Regional Classes at a Glance
413
Registration districts
Up to 50%
Price difference possible
Class 1-12
Liability class range
Step 1: What Are Regional Classes?
Germany is divided into 413 registration districts (Zulassungsbezirke). Each district has its own regional class based on local claim statistics. The German Insurance Association (GDV) updates these annually.
Three Types of Regional Classes
Liability (Haftpflicht): Classes 1-12
Based on accidents where local drivers caused damage to others.
Partial Comprehensive (Teilkasko): Classes 1-16
Based on theft, storm damage, and animal collisions in the area.
Full Comprehensive (Vollkasko): Classes 1-9
Based on all types of claims including self-caused accidents.
Why Location Matters
Urban areas have more traffic, more accidents, and higher theft rates. Rural areas are statistically safer, resulting in lower regional classes and cheaper insurance.
Step 2: High vs Low Regional Classes
The difference between the highest and lowest regional classes can mean hundreds of euros per year:
High Regional Classes (Expensive)
| City/District | Liability | Partial | Full |
|---|---|---|---|
| BerlinHighest in Germany | 12 | 9 | 9 |
| OffenbachHigh theft rate | 11 | 8 | 8 |
| HamburgMajor city | 10 | 7 | 7 |
| MunichUrban area | 8 | 6 | 6 |
| CologneDense population | 9 | 7 | 7 |
Low Regional Classes (Affordable)
| City/District | Liability | Partial | Full |
|---|---|---|---|
| Elbe-ElsterLowest in Germany | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| PrignitzRural Brandenburg | 1 | 1 | 2 |
| EichsfeldRural Thuringia | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| EifelkreisRural Rhineland-Palatinate | 2 | 2 | 1 |
| VechtaLower Saxony | 3 | 2 | 2 |
Step 3: How Much Does Location Cost?
Here is a real comparison of the same car insured in different regions:
Example: VW Golf, Same Driver, Different Locations
Why Such a Big Difference?
Average liability claim: 4,200 Euro. Average comprehensive claim: 4,000 Euro. In high-risk areas, these claims happen more often, so everyone in that area pays higher premiums.
Check Your Regional Class
Find out how your location affects your premium. Compare offers and save up to 50%.
Compare Car Insurance NowStep 4: What Changes in 2026?
The GDV updates regional classes every year. For 2026, these are the key changes:
Moving Up (Worse)
- -Some Berlin suburbs
- -Several Rhine-Main cities
- -Parts of North Rhine-Westphalia
Moving Down (Better)
- +Several Bavarian districts
- +Parts of Baden-Wuerttemberg
- +Some eastern German regions
Step 5: Tips for Expats
Check Before You Move
If choosing between cities, check regional classes. The insurance difference could offset higher rent in a cheaper insurance area.
Suburbs Can Be Cheaper
Registering in a suburb instead of the city center may give you a lower regional class with the same commute.
Compare Multiple Insurers
Even in high-class areas, comparing insurers can save money. Each company weighs regional classes differently.
Register at Your Actual Address
Your car must be registered where you live. Registering elsewhere to save money is insurance fraud.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I choose my regional class?
No, your regional class is determined by where you are officially registered (Anmeldung). You cannot pick a different class without moving.
When do the new 2026 regional classes apply?
New regional classes take effect January 1, 2026 for new policies. Existing policies update at your next renewal date.
Why is Berlin the most expensive?
Berlin has Germany's highest claim frequency due to dense traffic, high theft rates, and more accidents per capita. This puts it in the highest liability class (12).
What if I move to a different region?
You must notify your insurer when you move. Your premium will be adjusted based on your new regional class - it could go up or down.
Summary: Your Action Plan
- 1Check your area's regional class at gdv.de
- 2If planning to move, compare regional classes of potential areas
- 3Compare insurance offers - premiums vary significantly between providers
- 4Switch insurers if your premium increases due to regional class changes