Auto & Mobility
Car Insurance (Liability)
b tariff car insurance
B-Tarif Car Insurance: Lower premiums as a public sector employee
Many public sector employees and civil servants pay too much for their car insurance without knowing it. The B-rate can significantly reduce your premium, often by more than ten percent. Find out how you can benefit from this advantage and optimise your insurance costs.
The topic in brief and concise terms
The B-rate (civil servant tariff) in motor insurance can offer civil servants and public sector employees discounts of up to 30 percent. [21]
The usual requirement for the B tariff is proof of employment in the public service (e.g. B certificate). [13,14]
In addition to the B tariff, numerous other factors such as the no-claims bonus class, regional class and mileage influence the premium amount. [12,21]
Quick Facts: Understanding the B-Tariff in car insurance
The B-Tariff, or tariff group B, is a special classification in motor vehicle insurance. [11] It is primarily aimed at civil servants and employees in the public service, as well as retirees from these professions. [12] Insurers often offer a discount of seven to seventeen percent on the regular premium. [13] In some cases, discounts of up to 30 percent are possible. [21] The assumption is a lower accident risk and higher payment security for this group of people. [21,44] To take advantage of this benefit, it is usually necessary to provide proof of employment, known as the B-certificate. [14]
Practical Check: Requirements and Proofs for the Civil Servant Tariff
To be eligible for the B-rate, certain conditions must be met. The most important is belonging to the defined professional group, such as a civil servant or an employee in the public sector. [13] This often includes employees of institutions closely related to public services, like some substitute health insurance funds. [12] As proof, insurers usually require a current certificate from the employer or authority, often referred to as a "B-certificate". [14,22] It is important that you are predominantly employed in this professional field. [13] Any change in your professional situation, such as a move to the private sector, must be reported to the insurance company immediately, otherwise the entitlement to the discount will lapse. [13] The insurance conditions provide detailed information on this.
The following documents can typically serve as proof:
A B-certificate issued by the employer.
A current employment contract or certificate of appointment.
For pensioners, the last payslip or pension notice.
In some cases, a copy of the service ID card is sufficient.
The exact requirements vary between providers, so clarifying with the respective insurer is always the first step. They will then check the eligibility for the B-rate.
Analyse of savings potential: This is how much cheaper your car insurance will be
The discount in the B-plan can significantly reduce your insurance costs. Discounts typically range from seven to seventeen percent off the regular premium rate. [13] Some insurers even offer up to thirty percent savings for civil servants and employees in the public sector. [21] For an annual premium of, say, 500 euros, this could already be a savings of 85 euros with a discount of seventeen percent. The amount of the discount is determined individually by each car insurance provider. [13] Therefore, it is crucial to compare different offers. Not only the premium rate is relevant, but also the other plan features. The B-plan is an important component, but not the only factor for an affordable policy. The combination of the B-plan and good SF classes can lead to a particularly attractive premium.
Expert Insight: Legal Foundations and Background of the B-Tarif
Classification into tariff group B is a corporate decision by insurers and not a legal requirement. It is based on actuarial calculations and risk assessments. [12] Insurers assume that civil servants and public sector employees have a below-average risk of damage due to their occupational stability and often lower annual mileage. [11,21] In addition, traffic offences can have serious disciplinary consequences for civil servants, suggesting a more cautious driving style. [21] The exact criteria for granting the B tariff are specified in the General Terms and Conditions of Insurance (AKB) of each provider. [25] There are no overarching court rulings that generally establish an entitlement to the B tariff; the contractual freedom of insurers plays a major role here. If an insurer refuses or cancels the B tariff despite meeting the requirements, it is advisable to carefully examine the contract terms and seek advice if necessary. The motor liability insurance is the basic coverage to which the discount is applied.
Important aspects from an expert's perspective include:
The definition of "public service" can vary; not every employment with a public law entity automatically qualifies.
The discount may be subject to further conditions, e.g., minimum contract term.
When changing vehicles, eligibility for the B tariff must be re-evaluated for the new vehicle.
Incorrect information regarding professional group can lead to retroactive contract adjustments and surcharges, in the worst case, loss of insurance coverage.
Our expert tip: Check annually whether you still meet the requirements for the B tariff and whether your current insurer continues to offer attractive conditions for this professional group. A comparison can be worthwhile, especially if your type class changes.
Alternatives and Additions: When the B-rate does not apply
Not everyone benefits from the B tariff. Farmers, for example, often have their own tariff group A. [12,15] Employees of certain formerly state-owned companies such as the railway or postal service may fall into tariff group D. [12,15] Those who do not fall into any of these special groups are usually classified into tariff group R (Rest). [12,15] Nevertheless, there are numerous ways to optimise the premium, even without the B tariff. An annual insurance comparison is essential, as the offers constantly change. Look out for possible discounts for home ownership, low annual mileage, or sole use of the vehicle by the policyholder. [22] Choosing a workshop binding can also reduce the costs of comprehensive insurance by up to twenty percent. Carefully consider whether a third-party or fully comprehensive insurance is necessary, especially for older vehicles with low residual value. Even without the B tariff, several hundred euros per year can often be saved through careful tariff selection and the use of other discount opportunities.
Find optimal insurance: Take advantage of personalised advice
The landscape of car insurance tariffs is complex, and the B-tariff is just one piece of the puzzle. To find the optimal and most cost-effective coverage for your situation, an individual assessment is essential. nextsure supports you in understanding the diverse offerings and identifying the right protection for your needs. We check for you whether you meet the requirements for the B-tariff or other discounts and help you optimize your B-tariff car insurance. Use our expertise for a tailored solution. The right civil servant tariff car insurance can bring you significant savings annually.
Request an individual risk analysis now: Have your insurance situation checked free of charge and receive concrete optimization suggestions.
More useful links
Wikipedia provides a comprehensive overview of motor vehicle liability insurance.
The Federal Ministry of Finance provides information about the public service.
The Federal Agency for Civic Education (bpb) offers figures and facts about the public service in Germany.
FAQ
What exactly is the B-rate in car insurance?
The B-rate, also known as tariff group B or civil servant rate, is a discounted insurance rate for civil servants and public sector employees as they are statistically considered lower-risk drivers. [11,22]
Does the B-rate apply to family members?
Some insurers include non-working family members who live in the same household as the policyholder in the B-rate. [14,25] However, the specific conditions do vary.
Is the B-rate always the cheapest option for civil servants?
Not necessarily. While the B-rate offers discounts, other individual factors or special offers from other insurers without an explicit B-rate could be cheaper. A comparison is always advisable. [12]
What other tariff groups exist besides the B-rate?
In addition to the B-rate, there are tariff groups such as R (standard rate for most drivers), A (farmers), D (employees of certain former state-owned enterprises), and V (insurance industry employees). [12,15]
Does the B-rate expire upon retirement?
No, generally the B-rate continues to apply to pensioners and retirees from the public sector. [12,14]
Do I need to inform my insurer if I am no longer employed in the public sector?
Yes, any change in professional status that led to the granting of the B-rate must be reported to the insurer immediately, as otherwise insurance coverage may be at risk. [13]
