Partial Coverage Car Insurance in Germany 2026What Teilkasko covers and when it is enough
What does Teilkasko cover in Germany, what does it cost in 2026, and when is it enough? A plain-English guide with GDV and ADAC data plus a free Tarifcheck comparison.
Key takeaways
- Teilkasko covers theft, fire, storm, hail, wildlife collisions, glass breakage, and marten bites. Self-caused accidents and vandalism are not included.
- A Teilkasko claim does not affect your Schadenfreiheitsklasse (no-claims class). That is a major difference from Vollkasko.
- 150 EUR is the standard deductible. Going without a deductible costs roughly 10 to 30 percent more in premium, according to the ADAC.
- The GDV assigns Teilkasko to 24 type classes (10 to 33). The switching deadline is usually November 30 for a January 1 change.
Key German terms
Your car is a few years old. The new-car price is long gone, but a total loss would still hurt. That is exactly what Teilkasko is for. It protects your car against theft, storm, wildlife collisions, glass breakage, and marten damage without the higher price tag of Vollkasko (full coverage).
In this guide we explain what Teilkasko actually covers, what it costs in 2026, when it is enough, and when you should move up to Vollkasko.
What does Teilkasko cover?
Teilkasko is a voluntary add-on to the legally required Kfz-Haftpflicht (third-party liability). It covers damage to your own car from external causes - things you did not cause yourself.
The ADAC summarises the scope like this: theft and partial theft, collisions with animals of all kinds, animal bite damage including consequential losses, natural events such as storm (force 7+), hail, flooding and earthquakes, fire, explosion, and electrical short circuit, plus glass breakage. Many tariffs also include damage from a ferry crossing.
Included events at a glance
- Theft of the car and partial theft of built-in parts
- Fire, explosion, and electrical short circuit
- Storm (from force 7), hail, lightning, flooding, earthquake
- Glass breakage on all windows (often with reduced deductible)
- Collisions with animals (per ADAC, all types, not just hoofed game)
- Marten bites including consequential damage (most tariffs)
- General average events (e.g. damage during ferry transport)
- Lock replacement after key theft (depending on the tariff)
One important detail: in Germany you can only buy Teilkasko together with the mandatory Haftpflicht. A standalone Teilkasko policy does not exist. When you compare, always look at the total premium for Haftpflicht plus Teilkasko.
How much does Teilkasko cost in 2026?
There is no flat answer. Your premium depends on the car model, type class, regional class, no-claims class, annual mileage, and chosen deductible. The German Insurance Association (GDV) publishes the key figures every year.
For 2026, the industry reports an average premium increase of around eight percent compared to 2025. Higher repair costs and rising claims figures are the main drivers. If you do not actively shop around or renegotiate, most insurers will simply pass the increase to you.
What drives your Teilkasko premium
- Type class: Your car model is assigned a class by the GDV every year. Teilkasko uses 24 classes (10 to 33). A higher class means a higher premium.
- Regional class: Your address matters. Big cities with high theft or weather damage are above the average.
- Deductible: 150 EUR or 300 EUR lowers the premium. The ADAC notes that going without a deductible costs roughly 10 to 30 percent more.
- Annual mileage: Low yearly mileage gets a discount.
- Driver group: Restricting drivers to you and your partner lowers the premium compared to open use.
For the current type-class data, the ADAC published the 2026 list. You can also check your model in our Kfz-Versicherungsklasse explainer.
Teilkasko, Vollkasko, Haftpflicht: what covers what?
The three tiers stack on top of each other. Haftpflicht is mandatory and covers damage you cause to others. Teilkasko and Vollkasko are voluntary and protect your own car.
| Damage type | Haftpflicht | Teilkasko | Vollkasko |
|---|---|---|---|
| Damage to the other driver's car | yes | no | no |
| Theft, fire, natural disasters | no | yes | yes |
| Wildlife collision, marten bite | no | yes | yes |
| Glass breakage | no | yes | yes |
| Self-caused accident damage to your own car | no | no | yes |
| Vandalism, parking damage by unknown driver | no | no | yes |
| Hit-and-run by the opposing driver | no | no | yes |
| Damage caused by intent or DUI | no | no | no |
For the next tier up, see our Vollkasko 2026 page.
Compare Teilkasko tariffs now
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When is Teilkasko enough - and when is it not?
Rule of thumb: as long as your car still has meaningful value and a total loss would really hurt your budget, Vollkasko pays off. If the market value is low, Teilkasko is usually enough. The same logic is described by Finanztip.
| Situation | Recommendation |
|---|---|
| New car, financed or leased | Vollkasko, usually required by the bank |
| Used car under 5 years, market value above 8,000 EUR | Vollkasko usually makes sense |
| Used car 5 to 10 years, market value 3,000 to 8,000 EUR | Teilkasko is often enough |
| Older than 10 years, market value below 3,000 EUR | Teilkasko or even Haftpflicht only |
A second check: if your Vollkasko premium would exceed about ten percent of the current car value per year, the upgrade rarely pays. Then Teilkasko is the smarter choice.
