Schadenfreiheitsklasse Motorcycle Table: Reduce costs by smart use of SF classes
17 Jun 2025
5
Minutes
Katrin Straub
CEO at nextsure
The No-Claims Class (SF-Klasse) of your motorcycle significantly affects your insurance costs. A higher no-claims class means lower premiums, but an accident can quickly lead to an expensive downgrade. Understand the systems and save real money.
The topic in brief and concise terms
The no-claims bonus class of your motorcycle (usually SF 0 to SF 20) significantly determines your insurance premium; higher classes mean lower costs.
An accident results in a downgrade of the SF class, which can be avoided through discount protection or paying for minor damages yourself.
SF classes can often be transferred (e.g., from parents, another vehicle) or optimized through special classifications (e.g., second car).
SF classes motorcycles: Understanding the basics for lower contributions
The no-claims bonus class (SF class) is an assessment system used by insurers to reward claim-free driving. For motorcycles, the SF classes typically range from SF class zero to SF class 20. Each year without a reported claim leads to a better classification, thus resulting in a higher no-claims discount. This discount can significantly reduce your insurance premium for liability and comprehensive cover; the partial comprehensive cover is unaffected. Many insurers offer a noticeable discount after just one claim-free year. However, the exact percentages vary between providers, as shown by a look at the respective SF class table. Understanding these basics is the first step to cheaper motorcycle insurance.
The motorcycle no-claims discount classes table in detail: From SF 0 to SF 20
A typical motorcycle no-claims discount table ranks the discounts based on the number of accident-free years. Beginners often start in SF class zero or SF class one-half. SF class zero can mean a contribution rate of ninety per cent in liability, whereas SF class one-half may already be reduced to sixty-five per cent. With each additional accident-free year, you climb one step higher. For instance, after five accident-free years, you might land in SF class five with only a thirty-three per cent contribution rate in liability. The highest level, often SF class 20, is reached after twenty or more accident-free years, potentially paying only twenty per cent of the base premium. There are also special classes like the Malus class (M), where you may be downgraded after a claim from a lower SF class. The exact contribution rates can be found in your insurer's terms, as they are not standardized. A close look at the meaning of the contribution rate is advisable here.
Example SF class table for motorcycles (liability)
The following table serves as a guide; actual values may vary depending on the insurer:
SF 20 (20+ years accident-free): approx. 20 per cent contribution rate
SF 10 (10 years accident-free): approx. 25 per cent contribution rate
SF 5 (5 years accident-free): approx. 33 per cent contribution rate
SF 2 (2 years accident-free): approx. 41 per cent contribution rate
SF 1/2 (driver's licence >3 years, first insurance): approx. 65 per cent contribution rate
SF 0 (beginner): approx. 90 per cent contribution rate
Class M (after a claim from SF 0/SF 1/2): approx. 130 per cent contribution rate
This ranking illustrates the considerable savings potential of accident-free driving and the importance of avoiding downgrades.
Downgrading after a claim: How to avoid higher premiums
A self-inflicted accident typically results in the downgrading of your no-claims bonus class in the following insurance year. The number of classes downgraded depends on the insurer and the current bonus class and is specified in the downgrade tables of the respective contract. Even a single claim can set you back several no-claims bonus classes. For example, a driver in no-claims bonus class ten might fall back to class one after a claim. To prevent this, some insurers offer a protection plan. This additional, paid add-on prevents a downgrade after the first claim per year. Alternatively, for smaller claims, it may be sensible to cover the costs yourself (claim buyback) to maintain a better no-claims bonus class. Always check which option is more cost-effective in the long term before reporting a claim. The costs of a motorcycle insurance can thus be actively influenced.
Clever use of SF classes: Transfer and special classifications
There are various ways to benefit from a favourable SF class, even if you haven't been accident-free for years. One option is the transfer of the SF class. Under certain conditions, you can take over the SF class from another person (e.g. parents, partner) or another vehicle. Note that you can usually only take over as many claim-free years as you have held your driving licence. Another option is the special classification for second vehicles. Many insurers classify a motorcycle as a second vehicle more favourably, often in SF class one and a half or even better, if the first vehicle already has a high SF class. There are sometimes options for beginners to get a cheaper rate through their parents' insurance. Our expert tip: ask your insurance company specifically about opportunities for transferring no-claims discounts.
