
What pitfalls lurk when taking out insurance?
Before taking out a policy, consumers should compare insurance policies at tarifcheck.de. It is not always advantageous to switch to a supposedly cheaper insurance policy. The amount of cover is particularly important. The prescribed minimum amounts of 7.5 million euros for personal injury, 1.2 million euros for property damage and 50,000 euros for financial losses are not always sufficient to cover all claims.
The no-claims bonus is covered by the new insurance. If there are claims in the current calendar year, the new contractual partner will classify these using its own tables. This may result in a lower classification because the companies use different tables.
Some contracts provide discount protection for the next year. The new insurance company does not take over this protection, so you may still be upgraded after an accident.
Some car insurance companies exclude damage caused by wild animals from the partial casco. As this occurs very frequently, such insurance policies involve a considerable risk. Drivers are well advised to avoid these companies.
Hurdles with motor vehicle insurance
Motorists in Germany are required to take out motor vehicle insurance. The basic requirement is a minimum age of 18 years. Between the ages of 18 and 25, it is important to state your age, as many insurance companies charge a risk surcharge due to the lower level of experience.
Another requirement is that you have your own bank account, as insurance companies do not accept cash payments and bills are also not common.
A negative credit entry often causes problems. Drivers then only receive the minimum cover and the lowest sum insured. Some companies even reject the application. It is better to take out a contract through a close relative with better conditions.
A copy of the vehicle registration certificate is required for the application. Answer the other questions (e.g. mileage, number of drivers, age of the driver, expected mileage) carefully. The company will then send you an EVB certificate, which is important for registration.
What must be included in an insurance policy
Fully comprehensive insurance is advisable for new cars, while partially comprehensive insurance is sufficient for older cars. The latter pays for damage to your own car due to
- glass breakage
- theft
- Storm and hail
- fire
- flooding
- Wildlife damage
Anyone who frequently travels abroad should take out a so-called "Mallorca policy". Contrary to what the name suggests, this is not only valid on Mallorca, but at any vacation destination. If an accident occurs, it is treated as if it had happened in Germany. Otherwise, the company will charge the usual amount of cover at the scene of the accident, which could be significantly lower.
Defects due to marten bites on important cables occur time and again. A good insurance company should also cover this damage.
Conclusion
Some things, such as the 7-2-1 rule, make life easier, other things are indispensable, such as car insurance. To make life easier here too, it makes sense to use a checklist to help prospective customers choose the right insurance. The points listed above should be taken into account.