Comprehensive insurance without deductible: When is it really useful for your car?
12 Jun 2025
8
Minutes
Katrin Straub
CEO at nextsure
A partial comprehensive insurance without a deductible promises full coverage in the event of damage, but is it always the smartest choice? This article highlights when waiving the deductible is financially worthwhile and when a deductible of, for example, one hundred and fifty euros is more sensible.
The topic in brief and concise terms
A partial cover without a deductible means full cost coverage in the event of damage, but results in higher premiums; a deductible of 150 euros often reduces the premium by 10-30 percent.
The decision depends on individual risk appetite, vehicle value, and the premium difference; for many, an excess of 150 euros is a good compromise.
Typical partial coverage damages such as glass breakage, theft, or damage caused by wildlife are covered; with glass repairs, the deductible is often waived, even in policies that include one.
Understanding the basics: What does a partial coverage insurance without deductible offer?
A third-party, fire and theft car insurance covers damage to your own vehicle caused by external factors. This typically includes theft, fire, glass breakage, or wild animal collisions. If you choose a no-excess option, the insurance will cover all costs up to the agreed cover sum in the event of damage. This means you pay zero euros out of pocket. However, this option results in a higher annual insurance premium compared to policies with an excess. The importance of third-party, fire and theft cover is a crucial component of many vehicle owners' protection. Therefore, weighing the premium amount against potential costs in the event of damage is crucial.
Cost-benefit analysis: Is it worth opting out of the deductible?
Waiving an excess in the partial cover insurance can increase the premium by up to twenty-five percent. A standard excess of one hundred and fifty euros, however, can noticeably reduce your annual costs. Whether a partial cover without excess makes sense depends on your individual risk tolerance and the frequency of claims. Statistically, a comprehensive claim only occurs in about one in ten policies per year. Consider whether the higher premium outweighs the potential savings in the unlikely event of a claim. A comparison of partial and comprehensive cover can provide additional insights here.
Here is an example comparison of annual costs:
Partial cover with 150 euros excess: 360 euros annual premium.
Partial cover without excess: 415 euros annual premium.
Annual savings with excess: 55 euros.
You need to weigh these fifty euros savings against the risk of having to cover one hundred and fifty euros yourself in the event of a claim. For drivers with a low expectation of claims, an excess can often pay off after less than three claim-free years.
Typical damages in focus: When does the partial coverage pay without deductions?
With a fully comprehensive insurance without excess, the costs for covered damages are completely reimbursed. Some of the most common partially comprehensive damages include glass breakage, such as from stone chips. Many insurers even waive the deduction in tariffs with excess for repairing the glass (instead of replacing it). Partial insurance also covers vehicle theft or the theft of built-in parts. Martens damage to the car is also a classic case for partial cover. Without an excess, there is no contribution required from you. In the event of a wildlife accident, which can quickly cause costs of several thousand euros, full reimbursement of costs is particularly valuable. Keep in mind that partial cover does not cover self-inflicted accident damage or vandalism. For this, a fully comprehensive insurance would be necessary.
Expert opinions and recommendations: Making the right choice
Insurance experts and consumer advocates often give nuanced recommendations regarding deductibles. Stiftung Warentest states that policyholders with a €150 deductible in partial coverage save the most, with premium savings ranging from ten to thirty percent. Fully comprehensive coverage without a deductible is less frequently recommended, as the premium savings with a small deductible can often be more attractive. Our expert tip: examine the premium difference closely. If the surcharge for waiving the deductible is only €20 per year, for example, it might be a worthwhile option for worry-free driving. However, for most drivers, a deductible of €150 is a good compromise. Find out more about when a switch makes sense.
Important aspects for your decision are:
Your personal need for security: How important is full cost coverage to you?
Your financial flexibility: Can you easily cover a deductible of, for instance, €150 in the event of a claim?
The annual premium difference: How much more does the tariff without a deductible cost?
Vehicle value and age: For very old vehicles with low value, even foregoing comprehensive coverage can be an option.
