Car SF Class Table: Optimize contributions and utilize saving potentials
17 Apr 2025
6
Minutes
Katrin Straub
CEO at nextsure
The SF class is a crucial factor in determining your auto insurance premium. Understand the SF class table to save costs in the long run. This article explains how the system works and the benefits it offers you.
The topic in brief and concise terms
The SF class is crucial for the premium amount of your car liability and comprehensive insurance; higher classes mean lower premiums.
After a self-inflicted damage, there is a downgrade in the SF class according to the insurer's downgrade table, which leads to higher premiums.
SF classes can be transferred under certain conditions (e.g., within the family), and a discount protection can prevent a downgrade.
Understanding SF Classes: The Basis for Your Insurance Premium
The no-claims discount class, briefly known as SF class, is a core component of your car insurance. It documents the number of years you have driven without an accident. The longer you remain claim-free, the higher your SF class rises. Typically, SF classes range from zero to 50, where higher classes are rewarded with attractive discounts. Many insurers offer a better classification after just one claim-free year. However, the specific design of the car SF class table and the associated premium rates vary between providers. This classification affects your third-party liability and comprehensive insurance; the partial cover does not have SF classes. A basic understanding of this system is the first step towards an optimised insurance premium. The next step is to consider the concrete impact on your wallet.
Optimize contribution rates: How the SF class impacts finances
A higher SF class leads directly to a lower contribution rate. For example, a driver in SF class 35 may only pay about twenty percent of the basic contribution, while novice drivers in SF class zero often pay the full rate or more. The kfz sf classes table of your insurer shows the respective percentage classification in detail. Just a few SF class differences can mean several hundred euros in savings per year. For each full calendar year without a reported claim, there is usually an upgrade to the next better SF class. It is important to know that SF classes for liability and comprehensive insurance are managed separately and can differ. A look at your last contribution statement reveals your current classification. But what happens if a claim occurs?
Downgrading after a claim: Understanding the consequences for your SF class
If you report a self-inflicted damage to your insurance, a downgrading in the SF class will occur. This downgrading is specified in the insurer's so-called downgrade table and can vary depending on the provider and the previous SF class. A single claim can set you back several SF classes. For example, a downgrade from SF 30 to SF 15 can occur. The result is a noticeably higher insurance premium in the next insurance year. However, there are ways to mitigate or even avoid this consequence. One option is to pay for smaller damages yourself up to a certain amount to avoid jeopardising the upgrade. You will find the exact details of the downgrading in your insurance terms and conditions. In addition to the downgrading, there are also positive aspects, such as the possibility of transferring SF classes.
Transfer SF classes: Utilize savings potential for family and second car
Under certain conditions, you can transfer or take over an existing no-claims bonus class. This is often possible within the family, for example, from parents or grandparents to children or grandchildren. An important requirement is usually that the recipient has regularly used the vehicle. However, only as many claim-free years can be transferred as the recipient could have acquired themselves since obtaining their driving license. So if someone has held their driving license for five years, they can only take over no-claims bonus class five, even if class 20 is intended to be transferred. The transfer is a one-time process; the person transferring loses their claim to the transferred no-claims bonus class. For beginners or insuring a second car, many insurers also offer attractive special classifications. A careful look at the car insurance no-claims bonus class table and the conditions is worthwhile. Our expert tip: Check the possibility of a second car policy, which often allows a more favourable classification than no-claims bonus class zero, sometimes even class one and a half or better. But how can you actively protect your hard-earned no-claims bonus class?
Arrange no-claims discount protection: Secure your SF class effectively
A discount protection is an optional additional feature in car insurance. With a discount protection, your no-claims discount remains unchanged after the first reported claim of the year. This means you will not be downgraded and your premium will not increase due to this claim. The cost of a discount protection usually ranges between fifteen and thirty percent of the insurance premium. This option is particularly appealing to drivers with a high no-claims discount or frequent drivers, as a downgrade could have significant financial implications. Be aware that a discount protection generally only applies to your current insurer; if you switch, the actual claims history will be considered. Usually, a minimum no-claims discount class, often class four, is required to take out a discount protection. Here is a brief overview of the advantages and disadvantages:
Advantage: No downgrade after the first claim per year.
