Car Insurance Switch 2026: New Type Classes Affect Millions of Drivers
The GDV has published the new type classes - over 12 million vehicle owners are affected. Compare now and switch before the November 30th deadline!
Important Dates 2025/2026
- October 2025: New type classes are announced
- Cancellation deadline: November 30, 2025
- Switch effective January 1, 2026
- October/November: Best time to compare
2026 brings significant changes to the German car insurance market:The German Insurance Association (GDV) has published the new vehicle type classes. Over 12 million vehicle owners will be affected by the new classifications - some will benefit from lower classes, others will have to expect higher premiums.
1What Are Type Classes and Why Do They Change?
The type class is a central factor in calculating your car insurance premium. It is based on the claims statistics of all vehicles of a specific model. The GDV analyzes the claims records annually and adjusts the classifications accordingly.
Liability
16 Classes (10-25)
The lower, the cheaper
Partial Coverage
24 Classes (10-33)
Theft, glass breakage, weather
Comprehensive
25 Classes (10-34)
Incl. self-caused accidents
Changes 2026: What's New
- 12+ million drivers affected by type class changes
- About 5 million will be classified in lower classes
- About 7 million will have to expect higher premiums
- Euro 6e/7 vehicles: First claims statistics are now included
- Electric vehicles: More data, more realistic classifications
2What Affects Your Car Insurance Premium in 2026?
Type Class (Vehicle Model)
Updated annually by the GDV. Based on claims frequency and severity of all vehicles of a model.
Regional Class (Registration District)
Based on claims statistics in your region. 413 registration districts are evaluated annually.
No-Claims Bonus Class (SF-Klasse)
Rewards accident-free driving. The longer claim-free, the higher the discount (up to 85%).
Annual Mileage
Realistic mileage saves money. 10,000 km/year is cheaper than 20,000 km.
Driver Circle
Only you or also partner/children? Restrictions lower the premium.
Parking Location
Garage or carport? Secure parking = lower premium.
Deductible
Higher deductible (300 EUR instead of 150 EUR) significantly lowers the premium.
3New Requirements: eCall and Euro Standards
eCall Emergency System
Mandatory for all new cars since 2018. The automatic emergency call system can save lives in accidents - and also influences insurance classification.
- Automatic emergency call in severe accidents
- GPS position transmission
- Some insurers offer discounts
Euro 6e/7 Standards
Latest emission standards mean more modern technology - and influence repair costs and thus insurance premiums.
- More complex exhaust technology = more expensive repairs
- First claims statistics available in 2026
- Possible type class adjustments
!Important Dates for Switching in 2026
Main Cancellation Deadline
- November 30, 2025 - Last day to cancel
- October 2025 - Recommended start for comparison
- January 1, 2026 - New insurance begins
Special Cancellation Rights
- Premium increase: 4 weeks after notification
- After a claim: Cancellation at end of month
- Vehicle change: Upon new registration
Pro Tip: Optimal Timeline
Research, check current policy
Check new type classes, compare
Submit cancellation by Nov 30
New policy starts automatically
Money-Saving Tips: How to Lower Your Car Insurance Premium in 2026
Switch Before November 30
- Meet the November 30 deadline
- Send cancellation by registered mail
- Wait for confirmation
- Sign new contract in time
Compare at Least 3 Providers
- Use online comparison portals
- Include direct insurers
- Compare coverage AND prices
- Check customer reviews
Consider Workshop Binding
- Up to 20% savings possible
- Repairs at partner workshops
- Quality often equivalent
- Check for leased vehicles
Consider Telematics Policies
- Driving behavior is analyzed
- Safe driving = lower premium
- Especially interesting for new drivers
- Up to 30% savings possible
Optimize Your No-Claims Bonus
Transfer no-claims bonus:
- From parents or partner
- Take it with vehicle change
- Use second car rules
Discount protection:
- One claim per year free
- Premium usually worth it
- No-claims class preserved
Free comparison - Over 300 rates - No obligation
Switching Checklist: Step by Step
Check Your Current Type Class
- Determine your vehicle's new type class (GDV table)
- Compare with current classification
- If worse: switching is especially worthwhile
Run a Comparison
- Online comparison with current vehicle data
- Enter no-claims class correctly
- Compare coverage and prices
Submit Cancellation
- In writing by registered mail by November 30
- Include insurance number and license plate
- Keep confirmation
Sign New Contract
- Receive eVB number for registration office
- Insurance start: January 1, 2026
- Seamless transition without gaps
Conclusion: Now Is the Best Time to Switch
The new 2026 type classes present both opportunities and risks.Over 12 million drivers are affected by the changes. Those who compare now and switch in time can benefit from lower classifications or cushion premium increases by changing providers.
Key Points:
- Check new type classes from October 2025
- Submit cancellation by November 30
- Compare at least 3 providers
- Check telematics and workshop binding
Savings Potential 2026:
- By switching: Up to 500 EUR/year
- Workshop binding: Up to 20%
- Telematics policy: Up to 30%
- No-claims bonus optimization: Individual
Start Your Car Insurance Comparison Now
Compare over 300 rates and find the best car insurance for 2026. Free, no obligation, in just 3 minutes.