Mastering the General Conditions for Motor Insurance (AKB): Your guide through the small print
29/03/25
6
Minutes
Katrin Straub
Managing Director at nextsure
The General Conditions for Motor Vehicle Insurance, known as AKB, form the foundation of your insurance cover. Many drivers feel overwhelmed by the extensive set of rules, but a basic understanding is essential. This article takes a practical look at the most important aspects of the AKB and shows you how to avoid pitfalls and protect your rights.
Topics on this page
The topic in brief and concise terms
The AKB are standard terms and conditions from the GDV that govern rights and obligations in motor insurance and become part of the contract.
Important duties of the policyholder include making truthful statements, reporting changes and behaving correctly in the event of a claim (e.g. reporting it within one week).
The scope of cover (third-party liability, partial comprehensive cover, comprehensive cover) and exclusions (e.g. intentional acts, unauthorised races) are set out in detail in the AKB.
Quick Facts: Understanding AKB at a Glance
The General Conditions for Motor Insurance (AKB) are model conditions published by the German Insurance Association (GDV). They become part of the contract if both parties agree to this. The AKB regulate, among other things, the scope of cover, premium payment and termination. As the policyholder, the sections on obligations in the event of a claim (Part E of the AKB 2015) are particularly relevant to you. These include, for example, prompt notification of a claim within one week. A basic understanding of these conditions is important for every vehicle owner with more than zero years of driving experience.
Practical section: AKB in everyday life – What do they mean for you?
In everyday life, you are most likely to come across the AKB when it comes down to the details: when paying contributions, in the event of a claim, or when cancelling a policy. The General Conditions for Motor Vehicle Insurance, for example, set out when your insurance cover begins – usually with payment of the first premium. An example: if you do not pay your initial premium of 250 euros on time, the insurer may, under certain circumstances, withdraw from the contract. In the event of a claim, the AKB define your duties, such as the obligation to report it immediately, usually within one week. If you miss this deadline, your entitlement to benefits may be at risk. Another example is cancellation: the ordinary notice period is usually one month before the end of the contract. For many policies that start on 1 January, the cut-off date is 30 November. These examples show how the AKB directly affect your insurance cover and your financial obligations.
Your duties as a policyholder: the key to protection
The AKB clearly define your obligations, i.e. contractual duties. A key duty is to answer all questions in the application truthfully; even here, incorrect information about annual mileage, for example 15,000 kilometres instead of the actual 25,000 kilometres, can be problematic. During the term of the contract, you must report changes, such as a change of driver or a change in the vehicle's use (e.g. from private to commercial), without delay. Your duties in the event of a claim are particularly important: you must reduce the loss, report it immediately (often within seven days) and assist with clarifying the facts. In the event of theft, a report to the police is usually required without delay if the loss exceeds an amount of, for example, 500 euros. Compliance with these duties is crucial for the full scope of cover under your motor third-party liability insurance.
Understanding the scope of cover: what is really included?
The exact scope of cover under your motor insurance is described in detail in the AKB. Motor third-party liability insurance covers personal injury, property damage and pure financial losses caused by you to third parties. The statutory minimum insurance sum for personal injury is 7.5 million euros. However, many policies offer higher sums, often 100 million euros in total. Comprehensive insurance (partial or comprehensive cover) covers damage to your own vehicle. Partial comprehensive cover typically insures against damage caused by fire, theft, storm (from wind force eight), hail or broken glass. Comprehensive cover extends this protection to accident damage caused by yourself and vandalism. Pay attention to exclusions: deliberately caused damage or damage sustained in unauthorised races is often not covered. A look at the AKB of your policy, for example those of Württembergische (as at June 2025), shows specific rules such as cover for permanently installed navigation systems.
Expert depth: provisions, rulings and drafting tips
For a deeper understanding of the General Conditions for motor vehicle insurance, it is essential to look at the legal foundations and current case law. Although the AKB are model terms from the GDV, their interpretation and application are continually clarified by court decisions. For example, the Federal Court of Justice (BGH) has, in various judgments (e.g. case no. VI ZR 43/11 or VI ZR 265/14), specified the definition of the “operation” of a vehicle, which is relevant for distinguishing it from general liability insurance. The Compulsory Insurance Act (PflVG) forms the statutory basis for motor vehicle liability insurance and prescribes minimum coverage sums. Current versions of the AKB, such as the GDV’s AKB 2015 or specific terms such as those of Alte Leipziger (AKB 2024), contain detailed clauses on topics such as the no-claims bonus system (Part I of the AKB 2015) or the obligation to use approved repair shops. Our expert tip: when concluding the contract, check the clause on the obligation to use approved repair shops (often in Part A.2 of the AKB), as it can restrict your free choice of repair shop, but is often linked to a premium discount of up to ten per cent. Knowledge of relevant sections, such as § 5d PflVG on motorsport liability insurance, can be crucial in special cases. For an accurate vehicle type class rating or the details of no-claims bonus classes, it is also worth looking at the specific annexes to the AKB.
Important clauses and their significance
Within the AKB, there are some clauses that deserve your particular attention. Here is a selection:
Breach of duties (Parts D and E of the AKB 2015): This sets out the consequences if you do not fulfil your obligations, e.g. late reporting of a claim. The consequence may be a reduction in benefits or even the insurer being released from liability, whereby in cases of gross negligence the reduction is often limited to EUR 5,000.
