Liability insurance in Germany (Privathaftpflichtversicherung) covers the claims that other people can make against you when you accidentally damage their property or injure them. Private liability insurance is not legally required in Germany, but the Deutsches Studierendenwerk describes it as one of the most important insurances you can have. This guide explains what it covers, when your parents’ policy may still protect you and what international students should check first.
Kurz beantwortet: Liability insurance is not legally required in Germany. It covers damage that you cause to other people by accident, for example to someone else’s property. Under § 823 BGB, anyone who negligently harms another person’s property must pay for the damage. Students can often stay covered by their parents’ policy until their first degree, but the terms differ. Stand: October 2026.
The key points in brief
- Private liability insurance is not legally required in Germany, but it is widely regarded as essential.
- It covers damage that you cause to third parties, not damage to your own belongings.
- Students are often covered by their parents’ policy until they complete their first degree, provided the parents’ insurer is informed.
- If you have worked since finishing school, you usually need your own policy.
- Check whether the policy covers damage to rented accommodation, because the terms of each policy differ.
- Premiums depend on the insurer and on the cover you choose, so compare the same sums and deductibles.
What liability insurance covers
Liability insurance pays for damage that you are legally responsible for. Under § 823 of the German Civil Code (BGB), a person who negligently or intentionally injures the life, body, health, property or another legal right of someone else must pay compensation for the resulting damage. The damage can be small, such as a broken phone, or very large, such as an accident that injures another person.
The Studierendenwerk uses the example of a cyclist who causes a traffic accident. Such claims can reach very high amounts, which is why the policy is so important. A liability policy pays the claim and, in most cases, defends you against unjustified demands. It does not cover your own injuries or your own possessions.
Do you still need your own policy as a student?
The answer depends on your history. Students are often covered by their parents’ private liability policy until they complete their first degree. The Studierendenwerk notes that you must inform the parents’ insurer that you have started a degree. Once you have worked after finishing school, you generally need your own policy.
The table gives a simple orientation. It does not replace a check of your parents’ policy, because each contract sets its own rules.
| Situation | What to check |
|---|---|
| You are still in your first degree and your parents have a private liability policy | Confirm that the policy covers you as a student and inform the parents’ insurer about your studies |
| You have worked since finishing school | Usually you need your own policy |
| You have moved into your own flat or a shared flat | Check the cover for damage to rented property and the cover limit |
| You plan to study or work abroad | Check whether the policy applies in the country where you live |
Is liability insurance required for international students?
In general, no. Private liability insurance is not legally required in Germany, so there is no statutory duty that applies to international students in particular. Your university, a landlord or an employer may still ask you for proof of cover. Check your contract and the requirements of your institution before you decide.
Even if no one asks, the risk remains. A claim for damage that you caused is your personal responsibility, and it does not depend on your residence status. Our guide on liability insurance for students explains the typical situations in more detail.
What to check before you buy a policy
Policies differ in price and in scope, so the comparison should focus on the terms. Compare offers that have the same cover sum, the same deductible and the same conditions for rented property, and then decide on the price.
- The cover sum, which sets the maximum amount the insurer pays for a claim.
- The deductible (Selbstbeteiligung) that you pay yourself for each claim.
- Whether damage to rented accommodation is included, and under what conditions.
- The territorial scope, meaning where the policy applies, especially if you travel or live abroad for a period.
- The contract term and how you can cancel, so you know your options if your circumstances change.
This guide does not list premiums, because they vary between insurers and depend on the cover you select. Use the list above when you compare offers, and read the policy conditions in full before you sign.
Shared flats, dorms and rented accommodation
Many international students live in shared flats or student halls, where damage to rented property is a common question. The Studierendenwerk page we checked does not mention rental property damage, so the answer depends on your policy and on the terms of your tenancy agreement. Read the wording of your policy on rented accommodation and ask the insurer which damages are covered.
If you already have contents insurance for a shared flat or dorm, check how it fits with your liability policy. Our guide on liability insurance in a shared flat or your own flat shows the main differences.
Frequently asked questions
Does health insurance also cover damage that I cause to others?
No. Health insurance covers your own medical treatment and certain other benefits. It does not pay for damage that you cause to other people, so liability insurance is a separate product with a separate purpose.
What happens if I cause damage before I have a policy?
You are personally responsible for the damage under § 823 BGB, and the other party can ask you to pay compensation. Without a policy, you must cover the amount yourself. For this reason, many people take out cover as soon as they start their studies.
Does a German policy cover damage in my home country?
It depends on the territorial scope in your contract. Some policies cover damage worldwide, while others apply only in Germany or in Europe. Check the wording before you travel or return home for a period.
Who can help me check my own situation?
Start with the policy you already have, and ask the insurer for a written statement about your cover. If your situation is complex, a personal conversation can help you sort out the options. You can read how we work with clients before you decide.
What you should do now
- Check whether your parents’ private liability policy still covers you and inform their insurer about your studies.
- Ask your landlord, university or employer whether they require proof of liability cover.
- Compare offers that have the same cover sum, deductible and cover for rented accommodation.
- Read the policy conditions on rented property and the territorial scope before you sign.
- Keep the contract documents and your policy number in a safe place.
Related articles
- Liability Insurance for Students: Who Needs It
- Liability Insurance in a Shared Flat or Your Own Flat
- Parents’ Liability Insurance: How Long Students Are Covered
- Student Contents Insurance in Shared Flats and Dorms
Sources: § 823 BGB, Schadensersatzpflicht (gesetze-im-internet.de, retrieved October 2026), Deutsches Studierendenwerk, Private Haftpflichtversicherung (retrieved October 2026).
Last updated: October 2026. This guide is general information, not individual advice.
