Liability insurance for expats

Personal liability insurance essentially covers you against mishaps in everyday life: The insured person is liable – with their current and future assets – for damages that may ensue from their own actions. For example, if a bottle of lemonade slips out of your hand, and the liquid destroys an item of designer furniture.

Expats should, in this respect, choose a tariff that takes account of their life situation by offering international cover. You can take your feeling of security with you to every country. 

• High sum insured: Many tariffs offer cover of up to 50 million euros. This offers comprehensive cover, even in the event of substantial damages.
• Global cover: Your personal liability insurance essentially goes with you regardless of the country you are staying in. Whether you live in Germany or temporarily in another country, you are protected.
• Damage occurring whilst doing someone a favour: The insurance may even cover damage occurring whilst you do someone a favour. For example, if you damage something whilst helping a friend to move home.
• Fending off unjustified claims: If someone asserts unjustified damage claims against you, the insurance fends these off for you – not only in your home country, but worldwide.
• Insurance cover for damage to rented property: Damage that you cause to a rented property, such as a broken sink or a damaged floor, may likewise be covered depending on the tariff.

• Personal injury, property damage and pecuniary loss: The insurance normally covers the costs for damage caused by you to third parties, including injuries, property damage or pecuniary loss.
• Damage to rented property: Damage to rented properties or to moveable items located in the rented property.
• Damage caused by children: Many tariffs offer cover for damage caused by children under the age of criminal responsibility, meaning that damage caused by your child is insured.
• Loss of keys: Loss of private keys or work keys, including lock replacement costs, may also be covered depending on the tariff.

• Own damage: Damage to your own belongings, such as your smartphone for example, is not covered.
• Damage caused intentionally: Damage caused intentionally is excluded from the insurance.
• Occupational activities: Damage arising in the course of an occupational activity is not normally covered; this requires separate professional indemnity insurance (which is normally secured by the employer).

Expats often find it more difficult to familiarize themselves with the legal framework and potential liability risks in a new country. Personal liability insurance ensures that you do not risk your entire wealth in the event of unforeseen incidents that could lead to high costs. It offers you financial protection and economic freedom so that you can focus on the essentials: your life and work abroad.