If you drive in Germany, three numbers on your insurance policy decide most of your premium: a vehicle Typklasse, your Regionalklasse, and your personal SF-Klasse. The Typklasse is the one you can actually influence, because it is locked the moment you choose a car. This guide shows you how to look up the Typklasse with the HSN/TSN codes from your Fahrzeugschein, what the GDV reclassification of roughly 10 million vehicles changed for 2026, and the newcomer-specific items (eVB number, foreign no-claims transfer, Teilkasko vs Vollkasko logic) that most German-language guides assume you already know.
2026 Type Class Changes at a Glance
33,000
Car models re-evaluated by GDV
5.9M
Drivers pay more in 2026
4.5M
Drivers pay less in 2026
What Are Type Classes? A Plain-English Explanation
Car insurance in Germany is mandatory; that part is clear. What is less clear is why two neighbours with similar cars can pay wildly different premiums. The first answer is the Typklasse.
Every car model sold in Germany receives a type class (Typklasse) rating from the GDV. This rating comes from analyzing real claim data -- actual accidents, repairs, thefts -- for each vehicle type. A sports car that gets stolen more often will be in a higher class. A family sedan with low repair costs will be in a lower one.
Why this matters for expats
When you buy a car in Germany, the type class affects your insurance cost for as long as you own that vehicle. A few minutes of research before purchasing can save you EUR 200 to 500 per year. Most expats never check this. That is your advantage.
Three Types of Type Classes
Liability (Haftpflicht) -- Classes 10 to 25
This is mandatory insurance in Germany. It covers damage your car causes to others -- other vehicles, property, or people. If you cause an accident, this pays for the other person's repairs and medical bills. You cannot register a car in Germany without it. Most drivers have class 12-18.
Partial Comprehensive (Teilkasko) -- Classes 10 to 33
This covers specific named risks: theft, fire, storm damage, and collisions with animals. It does not cover damage you cause to your own car. Many drivers add this for older vehicles where Vollkasko does not make sense economically.
Full Comprehensive (Vollkasko) -- Classes 10 to 34
This covers all damage to your own vehicle, including self-caused accidents, vandalism, and damage from flooding. If you have a new or valuable car, this is worth considering. Banks typically require it for financed vehicles.
The Lower, The Better
Lower type class numbers mean lower insurance premiums. A car in class 10 costs significantly less to insure than one in class 25. When comparing cars, the type class difference alone can justify choosing one model over another.
What Changes in 2026? Rising Costs Behind the Numbers
Every year, the GDV recalculates type classes based on updated claim data. For 2026, the main driver of change is straightforward: repair costs keep climbing.
Workshop labour rates in most German cities now sit above EUR 200 per hour, according to ADAC's 2026 Typklassen overview. Add cameras, lane-keeping sensors and driver-assistance ECUs, and a small bumper hit can mean a four-digit invoice. Stiftung Warentest tracks how those repair costs feed back into the Typklasse statistic, and the 2026 cycle is the heaviest reshuffle in several years.
5.9 Million Drivers Pay More
Affected vehicle types include:
- -Many SUVs and crossovers (higher repair costs)
- -Electric vehicles (battery and electronics)
- -High-performance models (expensive parts)
- -Large sedans and executive cars
4.5 Million Drivers Benefit
Lower reclassifications for:
- +Many compact cars (lower repair costs)
- +Some estate/wagon models
- +Entry-level vehicles with simple mechanics
- +Certain diesel models (fuel efficiency data)
Electric Vehicles and Type Classes
Battery repairs can be especially expensive in electric vehicles: even minor damage can result in significant workshop costs, and specialized repair skills are still developing. However, EVs are not automatically in higher classes. Some 2026 models were actually rated lower than before, for example the VW ID.4 Pure in liability class 14. The type class always depends on the specific model and its verified claim history. Check your EV's exact class using the HSN/TSN in the GDV Typklassenabfrage.
