Own Liability Insurance: When is a Change Really Necessary?
14 Apr 2025
9
Minutes
Katrin Straub
Managing Director at nextsure
Many young people wonder: When do I need my own liability insurance? The answer is not always straightforward, as it depends on education, living situation, and marital status. This article provides clarity and explains when parental coverage ends.
The topic in brief and concise terms
An individual liability insurance is usually required after the first apprenticeship or initial degree.
Marriage or entering the workforce usually ends dependent coverage under the parents' insurance.
Carefully review the terms of the parental policy and the insurance sum.
Quick Overview: When does family insurance end?
Most young adults are initially co-insured under their parents' family liability insurance. This coverage typically ends upon completion of the first professional training or undergraduate studies. A master's degree pursued immediately after a bachelor's is often still considered part of initial education. By the time they enter the workforce, having their own policy is usually essential. However, there are some exceptions and details to consider that can influence the timing.
Education and Studies: Mastering the Transition Phase
During the first vocational training or initial studies, there is usually insurance coverage through the parents. This applies even if students no longer live at home. Many insurers set an age limit, often up to the age of 25, for being included in health insurance, although this does not directly apply to liability insurance. Check the exact conditions in your parents' contract. Personal liability insurance for children in training is an important topic. The following situations often require separate liability insurance:
Completion of a second training or a second course of study.
Marriage during training or studies.
Commencement of regular employment after training.
Exceeding specific age limits in the parent tariff (rare, but possible).
Switching to an individual private liability insurance is usually the right decision. The question of how long children are co-insured depends on these factors.
Starting your career and forging your path: Now it gets serious
With your first permanent job after training or university, the co-insurance from your parents definitively ends. From this point on, you are personally liable for any damages caused and require your own liability insurance. Even those who have completed training before university often need their own protection earlier. A personal policy often costs just a few euros a month. The necessity of liability insurance is undisputed. Remember that damages can quickly amount to six or seven-figure sums.
Special cases and details: What is often overlooked
There are life circumstances that require special attention. These include, for example, stays abroad or internships. Find out in advance whether the parental contract applies here or if additional insurance is necessary. Even when getting married, coverage under the parents’ insurance ends, even if your education is not yet completed. Our expert tip: Check the insurance amount; it should be at least ten million euros. For certain risks such as the loss of other people's keys or damage to rented items, there are often special clauses. The question, whether liability insurance is mandatory, is no for personal liability in Germany, but it is crucially important.
The right time for your own liability insurance
In summary, transitioning to your own liability insurance is an important step. For most young people, this becomes relevant after their first apprenticeship or university. A review of the parental policy often provides initial clues. Your own protection should be in place at the latest with your first salary. Remember, the absence of liability insurance can be life-threatening in a serious case. Nextsure offers you comprehensive and easy-to-understand insurance solutions as a digital insurance portal.
Request an individual risk analysis now: Have your insurance situation checked free of charge and receive specific optimisation suggestions.
More useful links
Wikipedia offers a comprehensive overview of liability insurance.
The Federal Ministry of Justice provides the legal text for the Compulsory Insurance Act.
The Consumer Centre of Lower Saxony provides consumer information on the necessity of private liability insurance.
The NDR explains which liability insurances are sensible and necessary.
FAQ
Wann genau endet die Mitversicherung in der Familienhaftpflicht?
Die Mitversicherung endet typischerweise mit dem Abschluss der ersten beruflichen Ausbildung (Lehre oder Studium), bei Heirat oder Aufnahme einer dauerhaften Berufstätigkeit. Ein Master direkt nach dem Bachelor gilt oft noch als Erstausbildung.
Ist eine eigene Haftpflichtversicherung teuer?
Nein, eine gute private Haftpflichtversicherung ist bereits für einen geringen jährlichen Beitrag erhältlich, oft unter hundert Euro. Die Kosten sind im Vergleich zu potenziellen Schadenssummen sehr niedrig.
Was deckt eine private Haftpflichtversicherung ab?
Sie deckt Personen-, Sach- und Vermögensschäden ab, die Sie Dritten fahrlässig zufügen. Zudem wehrt sie unberechtigte Ansprüche ab.
Brauche ich als Student mit Nebenjob eine eigene Haftpflicht?
Solange Sie sich in der Erstausbildung befinden und der Nebenjob keine reguläre Berufstätigkeit darstellt, sind Sie meist weiterhin über die Eltern versichert. Klären Sie dies aber mit dem Versicherer.
Was ist, wenn ich eine Ausbildung abbreche und eine neue beginne?
Hier kommt es auf die Kulanz und die genauen Bedingungen des Versicherers an. Oft wird der Schutz während der gesamten ersten abgeschlossenen Berufsausbildung gewährt. Ein Wechsel kann aber als Zweitausbildung gelten.
Sind Praktika während des Studiums mitversichert?
Pflichtpraktika im Rahmen des Studiums sind oft über die elterliche Haftpflicht mitversichert. Bei freiwilligen oder bezahlten Praktika sollten Sie die Bedingungen prüfen oder den Versicherer kontaktieren.