Advantage: Premium remains stable despite claims.
Disadvantage: Additional costs for the feature.
Disadvantage: Usually only valid with the current insurer.
A careful consideration of costs and benefits is crucial here. With this knowledge, you are well-equipped to optimize your car insurance.
Expert Tips: Manage SF Classes Optimally and Save Long-Term
To optimise your no-claims discount class, and thus your insurance premium in the long term, there are some proven strategies. Regularly check your car insurance no-claims discount class table and your insurer's current terms. For minor damages, it may be cheaper to cover the costs yourself rather than risk a downgrade; a claim buyback is often possible up to six or twelve months after settlement. New drivers often benefit from the option to insure the vehicle as a second car through their parents to start with a better no-claims discount class. Also note that a lapse in coverage of more than seven, or sometimes twelve, years can lead to the loss of the no-claims discount class. Our expert tip: when changing vehicles or during a longer driving break, have your insurer confirm the no-claims discount class you have achieved so far. This way, you secure your earned benefits for the future. These measures help you leverage the complex system of no-claims discount classes to your advantage.
Special cases and regulations: What you should additionally consider
In addition to the standard regulations, there are some special cases in the handling of the car insurance SF classes table. For motorcycles, there is often no uniform classification system like for cars; insurers define their systems individually here. There are also often different SF-class systems for motorhomes, often with up to twenty SF classes. When changing insurers, your previous SF class is usually adopted by the new insurer, but the discount may vary due to different tables. The SF class M (penalty class) or S are special classes into which you can be downgraded after multiple claims or as a beginner driver with a claim, leading to very high premiums. A comparison of the car insurance SF classes tables from different providers can be worthwhile. Our expert tip: Clarify in advance how special classifications, for example, for electric vehicles or certain professional groups, are handled by your preferred provider. This can allow additional savings and is an important aspect when choosing the right insurance.
Your path to optimal security: nextsure by your side
More useful links
Wikipedia offers a comprehensive overview of the no-claims discount in German car insurance.
Die Versicherer (German Insurance Association) provide a news article on the no-claims discount.
Die Verbraucherzentrale informs about how to save on car insurance.
Der GDV (German Insurance Association) offers the General Terms and Conditions for Car Insurance (AKB 2015) as a PDF document.
Der Verbraucherservice Bayern provides ten important tips for car insurance.
Statista provides statistics on car drivers in the no-claims discount categories of car liability insurance.
R+V Versicherung explains how the transfer of a no-claims discount from a previous insurer works.
Finanztip offers detailed information about the no-claims discount and its significance.
FAQ
How do I find out my current SF class?
You can usually find your current no-claims discount level on your most recent car insurance premium statement.
What is the difference between SF class and no-claims discount?
The SF class indicates the number of your claim-free years. The no-claims discount is the percentage reduction on the basic premium granted by the insurer for a specific SF class. This discount may vary depending on the insurer's car SF class table.
Is a discount protection always worth it?
A premium protection can be worthwhile, especially with a high SF class or for frequent drivers. However, it costs extra (around fifteen to thirty percent surcharge). Weigh the costs and benefits, as it usually only applies to the current insurer.
How does the downgrading process work in detail?
After a reported claim, the insurer will downgrade you according to their downgrade table. The number of classes demoted depends on your current SF class and the number of claims. A single claim can set you back by several classes.
Can I transfer my SF class to a new insurer?
Yes, when changing your insurance provider, your achieved SF class (the number of claim-free years) will be carried over by the new insurer. However, the associated discount may differ, as each insurer has their own tables for motor vehicle SF classes.
What happens to my no-claims class when I deregister my car?
If you deregister your vehicle and interrupt the contract, your no-claims discount class is usually stored with the insurer for a certain period (often seven years, sometimes longer). If you re-register within this period, you can use your old no-claims discount class again.
