Type Class
The type class is a classification of the vehicle model for car insurance, based on claims statistics.
Key Takeaways
- •The type class is a classification of the vehicle model for car insurance, based on claims statistics.
- •Type Class belongs to the Insurance category. We explain it step by step for newcomers to Germany.
- •A high-performance sports car in a high liability type class (around HP 24) is more expensive to insure than a small car in a low class (around HP 12), because statistically more and costlier damage is caused with the sports car.
meinetarife24 Editorial Team
Our independent editorial team carefully reviews all information and regularly updates the content.
Detailed Explanation
Every vehicle model is annually classified into type classes by the GDV (German Insurance Association). The classification is based on the claims frequency and amount of all registered vehicles of that type.
Type class ranges (as of 2026): - Liability: 10-25 (16 classes, 25 = highest risk) - Partial comprehensive: 10-33 (24 classes) - Full comprehensive: 10-34 (25 classes)
Classification factors: - Accident frequency of the model - Average repair costs - Theft frequency - Wildlife damage - Glass breakage
How the type class affects you: - Higher type class = statistically more expensive model = higher premium - Lower type class = cheaper to insure - Sporty and high-performance models often land in higher classes, many small cars in lower ones
The GDV recalculates type classes every year, so they can change. For the 2026 type-class year, the GDV assigned a higher liability classification to roughly 5.9 million drivers and a lower one to roughly 4.5 million; for about 75 percent the type class stays the same. You can look up the classification of your specific model in the official GDV type-class directory.
Practical Example
A high-performance sports car in a high liability type class (around HP 24) is more expensive to insure than a small car in a low class (around HP 12), because statistically more and costlier damage is caused with the sports car.
Legal Basis
GDV Type Class Directory (GDV-Typklassenverzeichnis)
Related Terms
Sources & Methodology
Our methodology: the meinetarife24 Editorial Team checks every definition against binding primary data sources and consumer-focused reference portals. We name the relevant legal basis, link related terms and update each entry regularly. We do not sell loans or tariffs ourselves. This explanation is provided purely for information.
- • Legal basis: GDV Type Class Directory (GDV-Typklassenverzeichnis)
- • Price Indication Regulation (PAngV) at Gesetze im Internet
- • Finanztip and the Deutsche Bundesbank as independent references on interest rates and consumer credit.