How big can the gap be between a low and a high type class?
A compact city car in a low Typklasse and a large SUV in a high one can sit worlds apart in annual premiums, even with the same driver profile in the same city. The vehicle alone can make a large yearly difference. That is why checking the Typklasse before you sign a Kaufvertrag often matters more than haggling for an extra rebate at the dealer.
Cars with Low Type Classes in 2026 (Examples)
These models have a low liability type class in 2026. The table shows all three ratings. The exact class depends on your specific variant (HSN/TSN), so treat this as orientation, not a guarantee for your exact car. Class 10 is the lowest possible.
| Model | Liability | Partial | Full |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hyundai i10 1.1 | 15 | 12 | 10 |
| Opel Corsa-D 1.4 | 15 | 11 | 13 |
| Fiat 500 1.2 | 13 | 12 | 14 |
| VW ID.4 Pure 125 (EV) | 14 | 21 | 20 |
| BMW iX1 xDrive30 (EV) | 14 | 23 | 21 |
2026 examples with a low liability type class. Source: GDV / ADAC / Finanztip. Class 10 is the lowest possible. Exact class depends on your HSN/TSN, check yours in the GDV Typklassenabfrage.
What does this mean in euros?
There is no fixed euro amount per type class. Your actual annual premium depends on the type class, your regional class (Regionalklasse), your no-claims history (SF-Klasse), and the insurer you choose. The real figure only appears in a personal comparison. Use the tool below to see your exact premium across providers.
Expat Tip: Check Before You Buy
Before purchasing a car in Germany, always check its type class using HSN/TSN. Two technically similar models can sit in very different classes. The GDV Typklassenabfrage is free and takes about 2 minutes. You can also find a link to car insurance classes explained in our dedicated guide.
Your Personal Rating: SF-Klasse (No-Claims Discount)
While Typklasse rates the vehicle, your SF-Klasse (Schadenfreiheitsklasse) rates you as a driver. This is your personal no-claims discount based on how long you have been driving without an accident.
If you are a new driver in Germany, you start at SF-Klasse 0 (the highest cost). Each year without a claim moves you up. After 10+ years, you reach SF-Klasse 10 or higher. The discount is substantial over time: new drivers pay significantly more than experienced ones. The exact percentage varies by insurer.
| SF-Klasse | Typical % of Base Premium | Years of Driving |
|---|---|---|
| SF-0 | 130% | New driver, no bonus |
| SF-1 | 100% | After 1 accident-free year |
| SF-5 | 70% | After 5 years |
| SF-10 | 45% | After 10 years |
| SF-20+ | 25% | After 20+ years |
Illustrative example. Actual percentages vary by insurer.
Important for expats: Your SF-Klasse moves with you when you switch insurers. It is tied to your driving history, not the vehicle. However, if you caused an accident, you drop 5-7 classes -- a penalty that follows you to any insurer. Some insurers offer "Backprotect" policies that limit penalty drops.
Transferring an SF-Klasse from abroad
German insurers do not have a single rulebook for foreign no-claims history. EU/EEA documents are usually accepted at face value if you can show an Insurance Bestätigung from your prior insurer that lists claim-free years. Non-EU evidence (Turkey, UK, US, Switzerland) is handled case by case. Ask explicitly for "Anrechnung ausländischer Vorschadenfreiheit" before the policy starts, not afterwards.
Foreign-licence SF transfer: what to bring
A short list that saves a phone call later. None of this is automatic, you have to push for it.
- Turkish licence holders: bring a Hasarsızlık Belgesi (no-claims certificate) from the previous Turkish insurer plus a sworn translation. Most large German insurers credit between 3 and 7 SF years against documented claim-free time.
- EU/EEA licence holders: the prior insurer's schadenfreiheitsähnliche Bestätigung in any EU language is usually enough. Most companies grant SF-credit one-for-one up to about SF-15.
