Motor insurance renewal in Germany
How to renew motor insurance — how it works anywhere
Renewing motor insurance in Germany typically involves confirming policy details with an insurer, adjusting coverage if necessary, and receiving a new electronic insurance confirmation (eVB number). Most standard policies in Germany automatically renew annually unless they are cancelled within the contractually defined notice period.
Most motorists begin reviewing their insurance options 4 to 6 weeks before the end of the calendar year, as this aligns with common cancellation deadlines that allow for switching providers by January 1st.
Start 30 days ahead
Standard cancellation notice periods are often one month before the end of the insurance year; starting the process early ensures there is enough time to compare quotes and finalize a new contract if switching.
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The process
- 1Review the existing policy terms to identify the notice period and contract renewal date.
- 2Compare current coverage levels and premiums with alternative offers if a change is desired.
- 3Provide a formal cancellation notice to the current insurer if choosing to switch providers.
- 4Sign a new contract with the chosen insurance company.
- 5Receive the electronic insurance confirmation (eVB number) from the new insurer to verify coverage.
What to bring
- Existing insurance policy number
- Vehicle registration documents (Zulassungsbescheinigung Teil I)
- Personal identification or passport
- Bank account details for premium payments (IBAN)
Who handles it
Bundesanstalt für Finanzdienstleistungsaufsicht (BaFin) / Federal Financial Supervisory Authority
Premiums vary significantly based on vehicle type, driver experience, and coverage extent; specific costs must be confirmed directly with the chosen insurance provider.
What commonly goes wrong
- Failing to meet the specific cancellation notice period, which often leads to an automatic one-year contract extension.
- Incomplete documentation, which can delay the issuance of the required eVB number for vehicle registration purposes.
- Overlooking changes in insurance category (Typklasse) which can impact annual premiums regardless of the driver's history.
Sources
No source page could be confirmed for this one, so treat every specific above as something to check with Bundesanstalt für Finanzdienstleistungsaufsicht (BaFin) / Federal Financial Supervisory Authority.
Don't rely on remembering
Renewals here take about 30 days to start. Add this document and Duratum will tell you when that window opens.