How to Switch Insurance5 Tips to Save Effectively
With the right insurance switch, you can save real money. Analyze your needs, compare offers, and watch the cancellation deadlines. Here's how to switch successfully.
Key German Terms
Quick Summary
The 5 most important steps for your successful insurance switch.
Analyze Needs
Review life situation and existing contracts
Compare Offers
Weigh price, benefits, and reviews
Check Conditions
Read T&Cs, identify hidden clauses
Apply Switch
Watch deadlines, cancel correctly
Verify Success
Check documents and archive them
Analyze Your Insurance Needs
A careful assessment is the key to optimal insurance coverage and potential cost savings.
Consider marital status, profession, and income
Review benefits and costs of all current policies
Consider marriage, moving, birth, or job change
Pro Tip: Conduct your insurance analysis at least once a year to always stay optimally protected.
Important Insurance Types in Germany
Compare Available Offers
A good insurance comparison goes far beyond the price and analyzes the overall quality of the offer.
Price
Tariff structure and annual premium
Benefits
Scope of insurance coverage
Extras
Additional features and options
Reviews
Customer satisfaction and service
Cancellation
Contract terms and options
Pro Tip: Create a comparison table with your top 3 offers to evaluate the differences more precisely.
Check AVB - What to Look For
Check Conditions and Additional Benefits
Careful review of insurance conditions can prevent later surprises and misunderstandings.
Note the VVG
The Insurance Contract Act (VVG) sets binding standards for insurance contracts in Germany.
Pro Tip: Mark unclear passages while reading and have them explained by an expert.
Apply for the Switch to the New Insurance
A timely and well-prepared insurance switch prevents coverage gaps and possible legal complications.
Cancellation Deadlines in Germany
| Insurance | Regular Deadline | Special Cancellation |
|---|---|---|
| Car Insurance (KFZ) | November 30 | Premium increase, claim |
| Public Health (GKV) | End of binding period | Premium increase |
| Private Health (PKV) | 3 months | Premium increase |
| Liability | 3 months | After a claim |
| Household | 3 months | Premium increase |
| Legal Protection | 3 months | Premium increase |
Formal Requirements
- Cancellation must be in writing
- Registered mail recommended for proof
- New insurer can handle cancellation for you
Pro Tip
Keep all cancellation documents and correspondence for at least three years to provide evidence if needed.
Verify the Successful Switch
Careful verification prevents later misunderstandings and possible coverage gaps.
Personal data correct?
Insurance number current?
SF-Class transferred?
Validity date correct?
Contact info complete?
Pro Tip: Digitize all insurance documents and store them in a secure location for quick access.
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Frequently Asked Questions
When can I switch my insurance in Germany?
Most insurance policies can be switched at the end of the contract with a cancellation period of 1-3 months. Car insurance has a deadline of November 30th. For premium increases, you have a special cancellation right within one month.
What is the special cancellation right (Sonderkuendigungsrecht)?
The special cancellation right allows you to cancel outside the regular cancellation period. It applies for premium increases, after a claim, or for significant contract changes. The deadline is usually one month.
What documents do I need for the insurance switch?
You need: written cancellation of the old contract, insurance number, and for car insurance the SF certificate (no-claims bonus class). Your new insurer can often handle the cancellation for you.
How does switching between GKV and PKV work?
Switching between public and private health insurance has special rules. To switch to PKV, your income must be above the annual earnings threshold (77,400 Euro in 2026). Switching back to GKV is only possible under certain conditions.
How often should I review my insurance needs?
It is advisable to review your insurance needs at least once a year. For life changes like marriage, birth, moving, or job change, you should immediately check if your insurance still fits.
We work with partners like CHECK24 and Tarifcheck. This comparison is free and non-binding. As of February 2026. This is not legal or financial advice.
Save When Switching Insurance
Compare rates and find the optimal insurance for your needs. Save up to 850 Euro per year!