- UK / US / Swiss / non-EU: a recent "No-Claims Discount letter" or "Schadenfreiheits-Bescheinigung" with the dates spelled out works for HUK24, Allianz Direct, DA Direkt and others. Some insurers cap the credited years at SF-5 or SF-8 if the country of origin is non-EU.
- If the paperwork is missing: you start at SF-0 (130 percent surcharge). You can also negotiate a so-called Wechselbonus later when the certificate arrives.
Where You Live Matters: Regionalklasse (Regional Class)
Your Regionalklasse depends on your registration area (Zulassungsbezirk). Urban areas with higher accident density get higher classes. Rural areas with lower traffic get better ratings.
Regional Class Examples
City Centers (Berlin-Mitte, Hamburg-Mitte)
Higher accident rates, higher premiums
Suburban Areas
Moderate accident rates, moderate premiums
Rural Areas (Brandenburg-Land, etc.)
Lower accident rates, lower premiums
If you live in a high-risk area, moving to a lower-risk area can improve your Regionalklasse, though this is rarely practical just for insurance savings. The difference between a low and a high regional class can add a noticeable amount to your annual liability premium.
For Expats: Registration Matters
Your Zulassungsbezirk is tied to your residence registration (Anmeldung). When you move within Germany, your Regionalklasse changes automatically based on the new area. This is another factor to consider when choosing where to live -- though quality of life and commute matter more than insurance savings.
Find the Right Car Insurance for Your Vehicle
Enter your HSN/TSN (or model and engine) and the comparison tool reads your type class, combines it with your SF-Klasse and regional class, and shows you offers from multiple providers. Free, no registration required.
Advertising notice: This comparison is provided by our partner Tarifcheck (cpref=197902). If you sign up through it we earn a commission at no extra cost to you, and it does not affect the results shown.
Look up your Typklasse with HSN and TSN
Every car registered in Germany carries two short codes that uniquely identify the model and variant: the HSN (Herstellerschlüsselnummer, manufacturer key) and TSN (Typschlüsselnummer, type key). With those two codes you can look up the official 2026 Typklasse in under two minutes. The codes do not change when you re-register the car or move cities.
Where to find HSN and TSN on your Fahrzeugschein (Zulassungsbescheinigung Teil I)
- HSN, field 2.1, exactly 4 digits (for example, 0588 = Volkswagen, 0005 = BMW, 5005 = Tesla).
- TSN, field 2.2, usually 3 characters (digits or letters) that identify the engine and trim.
- On a Fahrzeugschein issued before 2005 the codes live in fields 2 and 3 of the older "Kfz-Schein".
- If you cannot find the physical card, the same numbers appear on the Vertragsunterlagen from your insurer and on the Kaufvertrag from the dealer.
GDV Typklassenabfrage (official source)
Open the GDV portal (search "GDV Typklassenabfrage" or type gdv.de in your browser), choose the Typklassenabfrage tool, and enter the HSN + TSN from your Fahrzeugschein. The result shows three numbers: Haftpflicht / Teilkasko / Vollkasko. This is the same dataset every German insurer uses.
Your existing insurance policy
If you already have a policy, the Versicherungsschein (insurance certificate) lists the three Typklasse values under the vehicle details. Search the PDF for "Typklasse", you will see three numbers, one for each cover type.
Through the meinetarife24 comparison
In the car insurance comparison, type in your HSN + TSN (or the model and engine) and the tool reads the Typklasse for you and applies your SF-Klasse and Regionalklasse on top, so you see the final premium across providers in one view.
The eVB number: the one piece of paper most newcomers forget
You cannot register a car at the Zulassungsstelle without a 7-character eVB number (elektronische Versicherungsbestätigung). It is the insurer's short proof that your liability cover is in place. The Typklasse you just looked up feeds straight into the premium that comes back when you request an eVB, so the two steps belong together.
How the eVB flow works
- Look up the Typklasse with HSN/TSN (Section 6 above).
