First, you should check whether you might be covered under your parents' personal liability insurance. This is usually the case if you are unmarried, still live with your parents, and are currently enrolled in your first university degree or vocational training. If these conditions no longer apply, you should take out your own insurance. Contrary to what the name might suggest, personal liability insurance is not mandatory. However, EVERYONE should have it to ensure financial protection. By law, injured parties are entitled to full compensation, regardless of whether it's a case of accidentally broken glasses or an accident involving injuries.

In the event of a claim, the insurance company will only pay out up to the agreed sum insured. If the damage exceeds the sum insured, you will be responsible for the remaining costs yourself. You can minimize this risk by choosing a high sum insured.

Liability insurance covers damages you cause to others. Losing your own key is not covered. However, this can be insured as an add-on to a home contents insurance policy.

If another person causes you damage and cannot pay the claim for damages due to insolvency, your own insurance will cover the compensation during the term of the contract.

You are insured upon receipt of your insurance documents or confirmation of acceptance from the insurer. However, this coverage begins no earlier than the agreed contract start date. There are no waiting periods for private liability insurance.

A private liability insurance covers personal injury: if you injure another person or otherwise cause harm to their health; property damage: if you damage or destroy other people's belongings; and financial loss: financial losses suffered by other people.

Our law stipulates that you are liable for damages you cause to others. You can find this in Section 823 of the German Civil Code (BGB). Major damages can amount to millions of euros. Therefore, it is advisable—though not mandatory—to take out liability insurance. This way, you are at least protected from the financial consequences.

Personal liability insurance provides coverage for damages that can be very costly and, in the worst case, amount to millions. Because you are liable for the full amount of the damages, the sum insured, also called the coverage limit, should be chosen as high as possible. Stiftung Warentest recommends a coverage limit of at least 5 million euros.

A deductible is the portion of the costs you pay yourself in the event of a claim. The higher the deductible, the lower your premium. Since personal liability insurance protects you from the financial consequences of major damage, the deductible is relatively small. On the other hand, the costs of personal liability insurance are manageable compared to other types of insurance, so you can consider whether a deductible makes sense for you.

Personal liability insurance covers liability risks arising from your private life. This includes, for example, damages you cause in traffic as a cyclist or pedestrian; damages that can occur while playing sports; damages caused by your pets (small, tame pets); damages you cause as a tenant; and damages resulting from the loss of keys (private or work keys). Remotely controlled aircraft such as drones can also be included in the coverage.

Some risks require separate insurance coverage. These include, for example, damages incurred in the course of your work or business activities. Damages resulting from the use of your motor vehicle, watercraft, or aircraft are also not covered. Damage to your own property or damage caused intentionally is likewise excluded from coverage.

It is important that you provide truthful information on your application for personal liability insurance. Claims must be reported immediately. Furthermore, you are obligated to prevent or mitigate damages whenever possible. If a claim has occurred, the damage report must be accurate. If you are asked to eliminate particularly hazardous conditions, you must comply. Otherwise, timely payment of your insurance premiums is mandatory.

Many students have the opportunity to complete a semester abroad. But what does transferring to a foreign university mean for their liability insurance coverage? Within the European Union, coverage generally remains valid. However, coverage may not extend to countries outside the EU at all, or it may only be valid for a limited time. Regardless of whether a semester abroad is planned in Europe or outside the EU, contacting your insurer will provide clarity and prevent unpleasant surprises.

Generally, family liability insurance coverage only extends to the first degree or vocational training undertaken after completing secondary school. Those who have successfully completed a Bachelor's degree can demonstrate a completed degree. If a Master's degree follows directly afterward, this is generally still considered a first degree. Students who change their focus and major before completing their studies also meet the criteria and can remain covered under their family's insurance. This also applies to anyone who first completes vocational training and then immediately begins university studies. Furthermore, a year of voluntary service (such as the Federal Volunteer Service or a social or ecological year) completed before starting university studies is also considered a first degree. Anyone who holds a Bachelor's or Master's degree (e.g., in physics) and then decides to pursue another degree (e.g., in English studies) is clearly and unequivocally enrolled in a second degree program.

For students who still live with their parents during their studies, insurance coverage through the family liability insurance policy applies, provided all other relevant conditions are met. If you have already moved out of your parents' home and live alone, this is irrelevant to insurance coverage under most current policies. However, you should check older contracts more closely.

Some insurers stipulate an age limit for including children in family liability insurance policies. In such cases, coverage automatically ends, usually upon reaching the age of 25 or 30. At that point, it is advisable to take out a separate private liability insurance policy.