Motorcycle Insurance in Germany 2026: Liability, Kasko and Seasonal Plates
Every registered motorcycle in Germany needs liability cover (Haftpflicht). This guide shows you which policy fits your riding style, how to lower the premium and what to bring to the Zulassungsstelle.
Key Takeaways
- Liability cover (Haftpflicht) is required by law for every registered motorcycle in Germany (§1 PflVG).
- Older bikes usually pair well with Teilkasko; new or financed bikes are better off with Vollkasko.
- A Saisonkennzeichen (2 to 11 months) means you only pay for the months you ride.
- Before registration you need an eVB number from your insurer.
Do I need motorcycle insurance in Germany?
Yes. As soon as your motorcycle gets a plate, you need liability cover (Haftpflicht). This is set out in §1 Pflichtversicherungsgesetz (PflVG). Without it no Zulassungsstelle (registration office) will issue a plate, because you cannot obtain an eVB number.
Liability covers the damage you cause to others. Damage to your own bike is only paid out if you also hold Kasko cover. That is why riders of new or higher-value motorcycles usually combine mandatory liability with Teilkasko or Vollkasko.
Which policy is right depends on the bike\'s value, annual mileage, where it is parked and your personal risk appetite. The sections below explain the differences in plain English, without insurance jargon.
Haftpflicht, Teilkasko and Vollkasko at a glance
Three cover types, three protection levels. This overview helps you decide which combination fits your bike.
Haftpflicht (Liability)
Mandatory by §1 Pflichtversicherungsgesetz (PflVG).
Bodily injury, property damage and financial loss you cause to third parties while riding.
Minimum legal cover: EUR 7.5 million for bodily injury, EUR 1.3 million for property damage, EUR 50,000 for pure financial loss (PflVG Anlage zu §4 Abs. 2).
Required for every registered motorcycle in Germany. Without liability cover, no eVB number.
Teilkasko (Partial)
Optional, governed by contract.
Theft, fire, storms above Beaufort 8, hail, collision with game animals, glass damage and marten bite.
Deductible freely chosen, often EUR 150 or 300.
Recommended for motorcycles with a market value above roughly EUR 2,000 and in regions with higher theft rates.
Vollkasko (Full)
Optional, includes Teilkasko.
Everything in Teilkasko plus self-caused accidents, vandalism and damage by unidentified third parties.
Deductible typically between EUR 300 and EUR 1,000.
Advisable in the early years of ownership and for financed or new motorcycles.
Saisonkennzeichen: Pay only for the months you ride
If you only ride in the warmer months, a seasonal plate (Saisonkennzeichen) cuts both insurance and motor tax. §10 Abs. 3 FZV sets the operating period at 2 to 11 months. You pay only for that window.
When does a seasonal plate make sense?
When does a seasonal plate make sense?
- • Annual mileage below 3,000 km
- • Indoor parking on private property in winter
- • A clearly defined riding season (for example, April to October)
What to keep in mind
What to keep in mind
- • Outside the season the bike must not stand on public roads.
- • On private property you are usually covered free of charge (Ruheversicherung).
- • A test ride or workshop trip outside the season is not allowed.
No-claims discount (SF-Klasse) on a motorcycle
The Schadenfreiheitsklasse (SF-Klasse) is a discount ladder. Each claim-free year moves you one step higher and lowers your premium. A reported claim moves you back down. Motorcycles use their own SF-Klasse track, separate from the one for your car.
Insurer change: Your SF-Klasse transfers when you switch insurers. The new insurer pulls the data directly from your previous provider.
Foreign cover: Years of claim-free riding from non-EU countries are not automatically recognised. Some German insurers credit part of the history; others start you at a fixed entry class.
Family transfer: Parents may pass on their SF-Klasse within the family (for example, to a child or spouse). Specific conditions vary by insurer.
New to Germany? Here is your 5-step path
- Check your licence. EU and EEA licences are usually valid in Germany without exchange. Licences from third countries normally need to be converted (Umschreibung) within six months.
- Register at the Buergeramt. Without a German address you cannot get an eVB number, and therefore no plate.
- Compare insurers. Compare at least liability and Teilkasko. If your German is still limited, choose providers that offer English-speaking service.
- Request your eVB number. Your insurer sends the seven-character code, usually by email.
- Apply for registration. Bring the eVB, your passport or residence permit, the Fahrzeugbrief and the Fahrzeugschein to the Zulassungsstelle.
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Useful German terms around motorcycle insurance
These words appear on contracts, forms and at the Zulassungsstelle. A short translation saves time later.
Motorradversicherung
Umbrella term: liability, partial cover and full cover for your motorcycle.
Haftpflicht (mandatory)
Pays for damage you cause to others while riding. Without it, no registration.
Teilkasko
Protects your bike against theft, fire, storm, hail, wild-animal collision and glass damage.
Vollkasko
Teilkasko plus self-inflicted crashes and vandalism.
Schadenfreiheitsklasse (SF)
No-claims discount class. Each claim-free year lowers your premium.
Saisonkennzeichen
Seasonal registration for 2 to 11 months a year. Cheaper for fair-weather riders.
Regionalklasse
Regional statistics for your registration district. Affects your premium.
eVB-Nummer
Seven-character insurance confirmation from your insurer. Required at the Zulassungsstelle.
Four practical ways to lower the premium
Four practical ways to lower the premium
Choose a higher deductible
A Teilkasko deductible from EUR 300 noticeably reduces the premium.
Consider a Saisonkennzeichen
If you only ride half the year, the seasonal plate often pays off.
Compare every year
About two months before renewal is a good time for a fresh comparison.
Mention your garage
A garage or underground parking lowers Kasko premiums.
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Frequently asked questions: motorcycle insurance
Short answers to the most common questions on liability, cost, seasonal plates and no-claims discount.
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