Best Dog Liability Insurance in Germany [2025 English Guide]

Key takeaways

• Dog liability insurance can save you a lot of money or prevent you from financial ruin.
• In some German federal states, dog liability insurance is required by law. In other states, the dog’s breed decides whether it is mandatory.
• We recommend taking dog liability insurance irrespective of the law in the federal state and the dog breed. 
• In Germany, you can get good dog liability insurance for under 60€ per annum.
• Never compromise on insurance coverage to save a few bucks.

This is how you do it

• In our research, we found the dog liability insurance plans from Die Haftpflichtkasse, Barmenia*, Getsafe*, NV-Versicherung, and Alte Leipziger to be the best.
• Dog liability insurance premiums and services vary greatly based on a dog’s breed. Hence, comparing insurance plans on comparison portals like Verivox* and Tarifcheck* is beneficial.
• Insurance companies offer better tariffs at a lower cost to attract new customers. Hence, we recommend comparing dog liability insurance policies every year. 

Table of Contents

Moving to a new country is exciting. And if you have your best friend with you, it gets even more exhilarating. 

However, the rules and regulations for dog owners differ from country to country. Hence, you must be aware of the rules for owning a pet in Germany.

One of the most important regulations is dog liability insurance. In this guide, you will learn everything about dog liability insurance in Germany.

What is dog liability insurance in Germany?

Dog liability insurance covers the costs of damages caused to third parties by your dog. It’s known as “Hundehaftpflichtversicherung” in German. Under German civil law, the owner is liable for harm caused by their pet (§ 833 BGB). Moreover, it’s mandatory in some German federal states and for specific dog breeds.

List of federal states where dog liability insurance (Hundehaftpflicht) is mandatory ->

List of dog breeds that come under dangerous dogs ->

NOTE: Private liability insurance covers the damages you and your small pets, like birds, cause. It doesn’t cover the damages caused by your dog.

Why is dog liability insurance essential in Germany?

You cannot plan for accidents. But you can be prepared for them.

Suppose your dog scratches your friend’s floor or bites the doctor during an examination. As a dog owner in Germany, you are responsible for the damages caused by your pet (§ 833 BGB ).

Moreover, you must pay for the damage. The damage cost may be a few hundred to several thousand euros.

So, having dog liability insurance to cover such costs can save you money and unnecessary headaches.

Germany has about 10.5 million dogs (2024). Around 3 million dog owners are estimated to have a separate dog liability policy. This is a market estimate, not an official nationwide statistic. Insurers handle roughly 80,000–100,000 dog-related liability claims annually. The average claim costs are between €800 and €1,000. However, a small number of cases (about 100 per year) lead to claims of €50,000 or more. [1, 2]

Best dog liability insurance in Germany

In our research, we found the dog liability insurance plans from Die Haftpflichtkasse, Barmenia*, Getsafe*, NV-Versicherung, and Alte Leipziger to be the best.

Many dog liability insurance plans offer good coverage. So, you can pick the more affordable one.

You can compare the dog liability insurance plans from the above companies on Verivox* and Tarifcheck*. You can also conclude the contracts directly on the insurance company’s website.

Expats who don’t speak German

Getsafe* offers competitive dog liability insurance at a good price-performance ratio. The tariffs from Feather* and Lassie were usually more expensive for similar coverage.

NOTE: The cost and services of dog liability insurance vary greatly based on the dog’s breed. Thus, comparing liability insurance offers for your dog on comparison portals like Verivox* and Tarifcheck* is beneficial.

How did we research the best dog liability insurance in Germany?

Here is how we researched the best dog liability insurance in Germany.