Ways to optimise your SF class:
Consider the following options for better classification:
Transfer the SF class from family members.
Use the second car regulation for a better initial classification.
Credit claim-free periods from a scooter or light motorcycle insurance.
Special rules for beginners who share their parents' vehicle.
Transfer the SF class from a deregistered car to the motorcycle.
Check if a break in insurance of less than seven or ten years (depending on the provider) can reactivate the old SF class.
These points can help you significantly reduce your premium costs.
Expert Knowledge: Pitfalls and Special Regulations in Motorcycle SF-Classes
The system of no-claims bonus classes (SF-Klassen) for motorcycles is not as standardised as it is for cars. The number of classes and the associated discounts can vary from insurer to insurer. A common pitfall is the lapse of the no-claims bonus class after a longer insurance break. Often, the discount expires after seven to ten years without insurance cover. When switching insurers, the number of claim-free years is usually transferred, but not the exact discount rate from the previous insurer. Also, pay attention to the rules for light motorcycles, as some insurers have their own, often shorter no-claims bonus scales for these vehicles. Our expert tip: Keep old insurance documents carefully to prove your claim-free years even after a break. This is particularly relevant if you want to optimise your insurance no-claims bonus classes.
Optimise your motorcycle insurance with nextsure
The world of no-claims classes and motorcycle insurance can be complex. With the right knowledge and a suitable strategy, however, significant costs can be saved. Knowing your motorcycle no-claims class table and the associated regulations is crucial. As your digital insurance portal, nextsure supports you in finding the optimal protection for your motorcycle. We help you understand the intricacies of no-claims classes and identify the best offer for your individual situation. Use our expertise for tailored and cost-efficient coverage. A good type class assessment also plays a role. Request your individual risk analysis now.
More useful links
Wikipedia provides a comprehensive overview of the no-claims discount in German motor vehicle insurance.
The insurers inform about the no-claims discount in a news article.
The German Insurance Association (GDV) provides the General Terms and Conditions for Motor Vehicle Insurance (AKB 2015) as a PDF.
The Federal Motor Transport Authority (KBA) offers statistics on the monthly vehicle registrations.
The consumer advice centre provides information on how to save on motor vehicle insurance.
Laws in Germany provides the Compulsory Insurance Act (PflVG) online.
The Federal Statistical Office (Destatis) provides statistics on traffic accidents in Germany.
The Federal Association of Motorcyclists (BVDM) provides information on motorcycle insurance.
The Federal Motor Transport Authority (KBA) provides statistics on vehicle inspections.
FAQ
What no-claims bonus class do I get as a novice rider for my motorcycle?
Learner drivers typically start in the SF class 0. If you have held your driving licence for more than three years but are insuring a motorcycle for the first time, it is often possible to be classified in SF class ½, which already means a discount.
How does a break in insurance affect my motorcycle SF class?
A longer insurance break can lead to the expiration of your SF class. Many insurers will still recognise an SF class after a break of up to seven years, some even up to ten years. It is advisable to clarify this with your insurer.
What is the difference between SF class and contribution rate for motorcycles?
The SF class represents your claim-free years. Each SF class is assigned a specific contribution rate (in percentage). The higher the SF class, the lower the percentage of the basic contribution you have to pay.
Is a discount protection for motorcycle insurance worth it?
A discount protection can be worthwhile if you have a high no-claims class and don't want to lose it in the event of a claim. It prevents your no-claims class from being downgraded after one (usually the first) claim per year, but it is subject to a fee.
Does the SF class also affect the partial coverage insurance of my motorcycle?
No, the no-claims bonus class only affects the contributions to motor third-party liability and comprehensive insurance. The partial coverage insurance does not have any bonus classes as it covers damages typically not caused by the driver (e.g. theft, storm damage).
Where can I find the exact no-claims bonus table for motorcycles from my insurance?
You will find the exact table with the SF classes and their corresponding premium rates in the insurance terms (AVB) of your motorcycle insurance contract. These may vary from provider to provider.