Deductible: how high should it be?
The deductible is the share of each claim you pay yourself. A higher deductible lowers the premium. For Teilkasko, 150 EUR is the standard. Here are the usual options.
150 EUR
Standard. Good balance between premium and out-of-pocket cost. Glass damage often comes with a lower deductible.
300 EUR
Savings option. Lowers the premium noticeably if you can cover the higher amount in case of a claim.
0 EUR
Premium increase per the ADAC is roughly 10 to 30 percent. Only worth it if you want every small claim covered.
Tip: Many tariffs offer a reduced or zero deductible for glass damage. If you drive a lot on autobahns where stone chips are common, target this feature when comparing.
When does Teilkasko not pay?
Teilkasko has clear limits. It does not pay if you caused the damage yourself or if a third party damaged your car deliberately. For those cases you need Vollkasko, or the other driver's Haftpflicht has to cover it.
Not covered by Teilkasko
- ✕Self-caused accident damage to your own car
- ✕Vandalism (paint scratches, broken mirrors)
- ✕Parking damage by unknown third parties
- ✕Hit-and-run by the opposing driver
- ✕Intent or gross negligence (e.g. driving under influence)
- ✕Wear and tear or mechanical defects
Switching from Vollkasko to Teilkasko
When your car is older and Vollkasko no longer pays off, you can downgrade to Teilkasko at the next renewal. The standard switching date is the policy year-end, with a cancellation deadline usually until November 30 for a January 1 change.
You can also switch mid-year if your insurer raises the premium. In that case you have a special cancellation right, usually within four weeks of notice. The same applies after a claim.
Another good moment is when your car moves into a noticeably higher Vollkasko type class. Check the published type classes each year.
Teilkasko for newcomers in Germany
If you are new to Germany, insurance terminology can feel overwhelming fast. Three things make the biggest difference.
1. eVB number before registration
Without the elektronische Versicherungsbestaetigung (eVB), you cannot register your car at the Zulassungsstelle. You get the eVB directly from the insurer, usually free of charge. You can request it before signing the final contract.
2. Claims-free years from your home country
Many German insurers will recognise part of your no-claims years from abroad if you provide a certificate from your previous insurer in English or German. Ask explicitly for the wording "claims-free years" or "no claims". Without proof, you typically start in SF class 0 or 1 with a much higher premium.
3. Address and regional class
Your registered address sets the regional class. Living in a big city usually means a higher Teilkasko premium than in a rural area. If you move, tell your insurer so the premium adjusts.
For a deeper expat-focused walk-through, see our Car Insurance Germany hub or instant car insurance options.
Frequently asked questions
What does Teilkasko (partial coverage) include?▼
Teilkasko pays for damage from theft, fire, explosion, storm (force 7+), hail, lightning, flooding, earthquake, glass breakage, wildlife collisions, marten bites (including consequential damage), and electrical short circuits. Self-caused accidents and vandalism are NOT covered. For those you need Vollkasko (full coverage).
How much does Teilkasko cost in Germany in 2026?▼
There is no single answer because your premium depends on the type class, regional class, deductible, and annual mileage. The GDV assigns Teilkasko to 24 type classes (10 to 33). For 2026, the industry reports an average premium increase of about eight percent compared to the previous year.
What is the difference between Teilkasko and Vollkasko?▼
Teilkasko covers damage from external causes such as theft, storm, or wildlife collisions. Vollkasko (full coverage) adds self-caused accidents to your own car and vandalism. Both sit on top of the legally required Haftpflicht (third-party liability).
Does a Teilkasko claim affect my no-claims class?▼
No. Unlike Vollkasko, your Schadenfreiheitsklasse (no-claims class) stays unchanged after a Teilkasko claim. This is one of the big advantages, particularly for glass or wildlife damage that you could not prevent.
How high should the deductible be?▼
150 EUR is the standard Teilkasko deductible. Choosing 300 EUR lowers the premium but you need that amount available in a claim. According to the ADAC, going without a deductible costs roughly 10 to 30 percent more in premium. Many tariffs offer a reduced or zero deductible for glass damage.
What car age makes Teilkasko worthwhile?▼
Rule of thumb: for cars between about three and ten years old, Teilkasko is usually the right choice. For very old cars under roughly 3,000 EUR market value, third-party liability alone often suffices. New cars, leases, and financed vehicles typically require Vollkasko per the bank's contract.
When can I switch from Vollkasko to Teilkasko?▼
Standard switch is at the end of your insurance year, with a cancellation deadline usually until November 30 for a January 1 switch. After a premium increase or a claim, you have a special cancellation right, typically within four weeks of notice.
I am new to Germany - what do I need to know about Teilkasko?▼
You need an eVB number first before you can register the car at the Zulassungsstelle. If you can prove claims-free years from your home country, many insurers will count part of them. Ask your previous insurer for a certificate in English or German.
Next steps
When you are ready, take a look at the current Teilkasko tariffs in the Tarifcheck network. The comparison is free and takes only a few minutes.
Want to dig deeper? Read the Car Insurance Germany overview or browse the instant car insurance guide.