Third-party, fire and theft and fully comprehensive cover: which protection your car really needs and how to optimise costs
20.04.25
12
Minutes
Katrin Straub
Managing Director at nextsure
The difference between partial and comprehensive cover is often unclear, but it has a major impact on your insurance cover and your costs. Choosing the wrong option can quickly become expensive in the event of a claim, while the right cover can save you hundreds of euros a year. This guide explains the differences in practical terms and helps you make the right decision for your vehicle.
The topic in brief and concise terms
Partial comprehensive cover covers damage caused by external influences (e.g. theft, storms, broken glass), while fully comprehensive cover also covers accidents caused by the policyholder and vandalism.
Fully comprehensive insurance is usually worthwhile for new cars and nearly new used cars up to five years old; after that, switching to third-party, fire and theft cover can make sense and save money.
With an appropriate excess (typically €150 for partial cover, €300–€500 for fully comprehensive cover) and an optional repair shop restriction, premiums can often be reduced by more than twenty per cent.
Quick Facts: Key takeaways on partial and fully comprehensive cover at a glance
Partial comprehensive insurance covers damage caused by external influences for which you are usually not responsible as the driver. These include, for example, theft, fire, glass breakage or damage caused by storms and hail. Comprehensive insurance includes all the benefits of partial comprehensive insurance and extends this cover to self-inflicted accident damage as well as deliberate damage by third parties (vandalism). A rule of thumb is: for new cars and young used cars up to an age of around five years, comprehensive insurance is often the better choice. For older vehicles, partial comprehensive insurance or even just motor third-party liability insurance may be sufficient, depending on the car's residual value. The cost of partial comprehensive insurance often starts at less than ten euros per month, while comprehensive insurance can be around thirty per cent more expensive on average.
Practical section: services and costs compared directly
Scope of cover: What is insured where?
To make the difference between partially comprehensive and fully comprehensive cover tangible, we look at the typical claims scenarios. Partially comprehensive cover pays for damage caused by theft, fire or explosion, as well as short circuits. Natural hazards such as storms from wind force seven, hail, lightning or flooding are also covered. An important point is cover for broken glass and animal collisions; most partially comprehensive policies provide benefits here. Fully comprehensive cover goes further: it also pays for self-inflicted accidents involving your own vehicle and for vandalism, such as scratched paintwork. Many insurers also offer new-for-old compensation in fully comprehensive cover for up to 24 months.
Cost analysis: What premiums should you expect?
Premiums for comprehensive motor insurance vary widely. On average, partially comprehensive cover costs around 82 euros a year, whereas fully comprehensive cover is around 321 euros per year. These figures are averages; your individual premium depends on factors such as vehicle type, regional class, your no-claims discount class (relevant only for fully comprehensive cover) and the chosen excess. An excess of 150 euros for partially comprehensive cover and 300 to 500 euros for fully comprehensive cover is common and can reduce the premium by up to thirty per cent. An example calculation: if fully comprehensive cover without an excess costs 600 euros per year, it can fall to 450 euros with a 300-euro excess.
Comparison table: partially comprehensive vs fully comprehensive cover
The following table shows the key differences in cover at a glance:
Theft and robbery: partially comprehensive yes, fully comprehensive yes
Fire and explosion: partially comprehensive yes, fully comprehensive yes
Broken glass: partially comprehensive yes, fully comprehensive yes
Natural hazards (storm, hail etc.): partially comprehensive yes, fully comprehensive yes
Animal collisions (often animals of all kinds): partially comprehensive yes, fully comprehensive yes
Marten bites (often incl. consequential damage): partially comprehensive yes, fully comprehensive yes
Self-inflicted accident damage: partially comprehensive no, fully comprehensive yes
Vandalism: partially comprehensive no, fully comprehensive yes
This overview shows that fully comprehensive cover offers more extensive protection, which is reflected in the price. The next section looks at when which type of cover is worthwhile for you.
Decision aid: When is which comprehensive cover option worthwhile?
New cars and nearly new used cars: Is comprehensive cover standard?
For new cars and nearly new used vehicles that are no more than five years old, comprehensive insurance is generally recommended. Depreciation is greatest in the first few years, and repairs can quickly become expensive. In the case of financed or leased vehicles in particular, comprehensive cover is often even contractually required to protect the lender or leasing partner. Comprehensive cover also covers the unfortunate case of a total loss, where otherwise you would be left with a significant financial loss.
Older vehicles: Is partial cover enough, or only third-party liability?
If your vehicle is already several years old and has a fair few miles on the clock, the question arises: Is comprehensive cover still worthwhile? In general, if the vehicle’s market value falls well below, for example, €4,000, switching to partial cover can make sense. Partial cover still covers important risks such as theft or broken glass, which are also relevant for older vehicles. If the vehicle’s residual value is only very low, it may even be an option to forgo any motor own-damage cover and limit yourself to the statutory third-party motor insurance. This is an individual balancing act between cost and risk.
