Home Contents Insurance

Home contents insurance covers the fixtures and fittings in the property, such as furniture, curtains and carpets; appliances such as washing machines and personal items, such as clothing and crockery, are also covered. Some policies will even extend cover to include perishable items, such as groceries.

It is important for anyone renting a property to purchase home contents insurance. German students and trainees up to the age of twenty-six who are only temporarily living away from home do not need to purchase their own home insurance if they are already covered by their parents' policy.

You should take care to ensure that the amount of cover you purchase is equivalent to the actual value of your home contents. Should you purchase new items or discard old items, you will need to inform your insurance provider of the changes so that they can adjust your cover limit accordingly. It is important to ensure that you are not under-insured, that is, that you have purchased sufficient cover to match the value your home contents. Failing to purchase the level of cover that you need may invalidate your insurance policy.

You may be able to insure your home contents for less than their actual replacement value however. Some insurance providers offer customers only a maximum amount of cover per square metre (for example, €600 per square metre). They will include a clause in the insurance contract that states that they are aware that the limit of cover is not sufficient to match the actual value of your home contents. In the event of damages which exceed this limit, they will pay you the actual value. Nevertheless, it is always important to check the exact terms and conditions of your insurance contract with your insurance provider, to ensure that you are appropriately covered.

The cost of home contents insurance varies widely, and is calculated based on factors such as the location of the property, and the exact terms and conditions of the contract. The premiums that you pay will be calculated based on the amount of cover that you need: more cover will typically result in a higher premium. Home contents insurance is available from as little as €40 a year.

For further information see Cover Provided.