• The dog liability insurance tariff must meet the minimum criteria.
  • at least 10 million coverage
  • 500,000 € rental property damage (Mietsachschäden)
  • at least 50,000 € coverage for financial loss (Vermögensschäden)
  • Stays abroad – within the EU and worldwide coverage
  • Coverage for non-commercial dog sitters, such as your neighbors or friends
  • Complete coverage even when walking your dog without a leash
  • Unwanted mating/damages from unplanned mating (Deckschäden).
  • Insurance cover for shows, tournaments, and dog races (including training and sport activities where explicitly covered)
• You can get the insurance policy online
• Researched the recommendations made by Finaztip.de, Stiftung Warentest, Stern.de, and transparent-beraten.
• Dog breeds are classified into four categories: small, medium to big, mixed breeds, and dangerous dogs. We compared the dog liability plans for each category on Verivox, Check24, and Finanzen.de.
• Checked dog liability insurance plans from English insurance providers, i.e., Feather, Getsafe, and Lassie.
• We picked the ones that meet our minimum requirements and offer the best price-performance ratio. 

How much does dog liability insurance cost?

Here is how much a dog liability insurance policy costs in Germany.

• Non‑listed (low‑risk) dogs: €25–€60 per year
• Average dogs: €30 and €150 per year
• Listed/dangerous dogs: €120–€900+ per year or more

Dog liability insurance costs depend on the following factors.

• The dog’s breed,
• Coverage limits,
• Deductibles,
• The dog’s age, and
• Neuter status.

When completing the insurance application form, mention the dog breed accurately. If you have a mixed-breed dog, mention all the dog breeds.

Dog breed is an essential factor for insurance companies to consider when determining premiums. Many insurers don’t offer dog liability insurance for dangerous dogs.

List of dangerous dogs ->

Tips to save on the best dog liability insurance in Germany

• Choose a deductible: Like any other insurance policy in Germany, you can reduce your insurance premium by 10 to 20% by opting for a small deductible.
• Bundle policies or add multiple dogs: Many insurers offer discounts when you insure more than one dog or bundle dog liability with other products (e.g., private liability insurance). You can get a discount of up to around 10% or more.
• Change insurance provider to save money: Insurance companies offer better tariffs at a cheaper cost to attract new customers. Hence, it’s worth scouting the market for new insurance plans every year.

You must never compromise on insurance coverage to save a couple of euros.

What damages should good dog liability insurance cover?

A good dog liability insurance should cover the following costs.

• At least 10 million euros coverage for personal injury, property damage, and financial loss. 
• At least 500,000 € coverage for rental damage. This covers the damages your dog caused to the rental property, including hotels and holiday apartments. However, the insurance doesn’t cover the damages caused by your dog over a longer period. For example, a dog scratches the floor a bit every time it runs.
• Travel abroad: If you like to travel and take your dog with you, ensure the insurance policy covers stays outside Germany. Usually, the dog liability insurance tariffs are valid within the EU. Outside the EU, the insurance cover is limited to 5 years.
• Damage caused by your male dog impregnating a pedigree female dog. The breeder of the female dog may suffer economic damage, such as veterinary costs, or the dog won’t have purebred puppies, etc.
• Not on a leash or muzzle: The best dog liability insurance provides coverage if your pet causes damage when not on a leash or muzzle. However, there is an exception. Suppose the law in your federal state requires a leash or muzzle for your dog’s breed, and you breach that rule. In this case, the insurer may reduce or refuse cover.
• Protection for non-commercial dog guardians: Suppose another person, such as a neighbor or friend, looks after your dog, and damage occurs. The liability insurance covers the damage costs. Commercial dog sitter has their own liability insurance. 
• Bad debt coverage (Ausfalldeckung): Suppose you suffered damages from someone else’s dog, and they cannot pay. In this case, your dog liability insurance covers the cost.
• Insurance cover for your dog’s puppies till they are 12 months old.
• Activities you do with your dog: The insurance covers the damages caused when using your dog as a therapy dog, participating in a dog competition, or dog sledding.