Vehicle value and age: Factors influencing the decision
The current value and age of your vehicle play a crucial role in determining whether comprehensive insurance without an excess is worthwhile. For new cars or young used cars with high value, the thought of full coverage in the event of damage can be reassuring. The additional cost for waiving the excess is proportionally less significant here. For older vehicles, whose value has already significantly decreased, an excess of one hundred and fifty or even three hundred euros can make the premium more attractive. The savings on the premium can quickly exceed the potential excess in the event of a claim. Weigh up whether the repair costs are proportionate to the vehicle's value. It is also relevant from when a comprehensive insurance is no longer worthwhile and the focus shifts to comprehensive insurance. For vehicles older than five years, comprehensive insurance is often recommended.
Observe legal frameworks and contract details
The partial coverage insurance is, unlike motor liability insurance, a voluntary insurance in Germany. There is no legal requirement stipulating a specific deductible amount or its exclusion. The contract terms, often referred to as General Terms and Conditions for Motor Insurance (AKB), regulate the exact benefits and exclusions. Pay special attention to clauses regarding glass breakage repairs, where often no costs are incurred even with an agreed deductible, if a repair is possible and no window replacement is necessary. A glass damage should be reported to the insurance. Read the insurance terms carefully to understand the exact scope of coverage of your chosen partial insurance without a deductible. There is no downgrade in the no-claims class for partial insurance damage.
Alternative Considerations: When is zero euro deductible the best solution?
A third-party, fire and theft insurance without an excess is particularly sensible if you desire maximum financial predictability and are willing to pay a higher premium for it. This might be interesting for drivers who want to eliminate any financial risk in case of damage, even if it is only about one hundred and fifty euros. Vehicles that statistically suffer more often from partial cover damage (e.g. due to marten bites in certain regions) could also benefit from excluding the excess. If the premium difference per year between a policy with and without an excess is very small, for example, less than thirty euros, the comfort of full cost coverage may prevail. Also, consider comprehensive cover if your car is new. Ultimately, it is a very personal decision that depends on risk tolerance and financial circumstances.
Situations where zero excess may be advantageous:
Very high need for security and a desire for zero additional costs in the event of damage.
The annual premium difference to a tariff with a 150 euro excess is minimal (e.g. less than 30 euros).
The vehicle is frequently exposed to typical partial cover risks (e.g. parking in areas with many martens).
You absolutely do not want to worry about potential repair costs.
Conclusion: An individual decision for optimal protection
More useful links
Wikipedia offers a comprehensive overview of partial comprehensive insurance in Germany.
GDV provides detailed statistics on partial comprehensive insurance for passenger vehicles.
GDV offers further statistics on fully and partially comprehensive insurance for passenger vehicles.
Destatis publishes press releases that may contain relevant statistics, such as those on the vehicle fleet.
KBA provides official statistics on the vehicle fleet in Germany.
ADAC provides comprehensive information on partial comprehensive insurance and its benefits.
FAQ
Is comprehensive coverage without a deductible generally recommended?
Not generally. A deductible of 150 euros is usually recommended because it significantly reduces the premium while keeping the personal share manageable in the event of damage. A partial cover without a deductible only makes sense if you want maximum cost control and are willing to accept the higher premium.
What is the usual deductible for partial coverage?
Most often, an excess of 150 euros is chosen for partial cover. However, insurers also offer policies with no excess or with higher amounts such as 300 euros or 500 euros.
Does a claim in partial coverage affect my no-claims bonus?
No, there are no no-claims classes in partial insurance coverage. Therefore, a partial insurance claim does not lead to a downgrade or higher premium in the following year due to the claims history.
Does the partial coverage also cover vandalism damage?
No, damage caused by vandalism is generally not covered by third-party, fire and theft insurance. For this, you need fully comprehensive insurance.
What happens in the event of glass damage if I have agreed on a deductible?
Many insurers waive the deductible if a glass damage (e.g. stone chip in the windscreen) can be repaired and the windscreen does not need to be replaced. This often applies even if you have a plan with a deductible.
Can I change the deductible retroactively?
Yes, the amount of the deductible can usually be adjusted for the next insurance year. Please contact your insurer for this.
