights insurance limits, deductibles, repair shop restrictions, Schutzbrief, Auslandsschadenschutz, Rabattschutz, Fahrerschutz, new/purchase price compensation and GAP as important comparison criteria.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is car insurance mandatory in Germany?
Yes. Third-party motor liability insurance (Kfz-Haftpflichtversicherung) is mandatory for registered vehicles in Germany.
Teilkasko and Vollkasko are optional extensions.
What is the difference between Teilkasko and Vollkasko?
Teilkasko and Vollkasko provide different levels of protection for your own vehicle.
The exact insured risks depend on the policy and tariff, so the conditions should always be checked before choosing a policy.
Do I need Auslandsschadenschutz?
It can be relevant if you regularly drive abroad.
It is designed for situations where you are not responsible for an accident abroad and the foreign third party’s insurance does not provide the same level of compensation as your German policy.
The exact geographical scope and conditions vary by insurer.
What is GAP insurance?
GAP cover can protect against a financial gap that may arise when a financed or leased vehicle is written off or stolen.
Check whether GAP is already included or must be added separately.
Is telematics insurance worth considering?
Telematics could be relevant for drivers who are comfortable with driving-data collection and want the possibility of a driving-related bonus.
For example, ADAC’s Fahr + Spar currently advertises up to a 30% extra bonus for safe driving.
Should I choose the cheapest car insurance?
Price should be only one part of the comparison.
A lower premium can come with different deductibles, exclusions, repair-shop restrictions or fewer optional benefits.
The better question is:
Which tariff provides the coverage you need at an acceptable price?
Compare Car Insurance in Germany
Insurance rates can differ significantly depending on your vehicle, location, driving profile, claims history and selected coverage.
Want to compare your options?
[Compare Car Insurance Tariffs]
Get an individual comparison and see which coverage options are available for your situation.
Official provider information:
Insurance conditions and tariffs may change. Always check the current policy documents and specific tariff conditions before purchasing.