- Run a comparison on car insurance compare and choose a Haftpflicht (plus Teilkasko or Vollkasko if you want).
- The insurer emails the 7-character eVB number within minutes, keep it ready for the Zulassungstermin.
- At the Zulassungsstelle you hand over the eVB along with the Fahrzeugschein, Personalausweis, SEPA mandate and proof of HU/AU. The car is registered the same day.
A deeper walkthrough lives in the car insurance checklist for Germany, useful if this is your first time at a Zulassungsstelle. For a same-day quote without printing anything, see instant car insurance.
How to Switch Insurers Before November 30
If the 2026 reclassification means your premium is going up, you have a clear window to act. Germany's standard insurance cancellation deadline is November 30 -- your insurer must notify you of any premium changes by October 31.
Step 1: Confirm Your Cancellation Window
Most German insurance policies have a 3-month cancellation notice period. This means your cancellation letter must reach your insurer by November 30 for the policy to end on December 31. Check your policy documents for the specific cancellation deadline (Kündigungsfrist).
Step 2: Get Comparable Quotes
Type classes are standardized across all German insurers -- every company uses the same GDV ratings. However, how each insurer weights type classes in their pricing varies. One company may offer you a better rate despite the same type class. Our comparison tool shows offers from 300+ providers.
Step 3: Submit Your Cancellation
Send your cancellation in writing -- email is fine for most insurers, but registered mail (Einwurfeinschreiben) gives you proof of delivery. The magic words: "Hiermit kündige ich meinen Vertrag zum 31.12.2025 fristgerecht" (I hereby cancel my contract for 31.12.2025 within the deadline).
Step 4: Confirm the New Policy
Once your old insurer confirms cancellation, your new insurer will send confirmation. The new policy typically starts January 1. Make sure there is no gap in coverage -- you need liability insurance to register a car in Germany.
Sonderkündigungsrecht (special cancellation right)
Whenever an insurer raises your premium outside the normal January renewal, the law gives you a Sonderkündigungsrecht: 30 days to cancel from the date the letter reaches you, even if your contract is mid-term. Verbraucherzentrale (the German consumer-protection body) recommends sending the cancellation by Einschreiben (registered letter) so you have proof of delivery, and switching insurers before the new premium debits from your account.
What Else Affects Your Premium (Beyond Type Class)
Type class is a major factor, but not the only one. Insurers combine multiple factors to calculate your final premium:
Your SF-Klasse (No-Claims Discount)
As explained above, this is your personal driving history discount. New drivers pay the most; 20+ years claims-free pays the least.
Your Regionalklasse
Based on your Zulassungsbezirk. City centers are more expensive; rural areas are cheaper. This is outside your control unless you move.
Your Age and Years of Driving Experience
Young drivers (under 25) pay significantly more -- often 2-3x the adult rate. Many insurers offer "young driver" discounts after the first year accident-free.
Your Garage/Parking Situation
Cars parked in a garage are cheaper to insure than cars parked on the street. If you have a private garage or driveway, mention it -- this can reduce premiums by 5-10%.
Your Deductible (Selbstbeteiligung)
Choosing a higher deductible (the amount you pay first in a claim) reduces your premium. Common options: EUR 0, 150, 300, 500. A EUR 300 deductible can save 10-15% on comprehensive coverage.
Five concrete ways to lower your 2026 premium
A short skim-list. Each lever is independent, combining two or three usually beats just shopping for a cheaper insurer.
1. Raise the Selbstbeteiligung
Move from EUR 0 to EUR 300 deductible on Vollkasko and most policies drop 10 to 15 percent. Worth it when the car is older than three years.
2. Lock the annual mileage you actually drive
If your odometer says 9,000 km a year, do not let the insurer set 20,000 km by default. Honest mileage cuts the premium and avoids the Nachversicherung surcharge later.
