Type Classes 2026:Complete Guide to German Car Insurance
The GDV has re-evaluated 33,000 vehicle models for 2026. Find out if your car's type class changed and how it affects your insurance premium.
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Table of Contents
1. What Are Type Classes (Typklassen)?
Type classes are the backbone of car insurance pricing in Germany. The German Insurance Association (GDV)annually analyzes accident and theft data from approximately 33,000 vehicle models registered in Germany. Based on this comprehensive statistical analysis, each car model receives a type class rating that directly influences your insurance premium.
How Type Classes Are Calculated
The GDV examines several key factors for each vehicle model:
- 1Accident frequency: How often is this model involved in accidents?
- 2Damage severity: What are the average repair costs when accidents occur?
- 3Theft statistics: How often is this model stolen? (Teilkasko)
- 4Driver demographics: What type of drivers typically own this model?
Important to Know
Type classes are recalculated every year and apply to all insurers equally. However, insurers are not required to apply them uniformly - they serve as a baseline for pricing.
2. Type Class Changes for 2026
The annual type class update for 2026 brings significant changes affecting millions of German drivers. With 33,000 vehicle models re-evaluated, many car owners will see their insurance costs rise or fall based on the latest accident and damage statistics.
| Impact Category | Number of Drivers | Premium Effect |
|---|---|---|
| Higher Type Class | 5.9 million | Paying more |
| Lower Type Class | 4.5 million | Paying less |
| Unchanged | ~22 million | No change from type class |
Why More Drivers Pay More
- Higher repair costs (workshop rates over 200 EUR/hour)
- More expensive replacement parts
- Advanced technology increasing damage costs
- Average liability claim now 4,200 EUR
Why Some Drivers Benefit
- Improved safety features reducing accidents
- Better theft protection systems
- Safer driver demographics for certain models
- Lower claim frequency for specific vehicles
3. Understanding Type Class Ranges
Type classes are assigned separately for each insurance type. A vehicle might have a favorable type class for liability but an unfavorable one for comprehensive coverage, depending on its specific damage and theft statistics.
| Insurance Type | Class Range | What It Measures | Best Class |
|---|---|---|---|
| Liability (Haftpflicht) | 10-25 | Damage to others caused by this model | 10 |
| Partial Coverage (Teilkasko) | 10-33 | Theft, fire, glass, nature damage | 10 |
| Comprehensive (Vollkasko) | 10-34 | All damage including self-caused | 10 |
4. Winners and Losers in 2026
The 2026 type class update creates clear winners and losers across different vehicle categories. While electric vehicles and smaller cars often fare better, some popular models face increased classifications.
Vehicles with Improved Classes
- Small city cars: Lower accident severity
- Older compact models: Mature driver base
- Some EVs: Advanced safety systems
- Family vans: Careful driving patterns
- Premium brands with safety tech: Collision prevention
Vehicles with Higher Classes
- High-performance vehicles: Higher accident rates
- Popular theft targets: SUVs, certain brands
- Vehicles with expensive parts: Complex repairs
- New technology vehicles: High repair costs
- Models favored by younger drivers: Higher risk profile
Key Trend: Repair Costs Driving Changes
The biggest factor in 2026 type class changes is the dramatic increase in repair costs:
5. How to Check Your Type Class
Checking your vehicle's type class is straightforward. You'll need information from your vehicle registration document (Zulassungsbescheinigung Teil I) to look up the current classification.
Find Your HSN and TSN
Locate these codes on your vehicle registration:
- HSN (Herstellerschlusselnummer): 4-digit manufacturer code - Field 2.1
- TSN (Typschlusselnummer): 3-letter/number type code - Field 2.2
Use the GDV Database
Access the official type class database:
- Visit the GDV Typklassen-Abfrage online
- Enter your HSN and TSN codes
- View all three type classes (liability, partial, comprehensive)
Compare Year-Over-Year
Check if your type class changed from 2025:
- Compare your 2025 type class with 2026
- Note changes in each insurance category
- Use this information when comparing insurance quotes
7. Saving Strategies Despite Type Class Changes
Compare Multiple Insurers
Different insurers weight type classes differently. A higher type class at one company might cost less than a lower one at another.
Use Special Cancellation Right
If your premium increases due to type class change, you have a special 4-week cancellation right after receiving the notification.
Consider Telematics Tariffs
Good driving behavior can offset an unfavorable type class with discounts of up to 30% through telematics tariffs.
Optimize Other Factors
You can't change your type class, but you can optimize other premium factors like deductible, payment method, and workshop binding.
8. Frequently Asked Questions
What are type classes in German car insurance?
Type classes (Typklassen) are insurance classifications based on the damage and theft statistics of specific vehicle models. The GDV (German Insurance Association) analyzes data from about 33,000 car models annually to determine these classes. Lower type classes mean lower premiums.
How many drivers are affected by type class changes in 2026?
In 2026, approximately 5.9 million drivers will be placed in higher type classes (paying more), while 4.5 million will benefit from lower classifications (paying less). The majority of about 22 million drivers remain unchanged.
What are the type class ranges for different insurance types?
Each insurance type has different type class ranges:
- Liability (Haftpflicht): Classes 10-25
- Partial Coverage (Teilkasko): Classes 10-33
- Comprehensive (Vollkasko): Classes 10-34
Class 10 is the best (lowest premiums) in each category.
How can I find my car's type class?
You can find your car's type class using the GDV online database by entering your vehicle's HSN (Herstellerschlusselnummer - manufacturer code) and TSN (Typschlusselnummer - type code) found on your vehicle registration document (Zulassungsbescheinigung Teil I) in fields 2.1 and 2.2.
Does a higher type class always mean higher premiums?
Generally yes, but insurers have flexibility in how they apply type classes. A 1-class increase typically means 5-10% higher premiums. However, comparing different providers can still yield savings despite an unfavorable type class, as insurers weight various factors differently.
Can I do anything to change my car's type class?
No, you cannot change your vehicle's type class - it's determined by the GDV based on damage statistics for your specific model. However, you can offset an unfavorable type class by optimizing other factors like choosing higher deductibles, using telematics tariffs, or comparing multiple insurers.
When do the 2026 type classes take effect?
The 2026 type classes take effect from January 1, 2026. For new contracts and renewals starting in 2026, the new type classes will be applied. Existing contracts will typically update at the next renewal date.
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