Gross negligence: Many newer tariffs waive the objection of gross negligence, except in cases of alcohol/drugs at the wheel or theft. This is an important point that may be regulated in the AKB under A.2.9.1 (comprehensive cover) or D.2.1.
Mallorca policy (often in A.1 of the AKB): This clause extends third-party liability cover to rental cars abroad, usually within the EU.
New-for-old compensation (often in A.2.5.1.2 of the AKB): For new vehicles, in the event of a total loss, the new price can be reimbursed instead of the replacement value during the first few months (often six to 24 months).
Termination rights (Part G of the AKB 2015): In addition to ordinary termination, there are special termination rights, e.g. after a claim or in the event of a premium increase. The period is usually one month.
Understanding these clauses helps you better assess your rights and obligations and to act correctly if the worst happens.
Current judgments and their impact on the AKB
Case law is continually developing the interpretation of the AKB. A BGH judgment (case no. IV ZR 252/10), for example, dealt with the question of when an obligation to use approved repair shops has been validly agreed and what information obligations rest with the insurer. Another important topic is the hypothetical settlement of repair costs. There are various judgments on this that clarify under what circumstances VAT or transfer costs must be reimbursed, even if no repair takes place (e.g. BGH, case no. VI ZR 61/17). Our expert tip: if anything is unclear or there are disputes concerning the AKB, it may be sensible to consult a specialist solicitor for insurance law or road traffic law, as they are familiar with the current case law. The question of when a cancellation of car insurance is effective is also often clarified by the courts, especially in the case of special termination rights. It is important to know that, although the AKB are model terms, individual agreements in the insurance certificate may take precedence.
Practical tips: how to optimise your contract
Although the AKB are largely standardised, there are ways to optimise your protection. Compare not only the price, but also the underlying terms of different providers. Pay attention to the scope of the Mallorca policy, the duration of new-for-old compensation (often between six and 24 months) and whether enhanced animal damage cover is included (collision with animals of all kinds rather than just game). Check whether a waiver of the objection of gross negligence is included – this can be worth its weight in gold in the event of a claim. Consider whether an obligation to use approved repair shops makes sense for you; it can reduce the premium by up to 20 per cent, but restricts your choice of repair shop. Our expert tip: adjust the annual mileage (e.g. from 10,000 to 15,000 kilometres) realistically to avoid additional payments or problems in the event of a claim. An adjustment to the premium rate may also result from a change in the comprehensive cover variant. Careful review and adjustment of these points can significantly improve your insurance cover.
The path to your optimal protection: advice and purchase
The General Terms and Conditions for motor insurance are a complex but important set of rules. A sound understanding helps you avoid pitfalls and design your insurance cover optimally. At nextsure, we place great value on ensuring that you do not simply take out any insurance, but the one that really suits you and your needs. Our digital processes and easy-to-understand information, such as on the Cars & Mobility section, support you in doing so. We help you understand the clauses in the AKB that are relevant to you and make the right decisions for your individual protection. With our expertise in motor third-party liability insurance and comprehensive insurance, we are here to support you. Request your individual risk analysis now.
Request an individual risk analysis now: Have your insurance situation reviewed free of charge and receive concrete recommendations for optimisation.
More useful links
GDV offers the General Conditions for Motor Insurance (AKB 2015) as an official PDF document for download.
GDV provides detailed statistics on business development in motor vehicle liability insurance.
GDV provides information on the current vehicle stock in Germany based on relevant statistics.
The insurers allow direct querying of vehicle insurance type classes.
Destatis (Federal Statistical Office) offers comprehensive information and data on road traffic accidents.
Destatis provides detailed tables and overviews of road traffic accidents.
Statistikportal.de presents an interactive accident atlas with maps and data on traffic accidents.
Consumer Advice Centre provides information on the legal requirement for motor insurance for all vehicle owners.
FAQ
Why are the AKB so important for my car insurance?
The AKB are the foundation of your insurance contract. They set out exactly which benefits you can expect in the event of a claim, what obligations you have (e.g. timely notification of the claim) and under what circumstances the insurer may reduce or refuse payment. Familiarity with the AKB protects you from surprises and helps you enforce your rights.
What happens if I breach an obligation under the AKB?
A breach of duty (breach of obligation), e.g. a late claim notification or incorrect information, can have serious consequences. Depending on the severity of the breach and degree of fault, the insurer may reduce the benefit or, in extreme cases, even refuse it entirely. In cases of gross negligence, the reduction in liability cover is often capped at 5,000 euros.
Where can I find the AKB applicable to my contract?
You will receive the AKB applicable to your specific contract from your insurer together with the insurance certificate. As a general rule, the version that was current when the contract was concluded applies. Insurers may deviate from the GDV model AKB.
What does 'approved repair shop requirement' mean in the AKB?
An approved repairer clause (often regulated in Part A.2 of the AKB) means that, in the event of comprehensive insurance damage, you are obliged to have the repair carried out at an insurer's partner garage. In return, you usually receive a premium discount. Repairs at an independent garage can then lead to reductions.
Do the AKB also apply abroad?
Yes, the cover provided by motor vehicle liability insurance generally extends to the geographical borders of Europe and EU territories. The scope is determined by the law of the country visited, but at least by your policy. The International Insurance Card (Green Card) can extend the area of cover.
What are the main exclusions in the AKB?
Typical exclusions are deliberately caused damage, damage incurred while taking part in unauthorised races or driving without a valid driving licence. Using the vehicle while significantly under the influence of alcohol can also lead to exclusion from benefits.
