Car Insurance SF Class: Save Costs through Smart Classification and Optimization
22 May 2025
9
Minutes
Katrin Straub
Managing Director at nextsure
The SF class of your car insurance is a crucial factor for your premium. Understand the system to reduce costs in the long term. This article explains how it works and what potential savings are available.
The topic in brief and concise terms
The SF class rewards accident-free driving with lower premiums in third-party liability and comprehensive car insurance.
An accident results in a downgrade in the no-claims class, leading to higher premiums; options such as discount protection or self-payment can prevent this.
SF classes can be transferred under certain conditions, which can offer financial benefits, particularly for novice drivers.
Quick Facts: Car Insurance SF Class at a Glance
The no-claims discount class (SF-Klasse) is an assessment system used by car insurance companies. It records the number of years a policyholder has driven without an accident. A higher SF-Klasse results in a lower insurance premium. The range often extends from SF-Klasse 0 for novice drivers to SF-Klasse 35 or even SF 50 for drivers who have been accident-free for many years. In addition to the regular classes, there are special classes such as SF ½, S, or M. These are applied, for example, to beginner drivers or after multiple claims within a year. The SF-Klasse is relevant for third-party liability and comprehensive insurance; the partial coverage does not use SF classes. You can usually find your current classification on your annual premium statement.
Practical Part: How Your SF Class is Determined and Influences the Contribution
Your SF class in car insurance is reassessed annually. If you drive accident-free for a calendar year, you generally move up one SF class. For instance, if you have held your driving licence for five years and have not had any accidents through your fault during that time, you typically reach SF class 5. Novice drivers often start in SF class 0, or, if the driving licence has been held for three years, in SF class 1/2. You can find the specific impact on your premium rate in the SF class table of your insurer. An example: With a basic premium of 1,000 euros and classification in SF class 10 with a premium rate of 38 percent, you pay 380 euros. In SF class 1/2 with 50 percent, it would be 500 euros. The savings on premiums due to a high SF class can be substantial. The exact percentages vary between insurers.
Here is an overview of how accident-free years can typically affect your classification:
1 accident-free year: Classification in SF class 1
3 accident-free years: Classification in SF class 3
5 accident-free years: Classification in SF class 5
10 accident-free years: Classification in SF class 10
15 accident-free years: Classification in SF class 15
Over 35 accident-free years: Often highest SF class with maximum discount
This systematic approach clearly shows how accident-free driving directly translates into lower costs for your SF class insurance.
Expert Insight: Downgrading After a Claim – What You Need to Know
An accident for which you are at fault and which your car insurance settles will inevitably lead to a downgrade of your no-claims discount class (SF-Klasse). This means your no-claims discount decreases and your insurance premium increases the following year. The exact number of classes by which you will be downgraded depends on your current SF-Klasse and the insurer’s downgrade table. These tables are part of the contract. A downgrade from high SF-classes to very low classes is also possible, especially with multiple claims. However, there are ways to mitigate or avoid a downgrade. One option is the so-called discount protection, which many insurers offer. This prevents one downgrade per year following a claim. Alternatively, you can pay for minor damages yourself to protect your SF-Klasse. Carefully consider up to what claim amount a self-payment is worthwhile. Our expert tip: Always clarify the details of the downgrade and protective mechanisms before signing the contract. Knowing the contribution rate of your car insurance is essential in this regard.
Transferring SF class: Opportunities and conditions for lower premiums
Under certain conditions, you can transfer your SF class to another person. This is often possible within the family, for example from parents to children or between spouses. The recipient can benefit from a lower premium as a result. An important condition is usually that the recipient holds a driving licence and has regularly used the vehicle or lives in the same household. However, you can only transfer as many claim-free years as the recipient could have experienced since obtaining their driving licence. For example, if a child has had a driving licence for three years, they can take over a maximum of SF class 3, even if the parents wish to transfer SF class 20. The transfer is usually irrevocable; the giver loses their SF class. The process generally requires an application form from the insurer. Inform yourself thoroughly about the conditions to transfer percentages of the car insurance. This rule can mean a significant financial relief for young drivers, especially when they take over car insurance from their parents.
Expert Depth: Legal Aspects and Design Tips for the SF Class
The exact regulations regarding no-claims discount classes, premium rates, and downgrade schedules are determined by each insurer in their General Insurance Terms and Conditions (GITC). Since the deregulation of the insurance market in 1994, there has been no statutory standardisation of the tables for no-claims classes or premium rates. Each provider calculates them independently. When comparing insurance policies, pay attention not only to the price but also to the details of the no-claims discount class regulation. This particularly affects the downgrade schedules and the conditions for discount protection. Our expert tip: Keep your old insurance documents safe. If there is a prolonged break in insurance coverage, proof of the last achieved no-claims class can be crucial to avoid being classified as a novice driver again. The transfer of car insurance to a child is an example where detailed knowledge of the conditions is important.
