Dog liability insurance (Hundehaftpflicht) is one of the most important types of insurance for dog owners: it pays if your dog injures a person, damages someone else's property or causes a road accident. In Berlin, Hamburg, Lower Saxony, Saxony-Anhalt and Thuringia it is compulsory by law for all dogs, and in North Rhine-Westphalia for large and dangerous dogs.
In which German federal states is dog liability insurance compulsory?
There is no nationwide obligation – responsibility lies with the federal states (Bundesländer) and their dog laws and state dog regulations. Liability insurance is compulsory for all dogs in, among others, Berlin, Hamburg, Lower Saxony, Saxony-Anhalt and Thuringia. In North Rhine-Westphalia the obligation applies to large dogs (from 40 cm shoulder height or 20 kg weight) and to dogs classified as dangerous. Schleswig-Holstein's dog act states that owners should take out liability insurance for every dog older than three months (at least €500,000 for personal injury and €250,000 for property damage); for dangerous dogs it is mandatory. In Saxony insurance is only required for dangerous dogs. In the remaining states, cover is usually only compulsory for dangerous dogs – but it is still strongly recommended on a voluntary basis. Because the state rules are adjusted regularly, it is worth checking the current regulations in your federal state before taking out a policy.
What to look out for when choosing a policy
- Sum insured – at least €5 to 10 million as a combined limit for personal injury, property damage and financial loss. A dog that runs into the road and causes a traffic accident can cause damage running into millions; the difference in premium between €3 and €10 million, on the other hand, is small.
- Damage to rented property (Mietsachschäden) – scratched parquet floors, chewed door frames or damaged fitted kitchens in a rented flat. Without this inclusion, you pay for such damage yourself.
- Puppies – many tariffs cover puppies of your own dog free of charge for a limited time (often until they are handed over or up to a certain age).
- Unintended mating – covers the costs if your male dog mates with someone else's bitch (vet costs, loss in value of the breeding animal).
- Walking by third parties – dog sitters, neighbours or friends should be co-insured so that damage they cause is also covered.
- Stays abroad – good tariffs cover temporary stays in Europe (often up to 12 months) or worldwide.
- Excess (Selbstbeteiligung) – lowers the premium but costs you money with every claim. Given the already low annual premiums, it is usually worth doing without one.
Why personal liability insurance is not enough for dogs
As a dog owner, under Section 833 BGB you are liable for all damage your animal causes – regardless of fault. This so-called strict liability (Gefährdungshaftung) applies even if you did everything right and the dog still injures someone or causes an accident. Liability is unlimited in amount: if an injured party has to receive a lifelong pension, it can quickly run into millions.
Standard personal liability insurance (Privathaftpflicht) only covers tame small animals such as cats, rabbits or cage birds – dogs and horses are expressly excluded and need a separate policy. You should also not confuse dog liability insurance with pet health insurance: liability insurance pays for damage your dog causes to others, health insurance pays for treatment of your own dog.