Important Points About Cancelling Car Insurance in Germany
Introduction
Be careful: many German car insurance policies (Kfz-Versicherung) are renewed automatically. In most cases, you must give at least one month’s notice (Kündigung) if you wish to cancel a contract (Vertrag) or switch to another provider (Versicherungsanbieter).
You may terminate your insurance contract early under certain exceptional circumstances, including:
Increase in premiums (Beitragserhöhung):
The insurance company (Versicherungsgesellschaft) is obliged to send you a notification (Benachrichtigung) at least one month in advance of any premium increase. Most policies in Germany start on 1 January, so you should receive notice of any increase no later than 30 November.
Dissatisfaction with claims handling (Schadenmeldung):
If you are not satisfied with how your insurance company has handled a claim, you will need to submit the details in writing (schriftlich). If the insurer contests your complaint or does not respond satisfactorily, you may have to go through a formal complaints procedure (Beschwerdeverfahren).
Sale of the car (Fahrzeugverkauf):
The buyer (Käufer) automatically takes over the current policy, but has the right to cancel it, provided they can prove that they have arranged cover with another insurance company (neue Versicherung).
De-registration of the car (Abmeldung):
Officially de-registering the vehicle (Abmeldung) is also a legitimate reason for cancellation. When you de-register your car, you must inform your insurance company.
Conclusion
Always make sure to review all terms and conditions (Allgemeine Geschäftsbedingungen) of the insurance company (Versicherungsunternehmen) you are dealing with, as requirements and procedures can differ from one insurer to another.
The team of writers and editors on this website strives to provide accurate information through in-depth research and consultation of multiple sources. However, errors may still occur or some information may remain uncertain. Therefore, please regard the information in these articles as an initial reference only and always consult the relevant authorities to obtain confirmed and up-to-date information.
