Auto & Mobility
Quad insurance
insure a third car
Insuring a third car: Optimise costs and make smart use of benefits
Are you soon to own three vehicles and wondering how to insure your third car without breaking the bank? Many insurers treat the third car similarly to a second, which opens up potential savings. Discover the applicable regulations and how to secure the best terms for yourself here.
The topic in brief and concise terms
A third car is treated by most insurers like a second car, which often allows for a more favourable rating in the no-claims discount class (e.g. SF one half).
Conditions for discounts often include insuring all vehicles with the same provider and under the same owner.
Transferring a no-claims discount from family members or utilizing discounts (e.g., for annual payment) can further reduce costs.
Understanding the Basics: The Third Car and Insurance
Insuring a third car in Germany is straightforward; there is no legal limit on the number of vehicles that can be registered to one person. Most insurers generally treat the third vehicle like a second car. This means you can often benefit from better conditions compared to insuring your first car, such as a better classification in the no-claims class (SF class) from the start, often SF class one-half. A common requirement is that all vehicles are insured with the same provider and registered to the same owner. The cost of insuring the third car depends on factors such as the vehicle classification, regional classification, and the insurer’s specific rules. Knowing these basics is the first step towards optimising your insurance costs.
Keeping Costs in Check: Identifying Savings Potential in Third-Party Car Insurance
You can actively influence the cost of insuring your third car. An important factor is choosing a vehicle with a low insurance group, as this directly reduces the insurance premium. Many insurers offer a special classification for the third car, similar to that for a second car, in a more favourable no-claims discount category, which can lead to savings of up to thirty per cent compared to the no-claims class 0. Compare offers carefully, as some providers also classify the third car in no-claims class 0, two, or three. Another way to save costs is to transfer an existing no-claims discount from a family member if the conditions are met. Also, look out for discounts for certain driver groups or annual payment options, which often bring a five per cent saving. The exact cost of car insurance depends on many individual factors.
Second car policy for the third vehicle: How you can benefit
The so-called second car policy is extended by many insurers to the third or any additional vehicles. This means that your third car is often directly placed in a better no-claims class, typically a SF class one-half, instead of the expensive SF class 0 for novice drivers. To benefit from this policy, the following conditions generally need to be met:
The first and second vehicle (and now also the third) are insured with the same insurer.
All vehicles are registered to the same owner.
There are sometimes age limits for the youngest driver, often 23 or 25 years.
The first vehicle already has a certain minimum no-claims class, for example, SF class one-half.
Some insurers even offer an improved second car policy, where an even higher no-claims class than SF one-half is possible. It is worth checking the precise conditions of your second car insurance and how it applies to additional vehicles.
Make optimal use of and transfer no-claims bonus categories
The no-claims discount class (SF-Klasse) is a crucial factor for the calculation of your car insurance premium. For each accident-free year, you move up to a higher SF-Klasse, which leads to a greater no-claims discount. With a third vehicle, it is often possible to benefit from a special classification. Another option is the transfer of an SF-Klasse. This is possible under certain conditions:
The recipient belongs to a specific group of people (e.g., spouse, children, parents).
The recipient can only assume as many SF-Klassen as they could have accumulated since obtaining their driving licence (e.g., five years of licence possession = maximum SF-Klasse five).
The assignor permanently relinquishes their SF-Klasse.
The recipient must have regularly used the vehicle whose SF-Klasse is being transferred (proof is often required).
Our expert tip: Carefully consider if a transfer is worthwhile, as the assignor loses their SF-Klasse. Sometimes the special classification for the third vehicle is already very attractive. An SF-Klassen table provides insight into the respective discounts.
Special case young drivers: Third car for the junior
When the third car is intended for a child or a young novice driver in the family, there are special considerations. Novice drivers usually start in the expensive SF-class 0. Registering the third car in the name of the parents as the owner and policyholder and using the second car rule (or third car rule) can provide significant savings, often more than fifty percent. The child can be listed as a driver. It is important that the insurer is informed about all drivers. A subsequent transfer of the SF-class to the child is possible once they have gained enough driving experience themselves. Note that there is no linking of the contracts: An accident involving the child's third car does not affect the SF-class of the other vehicles belonging to the owner. This allows young drivers a more cost-effective start into their own mobility.
Choosing the right insurance: liability, partial coverage, or comprehensive coverage?
For the third car, as with any other vehicle in Germany, liability insurance is legally required. It covers damages you cause to third parties, up to a coverage amount that often reaches one hundred million euros. Additionally, you can take out partial or fully comprehensive insurance. The partial coverage protects against damages to your own vehicle, such as theft, fire, glass breakage, or wildlife accidents. The fully comprehensive insurance includes all the benefits of the partial coverage and also covers damages from accidents you've caused yourself and vandalism. For a new or very high-value third vehicle, fully comprehensive insurance is usually advisable, often for the first three to five years. For older vehicles with lower residual value, partial coverage or even just liability insurance may suffice. Weigh the vehicle's value against the additional costs of comprehensive insurance. A deductible, for example, one hundred and fifty euros in partial coverage and three hundred euros in fully comprehensive insurance, can significantly reduce the premium.
Find your customised solution for insuring the third car
The insurance for your third car offers many opportunities for cost optimisation, from using the second car rule to the skilful handling of no-claims discounts. There isn't one blanket solution, as individual circumstances such as vehicle type, driver age, and desired level of coverage play a significant role. As your partner for insurance solutions in the area of cars & mobility, we are happy to support you. At nextsure, we help you find the right and cost-effective cover for your third vehicle. Take advantage of our expertise for bespoke protection. Request your individual risk analysis now: Have your insurance situation checked for free and receive specific optimisation suggestions.
More useful links
Statistisches Bundesamt (Destatis) offers current press releases on various topics.
Statistisches Bundesamt (Destatis) provides detailed information and statistics on traffic accidents.
Kraftfahrt-Bundesamt (KBA) delivers monthly statistics on new vehicle registrations in Germany.
Bundesministerium der Finanzen offers an official calculator for determining the vehicle tax.
Wikipedia contains a comprehensive article on the function and importance of motor vehicle liability insurance.
FAQ
What documents do I need to insure a third car?
You generally need the registration certificate part one (vehicle registration document), your identity card, the eVB number from the insurer, and possibly information about the drivers and previous insurance.
How does an accident with the third car affect my other insurances?
An accident with the third car only affects the no-claims discount class of that specific vehicle contract. The no-claims classes of your other vehicles remain unaffected.
Can I insure my third car with a different insurer?
Yes, it is possible. However, many insurers offer the best conditions and discounts (such as the second car rule) only if all vehicles are insured with them.
Are there special rates for families with multiple cars?
Many insurers already offer discounted conditions through the second or third car rule. Some also have special family or partner tariffs that can bring further advantages. It's worth comparing.
What happens if my child, as a novice driver, drives the third car?
You can register your child as a driver. By registering the third vehicle through you as the experienced owner, your child often benefits from significantly lower premiums than with their own first insurance policy.
Is a fleet insurance worth it for three private cars?
Small fleet insurances often start with three vehicles, but are usually intended for commercially used vehicles. For private individuals, applying the second car rule to the third (and additional) car is the common and usually more affordable solution.
