Renters insurance in Germany: Complete expat guide for 2026

Germany doesn't offer a single renters insurance policy; instead, expats can purchase two separate policies that together provide similar coverage for less than €15 per month. Feather, an insurance provider, offers various plans tailored to the needs and lifestyle of international residents in Germany. Renter's insurance in Germany consists of two components: liability insurance and household insurance.

Liability insurance protects you from financial losses if you accidentally cause damage to other people or their property within your rented apartment or while traveling. For renters, damage to rented property (Mietsachschäden) is crucial as it covers issues like a scratched floor, burnt kitchen countertop, or cracked sink, ensuring your deposit remains intact.

Household insurance, on the other hand, reimburses the cost of replacing your belongings at current market prices if you move out. It covers items like laptops, sofas, and parquet floors, including possessions left outside the home for up to three months, such as in a hotel room. If your apartment becomes uninhabitable, most policies provide coverage for a hotel stay, often for up to 100 days (Feather's contents insurance offers up to 180 days).

Liability insurance in Germany is mandatory under the legal doctrine of "grosse Fahrlässigkeit," which holds you liable for damages caused negligently, with no upper limit. This means you could be held responsible for medical bills, lost income, and any compensation if, for instance, you accidentally knock over a pedestrian while cycling.

Household insurance, priced based on living space, postal code (burglary risk), add-ons, and deductible, provides financial protection against theft, damage, and loss of personal belongings. Policies typically offer coverage ranging from 10 million to 50 million euros, while liability insurance ranges from €25 to €37 annually for singles and families.