3. Switch to Werkstattbindung if you can live with it
Agreeing to use the insurer's partner workshops typically saves 10 to 20 percent on Voll- or Teilkasko. Skip it if your car is under warranty or you only trust the brand workshop.
4. Pay annually, not monthly
Many German insurers add a 3 to 5 percent surcharge on monthly debits. One yearly Lastschrift can save EUR 30 to EUR 50 with no other change.
5. Protect your SF with Rabattschutz, only on long histories
Rabattschutz freezes your SF-Klasse if you cause one accident. It is sensible from roughly SF-10 upward, where a single Rückstufung wipes years of work. Below SF-5 it usually costs more than it saves.
Bonus: look at telematics tariffs
If you drive cautiously and do not mind the app, telematics-based tariffs can shave a further 10 to 30 percent. Telematics car insurance 2026 walks through how it is scored.
Frequently Asked Questions
When do the new 2026 type classes take effect?
The new type classes apply to new policies starting January 1, 2026. If you have an existing policy, your insurer will automatically update your rating at your next renewal date. Most renewals happen around the November 30 cancellation deadline.
Can I change my vehicle's type class?
No -- type classes are fixed per vehicle model based on GDV data. You cannot negotiate or request a reclassification. The only way to get a different type class is to drive a different car. This is why checking type classes before purchasing a vehicle is so important.
Are electric vehicles always in higher type classes?
Not automatically. Battery repairs can be especially expensive in EVs, which pushes some into higher classes. However, some 2026 EV models were actually rated lower than before. For example, the VW ID.4 Pure sits in liability class 14 in 2026. The type class is always model-specific and based on verified GDV claim data. Check your car's exact class using the GDV Typklassenabfrage with your HSN/TSN.
What is the November 30 cancellation deadline?
November 30 is the standard cancellation deadline (Abbestellungsfrist) for most German insurance policies. If your premium increases for 2026, you must cancel by this date to switch insurers without penalty. Your insurer must notify you of changes by October 31.
Do all insurers use the same type classes?
Yes -- the GDV type class system is the industry standard. Every German insurer uses the same classifications for calculating base premiums. However, the weight given to type classes varies. Some insurers heavily discount low type class vehicles, while others focus more on driver history. This variation is why comparing multiple providers matters.
What is the difference between SF-Klasse and Typklasse?
SF-Klasse (Schadenfreiheitsklasse) is your personal no-claims discount based on driving history. Typklasse is the vehicle's rating based on claim statistics. Both are combined by insurers to calculate your premium. Your SF-Klasse moves with you when you switch insurers; your Typklasse is tied to the vehicle.
How do I check my car's type class?
Check the official GDV database at gdv.de, your insurance policy documents, or use our comparison tool by entering your vehicle registration number (Fahrzeugbrief). The GDV database shows all three type class ratings for any vehicle model sold in Germany.
Is it worth switching insurers just because my type class changed?
Only if you can save money overall. If your premium increased by EUR 100/year and another insurer offers the same coverage for EUR 80 less, switching makes sense. But also consider: your new insurer may also raise prices at renewal. The real benefit of switching is often the introductory discounts new insurers offer.
Your Action Plan: What to Do Now
- 1Look up your current car's Typklasse on the GDV Typklassenabfrage tool or on your existing insurance documents
- 2If you are buying a car, verify the type class before signing -- this can save EUR 200-500/year
- 3Compare insurance offers annually -- prices vary significantly between the 300+ German providers
- 4Note your cancellation deadline if your premium increased: November 30
- 5Switch insurers if you find a better offer -- it takes about 10 minutes online
Bottom Line
Type classes affect every car owner in Germany. The 2026 reclassification brings changes for millions of drivers -- some pay more, others pay less. For expats, the key insight is this: type class is tied to the vehicle model, not to you personally.
Before buying a car in Germany, always check its type class ratings. A few minutes of research now can save hundreds of euros annually. And if your current premium increased for 2026, November 30 is your deadline to switch.