Our expert tip: Regularly review your insurance situation
Check your insurance cover at least once a year, or whenever there are major changes (e.g. vehicle age, driver profile). Switching from comprehensive cover to partial cover can often save several hundred euros a year. Also take into account your personal appetite for risk and financial situation. The decision for or against more extensive cover is always individual. Your no-claims discount class plays an important role in calculating the cost of comprehensive cover and will be explained in more detail in the next section.
Expert depth: No-claims bonus classes, excess and legal basics
Understand and use no-claims classes (SF classes)
The no-claims class (SF class) is a key factor in the premium for motor third-party liability and comprehensive cover – it does not play a role for partial cover. The longer you drive without an accident, the higher your SF class rises and the cheaper your premium becomes. There are up to 50 SF classes, with new drivers often starting in class 0 or 1/2. After a settled claim, you are downgraded to a lower SF class, which leads to higher premiums. No-claims bonus protection can prevent a single downgrade per year, but is often associated with additional costs.
Choose the excess wisely and reduce premiums
An excess (SB) is the amount you have to pay yourself in the event of a claim. For partial cover, an excess of 150 euros is common; for comprehensive cover, 300 euros or 500 euros is often used. By agreeing an excess, you can significantly reduce your insurance premium – in some cases by over twenty per cent. Consider what amount you could readily cover yourself in an emergency. For minor comprehensive claims, it can sometimes be cheaper to pay them yourself in order to avoid being downgraded in your SF class.
Relevant sections and current judgments
The Insurance Contract Act (VVG) forms the legal basis for comprehensive insurance. Important aspects here include, for example, the policyholder's duties to notify (§ 19 VVG) or rules on an increase in risk (§ 23 VVG). In disputes, for example over the amount of compensation or suspected gross negligence, recent court rulings may become relevant. For example, the Federal Court of Justice (BGH) has ruled several times on the interpretation of clauses in the event of theft or on the question of whether expert reports are necessary. It is advisable to know your own contractual terms precisely. Knowledge of these details helps you to assert your rights optimally in the event of a claim and to choose the right cover for your vehicle.
Additional modules and special cases: Optimising insurance cover
Useful additional cover for your comprehensive car insurance
In addition to the standard benefits, many insurers offer optional add-on modules to tailor the cover to your individual needs. A commonly chosen option is breakdown cover, which provides assistance throughout Europe in the event of a breakdown or accident, often including towing services and a hire car for up to seven days. For leased vehicles, GAP cover is important; it closes the financial gap between the replacement value and the higher residual value of the leasing contract in the event of a total loss or theft. Extended animal damage cover, which covers accidents involving all animal species (not just wild game), can also be sensible if you often travel in rural areas. Check carefully which of these additional benefits offer genuine added value for your individual situation.
Special case electric car: What should you bear in mind with comprehensive car insurance?
Insurance for electric cars has a few special features. A key point is the battery, which often accounts for a significant proportion of the vehicle’s value. Many tariffs offer specific battery cover, for example covering damage caused by user error while charging, overvoltage or deep discharge. Consequential damage caused by a battery defect, such as a fire, should also be covered. Make sure that the charging cable and wallbox are also insured against theft or damage. Some insurers even offer a new-for-old indemnity for the battery for a period of up to 24 months. The specific terms can vary considerably, so a careful comparison is particularly important here.
Our expert tip: Insure against gross negligence
An important point that is often underestimated is the insurer’s waiver of the defence of gross negligence. If you cause damage through gross negligence (e.g. driving through a red light), the insurer may reduce or refuse payment. Many tariffs now include a waiver of this defence, at least up to a certain amount of damage or except in cases involving alcohol or drugs. In an emergency, this module can protect you from significant financial disadvantages. It also means you are better protected in the event of a moment’s inattention. Choosing and combining the right benefits provides you with optimal cover.
Switching and cancellation: Stay flexible and take advantage of savings potential
When is switching from fully comprehensive to third-party, fire and theft sensible?
Switching from fully comprehensive to third-party, fire and theft is usually worth considering when the value of your vehicle has fallen significantly. As a rule of thumb, a vehicle age of five to seven years is often used. At the latest, when the annual premium for fully comprehensive cover no longer bears any economically sensible relation to the car's current market value, you should act. A switch of this kind can often reduce your annual insurance costs by more than one hundred euros. However, note that by switching you give up cover for accidents you cause yourself and vandalism. An individual assessment is essential here.