Optimising No-Claims Class: Strategies for Long-term Lower Insurance Premiums
The most important strategy for optimising your SF class is accident-free driving. Each year without an at-fault claim improves your classification and potentially lowers your premium. Consider paying for minor damages yourself to avoid a downgrade. A no-claims discount protection can also be beneficial to maintain the best no-claims bonus with a single claim per year. Regularly compare offers, as insurers' premium rates and SF class systems may vary. Use opportunities like the second-car rule or the transfer of SF classes if they suit your situation. Carefully reviewing your options could lead to savings of several hundred euros over the years. Remember, a high SF class is a valuable asset. With foresight and the right decisions, you can secure permanently favourable conditions for your car insurance.
Here are some measures to improve your SF class:
Always drive proactively and avoid accidents.
In the case of minor damages, consider whether paying yourself is more cost-effective than a downgrade.
If available, take out a no-claims discount protection with your insurer.
Use the opportunity to transfer SF classes within the family, if sensible.
Inform yourself about special classifications for second cars.
Compare the conditions of different insurers, especially their downgrade tables.
These measures will help you actively manage your car insurance SF class.
Your path to an optimised car insurance SF class
The no-claims discount class is a powerful tool to influence your car insurance costs. A thorough understanding of how it works, from the initial classification through annual adjustments to the impact of claims, is key. Use the strategies presented, such as settling minor claims out of your own pocket or transferring no-claims discount classes. A conscious engagement with your no-claims class pays off in the long run. Remember that each insurer has its own regulations. It’s always worth taking a close look at the contract terms and regularly comparing them. This ensures you are not only safe but also cost-effective on the road. Proper management of your no-claims class can significantly reduce your annual expenses.
Request an individual risk analysis now: Have your insurance situation checked for free and receive concrete optimisation suggestions.
More useful links
Wikipedia provides comprehensive information on the no-claims discount in German car insurance.
The German Insurance Association (GDV) explains how age affects the car insurance premium.
The Federal Statistical Office (Destatis) publishes press releases that may contain relevant statistics, including those about vehicles.
The Federal Motor Transport Authority (KBA) provides detailed vehicle statistics on the fleet in Germany.
Under Laws in the Internet, you can find the Insurance Contract Act (VVG), which governs the legal foundation for insurance.
The Stiftung Warentest offers a calculator and articles on when it’s worthwhile to pay for car damage yourself.
The German Insurance Association (GDV) provides the General Terms and Conditions for Car Insurance (AKB) as a PDF.
FAQ
Wie wird meine SF-Klasse ermittelt, wenn ich zum ersten Mal ein Auto versichere?
Als Fahranfänger starten Sie meist in SF-Klasse 0 oder, falls der Führerschein länger als drei Jahre besteht, in SF-Klasse ½. Es gibt jedoch Möglichkeiten für bessere Einstufungen, z.B. über die Zweitwagenregelung der Eltern.
Was passiert mit meiner SF-Klasse, wenn ich meine Auto Versicherung wechsle?
Ihre erreichte SF-Klasse wird in der Regel vom neuen Versicherer übernommen. Die genauen Beitragssätze können jedoch variieren, da jeder Versicherer eigene Tabellen hat.
Wie lange bleibt meine SF-Klasse gültig, wenn ich mein Auto abmelde?
Die meisten Versicherer speichern Ihre SF-Klasse für sieben bis zehn Jahre. Einige Anbieter haben auch längere Fristen oder die SF-Klasse verfällt gar nicht. Ein Nachweis ist bei Wiederanmeldung wichtig.
Welche Rolle spielt die SF-Klasse für die Teilkaskoversicherung?
Für die Teilkaskoversicherung spielt die SF-Klasse keine Rolle. Sie ist nur für die Kfz-Haftpflicht- und die Vollkaskoversicherung relevant.
Kann ich eine Rückstufung meiner SF-Klasse nach einem Unfall immer vermeiden?
Sie können eine Rückstufung vermeiden, indem Sie den Schaden selbst bezahlen oder einen Rabattschutz in Ihrem Vertrag vereinbart haben. Der Rabattschutz greift meist für einen Schaden pro Jahr.
Lohnt es sich, kleine Schäden selbst zu bezahlen, um die SF-Klasse zu halten?
Ja, oft lohnt es sich, kleinere Schäden selbst zu übernehmen. Rechnen Sie gegen, wie viel Mehrbeitrag eine Rückstufung über die nächsten Jahre kosten würde im Vergleich zur einmaligen Schadenhöhe.
