Car Insurance Type Class Table: Understanding and Optimising Costs
01.04.25
11
Minutes
Katrin Straub
Managing Director at nextsure
The type class of your vehicle is a decisive factor in the cost of your motor insurance. Understand the motor insurance type class table to better estimate your costs and make informed decisions.
The topic in brief and concise terms
The type class is an annually updated statistical figure from the GDV that reflects a car model’s claims record and influences the insurance premium.
HSN/TSN from the vehicle registration document make it possible to check your own type class online; lower classes are generally cheaper.
In addition to the vehicle model class, more than 50 other factors such as regional class, no-claims bonus class and individual characteristics determine the amount of the car insurance premium.
Type classes at a glance: understanding the basics
The type class is a statistical indicator for each car model. It provides information about claims frequency and average repair costs. The Gesamtverband der Deutschen Versicherungswirtschaft (GDV) recalculates this every year. Around 33,000 models are assigned a rating.
There are three different type classes for each vehicle model: one for third-party liability, one for partial comprehensive cover, and one for fully comprehensive cover. The scales range from ten to 25 for third-party liability, from ten to 33 for partial comprehensive, and from ten to 34 for fully comprehensive cover. The lower the type class, the lower the insurance premium tends to be. The costs of car insurance depend largely on this. This system helps distribute risk fairly.
Determine your type class: How to find your classification
You can easily find out the type class of your specific vehicle online. The GDV offers an online lookup on its website www.typklasse.de. To determine it, you need the manufacturer key number (HSN) and the type key number (TSN). You can find these numbers in your registration certificate Part I (vehicle registration document) in fields 2.1 and 2.2.
Alternatively, you can often also enter your vehicle's make, model, year of manufacture and power output. Many insurance portals also offer such a search function. Knowing your type class is the first step in checking your insurance costs. The motor vehicle insurance type class table is updated annually on 1 October. This makes it possible to re-evaluate your tariff.
Practical examples: type classes and their impact in 2025
The annual reassessment of insurance classes leads to changes for millions of drivers. For 2025, the insurance classes for motor third-party liability remain unchanged for around 71 per cent of drivers. Around 5.1 million vehicle owners benefit from a better classification, while for about 7.1 million the class becomes more expensive.
Here are some examples of changes in partial comprehensive insurance for 2025:
Hyundai Tucson 1.6: improvement by three classes to 24.
Mercedes EQC 400 4matic: improvement by two classes to 22.
Lexus RX 450h Hybrid AWD: still a high class 33.
Mercedes S 350 CDI: still a high class 31.
Classic cars in particular often receive the lowest class, 10. These examples show how dynamic the motor insurance class table is. Cars that are affordable for new drivers often have lower insurance classes.
Calculating type classes: A look behind the scenes
Type class calculations are based on claims and accident statistics from the past three years. Both the number of claims and the average repair costs are taken into account. For motor third-party liability insurance, the insurance benefits paid to injured third parties following road accidents are decisive. Partial comprehensive cover also takes account of losses such as theft, broken glass or collisions with animals.
The comprehensive cover statistics also take into account damage to your own vehicle after accidents caused by yourself. Vehicle models with low damage and low repair costs are assigned a more favourable type class. For new car models, data from similar vehicles and crash test results are used. This makes it easier to understand the motor insurance premium rate.
Expert depth: More than just the type class
Although GDV type classes are used by most insurers, they are not binding. The type class is only one of more than 50 rating factors that influence the insurance premium. Other important factors include, for example, the regional class, which reflects the claims record of a registration district. The individual no-claims class (SF class) also plays a major role.
Additional aspects considered by insurers:
Annual mileage of the insured person.
Age and number of named drivers.
The policyholder’s occupational group.
Presence of a garage or parking space.
Agreed excess for comprehensive cover or partial cover.
Our expert tip: A change in the type class alone does not automatically lead to a premium adjustment. If your premium increases, always check all underlying factors and your right to special cancellation. The General Conditions for Motor Vehicle Insurance provide further information on this.
Unlock optimisation potential: options for policyholders
If your vehicle’s type class changes or your insurer increases the premium, you often have a special right of cancellation. This is a good opportunity to review your current policy. Comparing insurance quotes can be worthwhile, as not all providers weight type classes equally. Some insurers offer lower rates for vehicles with certain driver assistance systems, as these can reduce the risk of accidents.
Check regularly whether your cover still suits your needs. Adjusting the excess or annual mileage can also lead to savings. A lower type class is a good starting point, but the overall costs depend on many individual factors. Advice can help you find the motor third-party liability insurance that is right for you.
Request an individual risk analysis now: Have your insurance situation checked free of charge and receive concrete suggestions for optimisation.
More useful links
German Insurance Association (GDV) provides media information on type class classification in motor insurance.
The Insurers (GDV) provides an online tool to check the type classes for your vehicle.
German Insurance Association (GDV) explains the basics and significance of type classes for motor insurance.
Federal Motor Transport Authority (KBA) publishes monthly statistics on new vehicle registrations in Germany.
Federal Statistical Office (Destatis) offers detailed tables on new motor vehicle registrations in Germany.
Federal Statistical Office (Destatis) provides comprehensive information on road accidents in Germany, including statistics and analyses.
FAQ
What is the motor insurance class table?
The motor vehicle insurance type class table is an annual overview published by the GDV that classifies around 33,000 car models in Germany into different classes for third-party liability, partial comprehensive and fully comprehensive insurance based on their claims and accident records.
Where can I find the type class for my car?
You can check your car’s type class online via the GDV website (www.typklasse.de) or with many insurers by entering the HSN (manufacturer key number) and TSN (type key number) from your vehicle registration document.
Why is my car insurance expensive despite a low type class?
The vehicle type class is just one of many factors. The regional class, your personal no-claims bonus class, annual mileage, the group of drivers and other characteristics also influence the total premium of your car insurance.
Does the type class affect the cost of electric car insurance?
Yes, electric cars are also assigned to type classes. Their claims and accident record is assessed in the same way as for combustion-engine vehicles and is factored into the premium calculation.
What happens if the type class of my car changes?
A change in the vehicle class may lead to an adjustment of your insurance premium in the next insurance year. In the event of an increase, you usually have a special right of cancellation.
Are the type classes binding for all insurers?
No, the GDV vehicle classes are a non-binding recommendation. However, most insurers use them as a guide, but can carry out their own calculations.
