Why should you get a home contents insurance (Hausratversicherung) in Germany?
If you have any personal belongings in your house that you don’t want to be stolen or damaged you need a home contents insurance. In simple terms: Imagine your house or flat without a roof and turned upside down. Anything that would fall out is your „Hausrat“ (home contents). If it is lost or damaged by fire, water, theft, burglary, or vandalism, the costs for replacement or repair are covered by this insurance.
TV, computer, mobile phone, tablet, laptop, all other electrical devices, clothes, jewellery, furniture, books, carpets, musical instruments, jewellery etc. are insured in the event of damage or theft. The place connected to this insurance is your home including balcony, garage or terrace where most of your personal belongings are usually kept. (Please note: The car or motor bike in your garage is not insured. This requires a car insurance or a motorbike insurance respectively.)
But even outside your home your personal belongings are insured when you travel and take them with you (Außenversicherung).
For example, if there was a break-in in your hotel room and your notebook and Apple watch were stolen, the insurance will cover the replacement costs. It goes without saying: Any damage or loss through your own gross negligence (grobe Fahrlässigkeit), say, you leave your notebook in the bar – is of course not covered.