Canceling pet owner liability insurance upon the death of the owner: A guide for heirs
18 Jun 2025
9
Minutes
Katrin Straub
CEO at nextsure
The loss of a loved one is painful and raises many questions. One of these often concerns the deceased's pet owner's liability insurance. Find out here how to proceed correctly as an heir to cancel or adjust the insurance and avoid unnecessary costs.
The topic in brief and concise terms
The animal owner's liability does not automatically end with the death of the owner; heirs enter into the contract.
Heirs must promptly inform the insurer of the death and submit a copy of the death certificate.
Heirs can terminate the pet owner's liability insurance in compliance with the contractual deadlines (often at the next premium due date or with three months' notice).
Immediate Measures: The First Steps After a Death
After a death, heirs must promptly manage many contracts. The deceased's pet owner's liability insurance is one of them and requires swift action. Notify the insurer of the death immediately, ideally within 48 hours, even if this is not always explicitly required. Attach a copy of the death certificate to the letter as soon as it is available. This prompt notification is important to clarify the further process and avoid missing potential deadlines. Most insurers require this information to coordinate the next steps with you.
Carefully examine the deceased’s insurance documents. Look for the policy and the general terms and conditions. There you will find important information about the contract duration and cancellation modalities. These documents form the basis for your further decisions regarding the dog owner's liability insurance or horse owner's liability insurance. Knowing these details helps you make the right decisions for the future of the animal and the insurance coverage.
Legal Basics: What Heirs Need to Know
Upon the death of the policyholder, their entire estate is transferred to the heirs; this is known as universal succession according to Section 1922 of the German Civil Code (BGB). This means that any existing insurance contracts, such as pet owner liability insurance, are also passed on to the heirs. The insurance does not automatically end. The animal that justifies the insurance coverage still exists, thus continuing to present a risk. Therefore, the heirs assume the rights and obligations of the insurance contract.
The pet owner liability insurance is an asset-bound insurance, linked to the animal. Unlike purely personal insurances, such as personal liability insurance for an individual, which may end upon the insured person's death, the insurance object in this case remains. The heirs now have the responsibility for the animal and, consequently, for the insurance coverage. They must decide whether to continue, adjust, or terminate the contract. This decision should be made promptly to avoid coverage gaps or unnecessary costs.
Options for heirs: continue, adjust or terminate the contract
As an heir, you generally have three options for dealing with the liability insurance of the deceased. First: You can continue the contract unchanged if you take over the animal yourself and the insurance coverage remains suitable. Second: You can have the contract adjusted, for example, if details like the address or bank details change due to taking over the animal. An adjustment is often possible within a few days. Third: You can terminate the liability insurance. This is the most common option if the animal is given to a new owner or the heirs do not need the protection.
Termination of the liability insurance by the heirs is generally possible. The exact notice periods can be found in the insurance conditions. Often, the contract can be terminated at the next premium due date or with a notice period of three months at the end of the insurance year. Some sources also state that the protection remains in place until the annual main due date of the contribution and can then be taken over or terminated by relatives. It is important to send the cancellation in writing by registered mail to the insurer. Clarify the exact terms directly with the insurance company to avoid misunderstandings. Terminating a funeral insurance policy is subject to different rules than property insurance.
The Termination Process: Step-by-Step Guide
If you decide to cancel your pet liability insurance, it is important to proceed in a structured manner. Here is a four-step guide:
Inform the insurer in writing about the death and your wish to cancel. Provide the policy number, the name of the deceased policyholder, and the date of death.
Include a copy of the death certificate. This document is essential for processing.
Explain what will happen to the pet (e.g., taken over by an heir, given to third parties, or remaining in an animal shelter). This information may be relevant to the insurer.
Request written confirmation of the cancellation stating the termination date. Keep this confirmation safe.
Observe the contractually agreed notice periods. Generally, the period is three months before the end of the insurance year, or the cancellation takes effect at the next main due date. Missing this deadline may extend the contract for another year. A correctly worded letter to the insurance company is crucial here. It is advisable to send the cancellation by registered post with acknowledgment of receipt to provide proof of timely receipt.
