Your car insurance with DA Direkt: benefits, tariffs and expert advice for optimum protection
27.03.25
5
Minutes
Katrin Straub
Managing Director at nextsure
Reliable car insurance is more than just a legal requirement; it is your financial shield in the event of accidents or damage. With DA Direkt car insurance, you benefit from comprehensive cover and transparent rates. Find out how to find the best protection for your vehicle.
The topic in brief and concise terms
DA Direkt car insurance offers customisable cover with the Basic, Comfort and Comfort Plus plans as well as various additional services.
Do not just pay attention to the price, but above all to important benefits such as high cover amounts (at least one hundred million euros recommended), Mallorca cover and a waiver of the defence of gross negligence.
Recent court rulings, such as those on workshop risk or inspection periods for insurers, underline the importance of sound advice and correct procedures in the event of a claim.
Laying the foundations: Understanding the three pillars of motor insurance in Germany
Every vehicle owner needs at least third-party motor insurance; this is legally required. It covers damage you cause to others, with minimum cover of €7.5 million for personal injury. For property damage, the minimum cover is €1.12 million. However, many experts recommend cover of €100 million for comprehensive protection. Partial comprehensive insurance covers damage to your own vehicle caused by external factors such as theft or hail, often with an excess of €150. Fully comprehensive insurance extends this protection to self-inflicted accident damage and vandalism, which is particularly sensible for newer vehicles in the first five years. The right combination of these three components forms the basis of your cover.
DA Direkt car insurance: analysing tariff options and recognised performance strength
DA Direkt, a company in the Zurich Group Germany, is one of the major direct car insurers with around 1.7 million policies. It offers three main tariffs: Basic, Comfort and Comfort Plus. The Basic tariff includes a flat-rate cover of one hundred million euros and up to eight million euros per injured person. The Comfort tariff increases the cover per person to fifteen million euros and includes new-for-old compensation. The Comfort Plus tariff also offers driver protection in third-party liability insurance. Stiftung Warentest has awarded the Comfort tariff several times, including first place (Finanztest 11/2020). Autozeitung has also repeatedly confirmed its very good value for money. Considerations regarding cancelling your existing car insurance should take such differences in benefits into account. This tariff structure allows it to be adapted to individual security needs.
Practical test: The impact of choosing the tariff for DA Direkt car insurance in the event of a claim
A minor bump in a car park with the neighbouring vehicle can happen quickly; here, the motor vehicle third-party liability cover of DA Direkt car insurance applies and settles the third-party damage up to the agreed sum of one hundred million euros. However, if your car is stolen or damaged in a storm, you need at least partial cover. This covers the costs, minus a possible excess of, for example, one hundred and fifty euros. In the event of an at-fault accident causing significant damage to your own vehicle, only comprehensive cover comes into play. Especially for newer vehicles under five years old, this can protect you from high repair costs. Choosing the right tariff with DA Direkt car insurance, from Basic to Comfort Plus, largely determines the extent of your cover in such scenarios. The differences often only become apparent in the actual event of a claim.
Optimising optional add-ons: use breakdown cover, Mallorca policy and no-claims discount protection wisely
In addition to the basic rates, add-on cover provides valuable enhancements for your DA Direkt car insurance. The Mallorca policy, often included in the Comfort tariff, extends cover to rental cars abroad. A breakdown assistance policy, available for vehicles less than twelve years old, offers Europe-wide breakdown and accident assistance. It covers costs of up to one hundred and fifty euros for roadside assistance at the scene. No-claims discount protection can prevent you from being downgraded in your no-claims discount class after one claim per calendar year. The approved repairer scheme can reduce premiums, but it restricts your freedom to choose a repair shop. Check carefully which of these components make sense for your individual situation. Please note the following points when selecting add-on cover:
Need for cover abroad (Mallorca policy).
Age and condition of your vehicle for the breakdown assistance policy.
Frequency of vehicle use and personal risk profile for no-claims discount protection.
