Which additional insurances do I really need? (Haftpflicht, Hausrat, etc.)

Compulsory: Health insurance is compulsory for everyone. If you have a car, motor liability insurance (Kfz-Haftpflicht) is compulsory too.

Strongly recommended: Personal liability insurance (Privathaftpflichtversicherung). It pays if you accidentally damage another person or their property (for example flooding your rented flat or dropping someone's phone). In Germany such damage can be very expensive. The annual cost is low and one policy can cover the whole family. Some landlords require it in the contract.

Depends on your situation: Household contents insurance (Hausratversicherung) covers your belongings against theft, fire and water damage; consider it if you own valuable things. Occupational disability insurance (Berufsunfähigkeitsversicherung) matters if you depend on your income, but it is expensive and involves health questions; get advice before deciding. We cover legal protection and supplementary dental insurance in separate questions.

Usually unnecessary: Mobile phone insurance, luggage insurance, extended warranties for small electronics and the frequently sold savings-linked life insurance policies often turn out to be expensive.

Tips: Use comparison sites, make sure the contract term is one year, and don't buy insurance from door-to-door sellers. The Verbraucherzentrale Berlin offers independent, low-cost insurance advice.