Motor insurance is the most commonly used insurance in Germany. It is a must for every motorist and protects the owner from financial loss due to accidents, thefts or natural disasters. There are different types of motor insurance, which can be selected according to the needs of the insured person.
The main types of motor insurance are liability insurance, partial and comprehensive insurance, and passenger accident insurance. Each of these insurances has its own legal basis, which mainly affects the reimbursement of damages and the amount of the premiums.
Legal bases for motor insurance are established by various laws and regulations, including the Road Traffic Act, the Insurance Contract Act, the Vehicle Registration Ordinance, and the Accident Prevention Regulations. These sources of law regulate, among other things, the obligation to insure, responsibilities in the event of a claim, and the conditions for settling claims.
In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the different types of motor insurance, as well as the legal principles and sources that are relevant to policyholders. Learn more about your rights and responsibilities as a motorist and choose the right insurance for your needs.
Types of motor insurance
Motor insurance is essential when you take to the road. They provide protection in the event of accidents and damage that may be caused by your vehicle. There are different types of motor insurance, depending on the needs of the driver.
Third party insurance is the insurance required by law for every vehicle owner. It covers damage you cause to other road users. Partial comprehensive insurance covers damage that may be caused by theft or natural events, such as.B. Storms and floods. Comprehensive insurance covers all damage that may occur to your own vehicle, regardless of who caused the damage.
There are other specialized insurances, such as e.g. Passenger accident insurance, which provides additional protection for vehicle occupants, or protection insurance, which provides assistance in the event of a breakdown or accident. Depending on your needs, you can also choose a customized insurance policy that is specifically tailored to your needs.
- Liability insurance
- Partial insurance
- Comprehensive insurance
- Passenger accident insurance
- Protective cover insurance
Basics of motor insurance
Motor insurance has its legal basis mainly in insurance contract law as well as in tort law. The insurance contract between the policyholder and the insurer regulates the mutual obligations and rights. The protection provided by motor insurance covers damage caused to third parties by the operation of the vehicle.
The basic laws in the field of motor insurance are the Insurance Contract Act (VVG), the Road Traffic Act (StVG) and the Compulsory Insurance Act (PflVG). The VVG mainly contains regulations on the form and content of the insurance contract and on its termination. The StVG regulates the liability of the vehicle owner in the event of damage and the PflVG obliges vehicle owners to insure against liability claims in road traffic.
Another important source of law is case law, in particular court rulings, which make decisions in disputes between policyholders and insurance companies. The law on damages regulates the obligations of the tortfeasor, the claims of the injured party and the amount of the claim for damages.
- The Insurance Contract Act (VVG)
- The Road Traffic Act (StVG)
- The compulsory insurance law (PflVG)
Motor insurance is a mandatory insurance that serves to cover liability claims in road traffic. Vehicle owners are required by law to take out liability insurance to cover third parties in the event of damage or loss. There are also other voluntary insurances such as partial and fully comprehensive insurance.
Overall, there are different types of motor insurance policies tailored to different needs. However, the legal bases of the various types of insurance are essentially the same.