Normally, if you want to change your car insurance in Germany, you need to let your insurance provider know at least one month before the end of the year - either on or before November 30. But if you’ve missed this deadline, you might still be able to change providers.
Special right of termination if car insurance premiums increase
The German motoring association ADAC has issued a reminder that many drivers in Germany may still be able to move to a new car insurance provider in the new year, even if they missed the November 30 deadline for terminating their contract.
This is because, if your insurance provider has increased your premium for next year, a special right of termination applies, giving customers an extra month to switch to a new provider. This applies to third-party, partial and comprehensive car insurance if the premium has increased without the scope of service increasing, or if a changed vehicle type or regional class has resulted in the fee going up.
If you have an existing car insurance policy, you should already have received a notice from your provider (usually in the post) outlining your premium breakdown for next year. You have one month after receiving this letter to request a termination in writing, citing the fee increase as the reason.
Drivers in Germany looking to swap insurers as costs rise
According to ADAC, every third driver in Germany is thinking about changing their insurance provider this year, as the cost of living crisis continues to bite and people look for places where they can make savings.
The cost of car insurance is rising every year in Germany, like everything involved with driving - from fuel and motor vehicle taxes to car parts and technical inspections. The General Association of Insurers (GDV) announced recently that the price of spare parts for cars has risen by more than 55 percent since 2013, and 8 percent in the last year alone, while the price of fuel reached its highest level ever in 2022.
According to ADAC, if you’re thinking of changing insurers, it’s important to compare not only the cost but also the level of cover offered by different providers. Choosing a higher excess in exchange for lower premiums might seem tempting, but it’s important to make sure you have enough cash in your bank account to cover the full amount, in case you do need to make a claim.