Special case: The animal dies or is given away
A special case arises when not the owner, but the insured animal dies. In this situation, the insured risk ceases, which establishes a special right of termination. The animal owner's liability insurance can usually be terminated without notice. For this, proof from the vet (euthanasia certificate) is usually required. Excess premiums already paid will be partially refunded. This is noticeably different from the situation when the owner dies and the animal is still alive.
If the animal is transferred to a new person after the owner's death, the insurance contract should also be terminated. The new owner must then take out their own animal owner's liability insurance. It is not advisable to simply transfer the contract to the new owner without having checked their creditworthiness and reliability, as the heirs could still be liable until the contract is changed. A clear termination by the heirs and a new contract by the new owner provide the cleanest solution. This is also relevant when considering whether a dog must be insured, which is compulsory in many federal states.
Expert tips for heirs: Avoid pitfalls
In dealing with animal owner liability in cases of inheritance, there are several points that require special attention. Our expert tip: Determine as quickly as possible who among the heirs will take responsibility for the animal or if it will be given away. This decision significantly influences the subsequent proceedings with the insurance. Any delay can lead to unnecessary costs, as the obligation to pay premiums continues until the policy is effectively cancelled or transferred. Please note that an equine liability insurance often has higher coverage amounts than one for dogs, which highlights the financial relevance.
Another important aspect is the thorough documentation of all steps taken. Keep copies of all correspondence with the insurance company, especially the cancellation confirmation. If there are no heirs or the inheritance is disclaimed, the estate and thus the insurance obligation may fall to the state. Even in this case, the insurance must be informed and cancelled to avoid additional charges. The rules on this can be complex, so it is important to clarify them early on. Also, consider other insurances, such as the car insurance, which can be transferred in the event of death.
nextsure: Your partner for all insurance matters
Dealing with insurance matters after a death can be complex and emotionally taxing. At nextsure, we understand this. As your digital insurance portal, we provide not only comprehensive information but also personalised advice. We assist you in analysing the deceased’s animal owner liability insurance and taking the appropriate steps for you. Our mission is to offer you customised and easily understandable insurance solutions, even in challenging situations.
We support you in maintaining an overview and making the right decisions. Whether it concerns cancelling the animal owner liability insurance, adjusting contracts, or other insurance matters in the context of inheritance, we are here with our expertise to assist you. Take advantage of our experience for a smooth process. We review your existing insurance situation and highlight potential for optimisation. Learn more about our death insurance to plan for the future.
Request an individual risk analysis now: Have your insurance situation reviewed for free and receive specific optimisation suggestions.
More useful links
Wikipedia provides a comprehensive overview of liability insurance for pet owners and its particularities.
Wikipedia explains the basics of inheritance law in Germany.
Die Versicherer provide information on what happens to the insurance policies of a deceased person.
The Bund der Versicherten offers an information sheet on the topic "Death of the Policyholder".
The Statistische Bundesamt (Destatis) provides current statistics and data, for example, on pet ownership in German households.
FAQ
Does the pet owner's liability insurance automatically terminate if the owner dies?
No, the pet owner's liability insurance does not automatically end with the death of the owner. Since the insured animal still poses a risk, the contract is transferred to the heirs.
What documents do I need to cancel pet owner liability insurance after a death?
You typically need a notice of termination, the policy number, and a copy of the policyholder's death certificate.
What are the deadlines for terminating the pet owner's liability insurance by heirs?
The notice periods are stipulated in the insurance terms and conditions. Typically, termination is possible at the next premium due date or an ordinary termination with three months' notice at the end of the insurance year.
What happens if the insured animal is given away after the owner's death?
If the animal is handed over to a new owner, the heirs should cancel the existing animal owner's liability insurance. The new owner must then take out their own insurance for the animal.
Can heirs also take over the liability insurance for pet owners?
Yes, heirs can take over the pet owner's liability insurance if they keep the animal themselves. In this case, the insurer should be informed, and the contract should be amended to reflect the new policyholder, if necessary.
What is the difference in cancellation if the animal dies?
If the insured animal dies, the insured risk ceases. In this case, there is usually a special right of termination, and the insurance can often be terminated without notice. In the event of the owner's death, the risk (the animal) continues, so different termination rules apply.