Observe notice periods and special cancellation rights
Most motor insurance contracts run for one year and are automatically renewed if not cancelled within the notice period. The standard notice period is usually one month before the end of the contract; often this is 30 November. However, there are also special cancellation rights, for example after a settled claim or if the insurer increases the premium without adjusting the benefits. Use these options to switch to a cheaper provider or a more suitable tariff. An annual comparison of the insurance options can be worthwhile.
Our expert tip: don’t just focus on price
When comparing insurance offers, you should not look solely at the price. The benefits and contract terms are at least as important. A supposedly cheap tariff can prove inadequate in the event of a claim if important cover is missing or the excess is very high. Pay attention to the overall package of price, benefits and service. A well-founded decision protects you from unpleasant surprises and ensures you receive the support you need in an emergency. With these considerations, you can find the cover that is optimal for you.
Behaviour in the event of a claim: the first steps
After an accident or other comprehensive insurance claim, quick and correct action is important. First secure the accident scene and, if necessary, provide first aid. In accidents involving injuries or major property damage (over 1,000 euros), you should always call the police. Document the damage as precisely as possible: take photos of the damaged vehicles and the surroundings. Note down licence plates, names and addresses of other parties involved and witnesses. Report the damage to your insurer without delay – often there are deadlines of just seven days.
Damage notification to the insurer: what is required?
For the claim notification, your insurer will usually need your policy number, the registration number, details of how the accident happened, as well as the place and time of the incident. Complete the claim form carefully and truthfully. In the event of theft, a police report is required, and you must provide the case reference number to the insurer. For larger claims, the insurer will often appoint an assessor or ask you to submit a repair estimate from a garage. Keep all receipts and correspondence carefully. A correct claim notification speeds up settlement.
Our expert tip: approved repairer schemes and free choice of garage
Many comprehensive insurance policies include an approved repairer scheme, which can reduce the premium by up to twenty per cent. This means that in the event of a claim you must have your vehicle repaired at a partner garage of the insurer. Before signing the contract, check whether the partner garages are easily accessible for you and have a good reputation. If you opt for a different garage despite the approved repairer scheme, the insurer may reduce the reimbursement, often by fifteen per cent of the repair costs. Choosing the right garage can have a significant impact on the quality of the repair and your satisfaction. With this information, you will be well prepared for the worst-case scenario.
Conclusion: Making the right comprehensive insurance decision
The difference between partial comprehensive and fully comprehensive insurance is significant and has a direct impact on your cover and your finances. Partial comprehensive cover offers solid basic protection against many non-fault losses for vehicles around five years old and above. Fully comprehensive cover is the more extensive option, ideal for new cars, nearly new used cars and leased vehicles, as it also covers accidents that are your fault and vandalism. When making your decision, consider the value of the vehicle, your driving experience, your financial situation and your personal need for security. A careful choice, including the right excess and any optional add-ons, can save you several hundred euros a year and save you a great deal of hassle in the event of a claim. Remember to review and adjust your insurance cover regularly. At nextsure, we will be happy to help you find the tailor-made insurance solution that is optimal for you.
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More useful links
Wikipedia offers comprehensive information on comprehensive motor insurance in Germany.
FAQ
Does comprehensive cover also include marten bites and consequential damage?
Yes, many partial cover policies include marten bites. Good policies also cover the often costly consequential damage that can result from a marten bite (e.g. to the electronics or the engine), up to a certain sum or even without limit.
Does the no-claims discount affect the premium for partial comprehensive cover?
No, the no-claims bonus class (SF class) only affects the premium for motor third-party liability and fully comprehensive insurance. There are no SF classes for partial comprehensive insurance, as the insured damage is generally not caused by the driver.
What happens to my comprehensive insurance in the event of a total loss?
In the event of a total loss, comprehensive insurance usually reimburses the vehicle’s replacement value at the time of the damage. Many policies offer new-for-old compensation for new cars for a certain period (e.g. 12 to 24 months), during which the full original purchase price is reimbursed. Any agreed excess is deducted.
Is vandalism covered by third-party, fire and theft or fully comprehensive insurance?
Damage caused by vandalism, such as scratched paintwork or broken-off mirrors, is typically only covered by comprehensive insurance. Partial cover usually does not pay out for vandalism.
Can I change the excess in comprehensive insurance retrospectively?
Yes, in most cases you can also adjust the level of your excess for your partial comprehensive or fully comprehensive cover during the term of the policy. Reducing the excess usually leads to a higher premium, while increasing it leads to a lower one. Please contact your insurer about this.
Is comprehensive insurance worth it for a very old car?
For very old cars with a low residual value (e.g. under 2,000 euros), comprehensive insurance is often no longer worthwhile. The premiums can exceed the potential reimbursement amount in the event of a claim. In such cases, third-party motor liability insurance alone may be sufficient.
