DA Direkt Car Insurance Termination: Deadlines, Rights and Savings Tips for a Smooth Transition
4 Jun 2025
8
Minutes
Katrin Straub
Managing Director at nextsure
Are you looking to cancel your DA Direkt car insurance but unsure about deadlines and procedures? This guide explains step-by-step how to correctly terminate your car insurance while protecting your rights. Learn when a regular cancellation is possible and what special termination rights you are entitled to.
The topic in brief and concise terms
Ordinary termination of the DA Direkt car insurance is generally possible one month before the contract ends; November 30 is often the deadline.
A special right of termination exists, among other things, in the case of premium increases without an adjustment of benefits (according to § 40 VVG) or after a regulated claim, with a period of one month.
The cancellation must be made in writing (by post or email to vertragsservice@da-direkt.de) and must include all relevant contract details and the reason for termination (in the case of special termination).
Understanding Notice Periods for DA Direkt Car Insurance
You can usually terminate your DA Direkt car insurance with a notice period of one month at the end of the contract term. You can find the exact duration of your contract in your insurance documents. Be sure to note the date your cancellation reaches the insurance company, not the postmark. For most drivers in Germany, car insurance contracts end each year on the 31st of December. In this case, the cancellation must be received by DA Direkt by the 30th of November at the latest. However, there are also contracts with non-annual main maturity; here too, a notice period of one month before the individual contract termination applies. Therefore, a careful review of your contract documents is essential to not miss the correct deadline for the cancellation of your car insurance. Observing these deadlines is the first step towards a successful switch.
Ordinary Termination: The Regular Way to End a Contract
A regular termination of your DA Direkt car insurance takes place at the end of the agreed contract term, subject to a one-month notice period. This is the most common way to end an insurance contract when no special circumstances are present. A notice of termination is sufficient for this; there is no need to provide reasons for a regular termination. It is important that the termination is made in writing, such as by letter or email. DA Direkt accepts cancellations by post to DA Direkt, 61413 Frankfurt, or by email to vertragsservice@da-direkt.de. Keep proof of sending your termination, such as a postal receipt or an email confirmation, carefully. The termination is free of charge if you adhere to the deadlines. Remember to take out a new car liability insurance in good time to ensure continuous coverage. Next, we will consider the options for an extraordinary termination.
Special Termination Right: When You Can Terminate Early
In addition to the regular cancellation, there are situations that grant you a special right of termination for your DA Direkt car insurance. This right allows cancellation outside of the regular contract period. A common reason is an increase in contributions by DA Direkt without any improvement in services. According to Paragraph 40 of the Insurance Contract Act (VVG), you can cancel in this case within one month after receiving notification of the increase. The cancellation is valid at the earliest when the increase becomes effective. Another reason for special termination is a regulated claim. Both you and the insurance company can terminate the contract within one month after the completion of the claim settlement. Even when changing vehicles, for example, by selling your old car and registering a new one, there is usually a special right of termination. The cancellation must also be in writing here and include the reason for termination. Our expert tip: Carefully check in the event of a contribution increase whether the services have not also been adjusted, as otherwise, there may be no special right of termination. The General Conditions for Car Insurance often provide clarification here. Below is a list of the most common reasons for a special termination:
Increase in contributions without adjustment of services (within one month after notification).
After a regulated claim (within one month after completion of the settlement).
Sale of the insured vehicle (often immediate effect or termination through buyer's new registration).
Change of type class or regional class leading to a contribution increase.
Decommissioning or deregistration of the vehicle.
If the insurance company does not provide contractually agreed services (after setting a deadline).
These reasons allow you to react more flexibly to changes. But how do you correctly formulate a cancellation letter?
The notice of termination: Form and content for DA Direkt
A formally correct termination letter is crucial for the effectiveness of your cancellation with DA Direkt. It should always be in writing, with DA Direkt accepting cancellations via post or email. A telephone cancellation is not sufficient. The following information must not be missing from your letter:
Your full name and address.
The insurance number of your car contract.
The registration number of the insured vehicle.
The date on which you wish to cancel (e.g. "at the earliest possible date" or at the exact end of the contract).
For a special termination: the exact reason for cancellation (e.g. "special right of termination due to contribution increase from DD.MM.YYYY").
Your handwritten signature (for postal cancellation) or a clear declaration of intent for email cancellation.
The request for a written confirmation of cancellation indicating the end of the contract.
A sample for a cancellation letter might read: "I hereby terminate my insurance contract with the number [] for the vehicle with registration number [] in due time for [], alternatively at the earliest possible date. Please send me a written confirmation of the cancellation." [10] For a special termination, add the reason. A correctly formulated letter to the insurance prevents misunderstandings. Once the cancellation is underway, the question arises about further steps.