Preference for freedom to choose a repair shop versus premium savings.
Scope of cover of the DA Direkt claims service for fast assistance.
Regular review of the need for all components, at least every two years.
A carefully considered choice of these options significantly increases your protection.
Use expert knowledge: recent rulings and tips on motor insurance
Insurance law is constantly evolving, and recent rulings can affect your claims. The Federal Court of Justice, for example, ruled on 16 January 2024 that the workshop risk generally lies with the person responsible for the damage. This means that even if a garage invoice is excessive, the insurer of the person causing the accident often has to pay, provided the injured party is not at fault in choosing the repairer. The Frankfurt Higher Regional Court ruled on 31 October 2024 that insurers have a review period of four to six weeks for damage reports. Bringing a claim too early can be to the detriment of the claimant. Our expert tip: always document damage carefully and set appropriate deadlines. Also look out for a waiver of the defence of gross negligence in your policy, which is included in many tariffs of DA Direkt car insurance. This protects you if, for example, a brief moment of distraction led to an accident. Knowledge of such details, which are also relevant for policyholders who deal with the DA Direkt Insurance in Hanover, is valuable.
Optimise your insurance cover: next steps to the right protection
Choosing the right DA Direkt car insurance requires a careful assessment of your personal situation and needs. A thorough comparison of the Basis, Komfort and Komfort Plus plans, as well as the useful optional add-ons, can save you not only money, but above all a lot of hassle in the event of a claim. Remember that the cheapest option is not always the best; the level of cover must be right. An annual review of your policy is recommended to ensure that your protection is still up to date. nextsure will be happy to support you with expert advice to find the insurance solution that is best for you. That way, you can always be sure and well protected on the road.
Request your individual risk analysis now: Have your insurance situation reviewed free of charge and receive specific recommendations for improvement.
More useful links
Federal Statistical Office provides current data on the vehicle stock in Germany.
The Federal Motor Transport Authority (KBA) provides comprehensive statistics on the vehicle stock.
The German Insurance Association (GDV) provides detailed statistics on the development of motor vehicle liability insurance in Germany.
The German Road Safety Council (DVR) offers current accident statistics and information on road safety.
On the platform Laws on the Internet (Federal Ministry of Justice) you will find the full Compulsory Insurance Act (PflVG).
FAQ
What is the difference between third-party liability, partial comprehensive and comprehensive car insurance?
Motor vehicle liability insurance is required by law and covers damage you cause to others. Partial comprehensive insurance covers damage to your own vehicle caused by, for example, theft, fire or glass breakage. Comprehensive insurance extends partial coverage to self-inflicted accident damage and vandalism.
How important is the level of cover in motor vehicle liability insurance?
Very important. Although statutory minimum cover amounts exist (e.g. 7.5 million euros for personal injury), a flat cover amount of one hundred million euros is recommended in order to be sufficiently protected even in the event of very costly claims.
Is breakdown cover worthwhile with DA Direkt car insurance?
A breakdown cover package can be worthwhile if your vehicle is no more than twelve years old and you want Europe-wide breakdown and accident assistance. It covers the costs of roadside assistance, towing and, if needed, also a hire car or overnight accommodation once a certain distance from your home has been reached.
What is meant by the repair shop risk in the event of an insurance claim?
Workshop risk means that the tortfeasor or their insurer must generally bear the costs of a repair, even if these are higher due to improper or uneconomic working methods of the workshop, provided the injured party is not at fault for selecting or supervising it.
Can I cancel my DA Direkt car insurance at any time?
Ordinary cancellation of your motor insurance is generally possible at the end of the contract term, usually on 31 December, with one month’s notice. Special cancellation rights exist, for example, after a claim or a premium increase.
What role does the no-claims bonus class play in DA Direkt car insurance?
The no-claims bonus class (SF class) rewards claim-free driving with premium discounts. The longer you drive without an accident, the higher your SF class and the lower your premium. A claim can lead to a downgrade.
