For most people in Germany, their own home is the largest investment of their life. It is your family home and at the same time a central pillar of your retirement planning. But what happens if a severe storm tears off the roof, a fire destroys everything, or a burst pipe damages the structure? Residential Building Insurance is essential for property owners.
Key Facts at a Glance
| What is covered | The building and fixed installations in case of fire, water damage, storm and hail, and with an add-on also natural hazards such as heavy rain and flooding. |
|---|---|
| What is not covered | Natural hazards without an add-on, damage due to poor maintenance, contents and intentional damage. Details |
| Who needs it | For all property owners; if the property is financed, the bank usually requires it. |
| What does it cost | For a typical detached house usually around €300 to €800 per year, considerably more in high-risk areas. Non-binding guide value (as of 2026); your premium depends on your situation. You can calculate your exact premium in the comparison calculator on this page. |
| What to look out for | Cover at sliding replacement value, natural hazard cover, a waiver of the gross negligence defence and co-insured solar panels. |
The Weber Family's Story: When the Heavy Rain Hits
Fictional example for illustration; all persons and events are invented.
The Weber family lives in a beautiful detached house in Germany. The house was their pride and joy; over the years, they had put every cent into modernizing it. Last summer, a severe storm hit. Within a few hours, gigantic amounts of rain fell.
Even though their house is not directly near a river, the water pressed back through the sewer system into the basement. The backwater protection failed, and within a very short time, the entire basement was 50 cm deep in water. The heating system, the laundry room, and the lovingly finished hobby room were destroyed.
The shock was great, but relief followed quickly. During our last consultation, we had expanded their Residential Building Insurance to include the "Further Natural Hazards" (Elementar) module. The insurance paid for the professional drying and cleaning as well as for the complete new heating system and the renovation of the basement rooms. Total damage: almost 35,000 euros. Without the right protection, the Webers would have had to bear this amount themselves. Today they say: "We are so glad we listened to the advice. The house is our livelihood."
What Exactly is Covered in Residential Building Insurance for Expats in Germany?
The insurance protects the structure of your building as well as all permanently installed items (e.g., fitted kitchens, heating systems, sanitary facilities). The classic risks are:
- Fire: Protection against fire, lightning, and explosion.
- Tap Water: If a pipe bursts or a radiator leaks.
- Storm and Hail: Protection at wind speeds from force 8 (approx. 62 km/h).
Why "Elementar" is Mandatory Today
First, an important clarification: natural hazard insurance (Elementarversicherung) is not a standalone policy. Instead, it is an optional but important module that we integrate directly into your residential building and household insurance. In the past, elementary damage was only considered a concern for flood areas. But the heavy rain events of recent years have shown: it can hit anyone, no matter where your house stands in Germany. The module protects you from the financial consequences of:
- Flooding due to atmospheric precipitation (heavy rain).
- Backwater in the sewer system.
- Landslide, land subsidence, or snow pressure.
As your insurance broker, I check exactly how your house is classified and which provider offers an attractive price-performance ratio here.
What to Look for in the Fine Print
An attractive premium is nice, but in the event of a claim, the clauses count. I pay special attention to these details:
- Gross Negligence: The insurance should also pay if you, for example, forgot to extinguish a burning candle.
- Drainage Pipes: Are pipes outside the property also insured? This can be extremely expensive with old lines.
- Clearing and Demolition Costs: If a house has to be demolished after a fire, these costs are often higher than the construction itself.
- Photovoltaic Systems: If you have solar cells on the roof, these must be explicitly included.
Requirements for Expats
- Valid German Address (Anmeldung)
- German Bank Account (IBAN)
What Is Not Covered
Residential building insurance protects your house, but not in every situation. Typical exclusions:
- Natural hazards: Flooding, backflow or landslides are only covered with a natural hazard add-on.
- Poor maintenance: The insurer does not pay for damage caused by wear or neglected maintenance, such as an old leaking roof.
- Your belongings: Furniture and personal items are covered by household contents insurance.
- Liability as an owner: If someone falls on your property, you need homeowner liability cover; owner-occupied detached houses are often included in private liability insurance.
- Intentional damage: Damage caused on purpose is not covered.
How I Help You in the Event of a Claim
As your broker, I am legally on your side, not the insurer's, and that matters most when something happens. This is how we proceed:
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1. Report it quickly
Let me know as soon as possible, by WhatsApp, phone, email or directly in the simplr app. Many policy conditions require prompt notification.
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2. Document everything
Keep photos, invoices, reports and the names of everyone involved. Good documentation speeds up processing considerably. How to write the claim report.
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3. Prevent consequential damage
Limit the damage immediately, for example turn off the water or temporarily seal a broken window. Only commission major repairs after speaking to the insurer.
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4. I take care of the rest
I submit the case to the insurer, follow up and check the settlement. If the insurer refuses or cuts benefits, we look at the reasons together.
Compare Rates Yourself
Use our comparison tool to calculate premiums and find the best rates for your situation. You can sign up directly online.
Tip: When comparing tariffs, make sure they include: natural hazards (Elementar), supply pipes on the property, no minimum wind force and heat damage (Nutzwärmeschäden); depending on your situation unnamed perils and co-insured solar panels. Please answer the questions about previous claims and renovations truthfully. I am happy to check the tariffs with you.
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Please note: this calculator is provided by a German platform and is only available in German. If you need help filling it in, I am happy to go through it with you in English.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is natural hazard insurance a separate contract?
Does the insurance pay in cases of gross negligence?
What does 'Value 1914' mean in my policy?
Are solar panels on the roof insured?
Are drainage pipes outside the property covered?
What exactly is covered in case of tap water damage?
What happens to the building insurance when I buy a house?
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