Expert Depth: Legal Foundations and Paragraphs on Termination
For a deeper understanding of the cancellation options for your DA Direkt car insurance, certain legal basics are relevant. The Insurance Contract Act (VVG) forms the foundation here. Paragraph 40 VVG is particularly important in the case of premium increases: It grants you the right to cancel if the insurer raises the premium without correspondingly adjusting the insurance coverage. The cancellation period in this case is one month after receipt of the insurer’s notification. The insurer is also obliged to inform you of your right to cancel in this notification. The regular cancellation period for car insurance is generally one month at the end of the insurance year, which is often 31 December. For contracts concluded for a duration of more than three years, the policyholder also has the right to cancel at the end of the third or any subsequent year with three months' notice, according to Paragraph 11, Section 4 VVG. However, according to Finanzfluss, DA Direkt only offers contracts with a one-year term, making this regulation less applicable. In the case of a change of policyholder, such as after purchasing a vehicle, there are also specific regulations that often allow for cancellation. Our expert tip: In cases of uncertainty or complexity, consulting with a legal advisor or contacting a consumer advice centre can be beneficial to fully understand and enforce your individual rights. Being familiar with these paragraphs strengthens your position. Finally, we summarise the most important points.
Summary and final recommendations for action
Terminating your DA Direkt car insurance requires attention to deadlines and form. An ordinary termination is usually possible with one month's notice at the end of the contract. Special termination rights, such as in the case of premium increases according to Paragraph 40 VVG or after a claim, offer additional flexibility with a notice period usually of one month after becoming aware of the reason. Ensure your termination is in writing and includes all necessary details like your policy number and registration number. Always request a confirmation of cancellation. The most important step after termination is a seamless transition to a new motor liability insurance to fulfill the statutory insurance obligation. Compare various offers, including aspects such as the type classes. nextsure is happy to assist you in finding the optimal insurance coverage tailored to your needs. Request an individual risk analysis now: Have your insurance situation checked for free and receive specific optimization suggestions.
More useful links
Die Verbraucherzentrale offers comprehensive information on how and when you can terminate insurance contracts.
Die Verbraucherzentrale Brandenburg provides useful tips for changing your car insurance, particularly with regard to the deadline.
Die Verbraucherzentrale informs about how you can cancel insurance due to premium increases, vehicle sales, or relocation.
Die Verbraucherzentrale Niedersachsen provides a template letter for cancelling insurance after a claim.
Wikipedia offers a detailed article on car insurance, explaining basic information and contexts.
Der ADAC provides a helpful guide on changing car insurance, highlighting important aspects.
Finanztip delivers a comprehensive article on cancelling car insurance, with practical advice.
FAQ
Kann ich meine DA Direkt KFZ Versicherung per E-Mail kündigen?
Ja, DA Direkt akzeptiert Kündigungen per E-Mail an vertragsservice@da-direkt.de. Achten Sie darauf, alle notwendigen Angaben zu machen und idealerweise eine Lesebestätigung anzufordern.
Was passiert, wenn ich die Kündigungsfrist bei der DA Direkt verpasse?
Wenn Sie die ordentliche Kündigungsfrist verpassen, verlängert sich Ihr Vertrag in der Regel automatisch um ein weiteres Jahr. Prüfen Sie, ob eventuell ein Sonderkündigungsrecht greift.
Ist die Kündigung meiner DA Direkt KFZ Versicherung kostenlos?
Ja, die Kündigung Ihrer DA Direkt Versicherung ist kostenlos, wenn Sie sich an die vertraglich vereinbarten oder gesetzlichen Kündigungsfristen halten.
Benötige ich für die Kündigung bei DA Direkt eine Vorlage?
Eine spezielle Vorlage ist nicht zwingend erforderlich. Ein formloses Schreiben mit allen relevanten Daten (Name, Adresse, Versicherungsnummer, Kennzeichen, Kündigungsgrund bei Sonderkündigung, Datum, Unterschrift bzw. klare Willenserklärung) ist ausreichend.
Wie schnell wirkt die Kündigung bei einer Beitragserhöhung durch DA Direkt?
Bei einer Kündigung aufgrund einer Beitragserhöhung können Sie innerhalb eines Monats nach Zugang der Mitteilung kündigen. Die Kündigung wird frühestens zum Zeitpunkt wirksam, an dem die Beitragserhöhung in Kraft treten würde.
Muss ich nach der Kündigung meiner DA Direkt KFZ Versicherung eine neue Versicherung abschließen?
Ja, in Deutschland besteht eine Versicherungspflicht für Kraftfahrzeuge. Sie müssen sich rechtzeitig um einen neuen Versicherungsschutz kümmern, der nahtlos an den alten Vertrag anschließt.