Things to keep in mind

• Damage to your own dog is not covered by dog liability insurance. You need pet health/accident cover.
• If you use your dog for hunting, you need hunting liability insurance (Jagdhaftpflichtversicherung). Normal dog liability insurance doesn’t cover the hunting-related activities.
• If you move to a new federal state, always check the local laws and ensure your policy is still providing the necessary coverage.

NOTE: Dog liability insurance companies sometimes cancel your insurance policy after settling the claim. Suppose your insurer cancels the policy. Request them that you’ll cancel the policy on your own. This ensures you don’t have trouble getting another dog liability insurance.

Examples of damages covered by good dog liability insurance in Germany

• Your dog bites someone, and the person cannot work for a while. In this case, the liability insurance covers the financial loss the person has suffered due to the inability to work.
• Your dog suddenly bites a child playing on the ground. In this case, you are liable for medical treatment, psychological care, compensation for pain and suffering (Schmerzensgeld), and loss of earnings for the parents. Compensation types are governed by the German Civil Code (§ 249 BGB, § 253 BGB). Depending on the severity of the dog’s bite, you may end up paying tens of thousands of euros in compensation.
• You opened the house door, and suddenly, your dog rushed out of the house. As a result, the dog knocks down a cyclist. The cyclist suffered permanent damage to the right hand and cannot play as a professional tennis player. In this case, you pay for replacing the broken bicycle, compensation for pain, treatment costs, and a partial disability pension for the cyclist. You must also take your dog for professional retraining. The expected damage cost will be in the millions.

NOTE: If a claim exceeds your insured sum, you remain personally liable for the remainder. Thus, choosing adequate coverage is vital.

In which German states is dog liability insurance mandatory?

Every federal state in Germany has its own regulations regarding dog ownership. Dog liability insurance is mandatory for all dog owners in the following German states.

• Berlin
• Hamburg
• Niedersachsen
• Sachsen-Anhalt
• Schleswig-Holstein
• Thüringen

You must get dog liability insurance for specific dog breeds in the federal states mentioned below. 

• Baden-Württemberg
• Bayern
• Brandenburg
• Bremen
• Hessen
• Nordrhein-Westfalen
• Rheinland-Pfalz
• Saarland
• Sachsen

There is no legal obligation to get dog liability insurance in the following federal states.

• Mecklenburg-Vorpommern

NOTE: You must have dog liability insurance if your dog is on the dangerous dog list (Listenhunde in German). Your federal state doesn’t matter.

We recommend getting dog liability insurance irrespective of the legal obligations and dog breed.

Which dogs are listed as dangerous dogs (Listenhunde)?

Each federal state has its list of dangerous dogs. However, the following dog breeds are often on the list of dangerous or fighting dogs.

• American Staffordshire Terrier
• Bordeaux Mastiff
• Bullmastiff
• Bull Terrier
• Cane Corso
• Dogo Argentino
• Fila Brasileiro
• Mastin Espanol
• Pit bull terrier
• Staffordshire bull terrier
• Tosa Inu

A mixed breed created through crossing with at least one of these breeds is also considered a fighting dog.

Dog liability insurance companies usually charge higher insurance premiums for dog breeds on the dangerous dogs list.

NOTE: If you use your dog for hunting, you must get special hunting liability insurance. Dog liability insurance will not cover this.

FAQs

References

• https://www.tierschutzbund.de/tiere-themen/haustiere/hunde/listenhunde
• https://www.allianz.de/recht-und-eigentum/hundehaftpflichtversicherung/listenhunde/
• https://www.finanztip.de/haftpflichtversicherung/hundehaftpflicht/
• https://www.check24.de/hundehaftpflicht/
• https://www.allianz.de/recht-und-eigentum/hundehaftpflichtversicherung/
• https://www.stern.de/wirtschaft/versicherung/top-hundehaftpflichtversicherungen–diese-tarife-bieten-den-besten-service-33180364.html
• https://www.gesetze-im-internet.de/bgb/__833.html