Type Classes 2026:How your car model shapes your German car insurance
The GDV re-evaluated around 33,000 car models for 2026. We explain how the classification works, who pays more or less, and how to lower your premium even with an unfavourable type class.
In short: the type class shows how risky your car model is from an insurer's point of view. Each year the GDV analyses the claims record of every model registered in Germany and assigns it a type class. For 2026 the GDV re-evaluated around 33,000 models, according to the ADAC. Roughly 5.9 million drivers pay more as a result, about 4.5 million pay less.
This guide explains how type classes are calculated, the class ranges, which models changed for 2026 and how to lower your premium even with an unfavourable type class.
Key takeaways
- ✓The type class is based on your car model's claims record. The lower the class, the cheaper the premium.
- ✓The GDV rates around 33,000 models. Liability runs from 10 to 25, partial cover to 33, comprehensive to 34.
- ✓For 2026, about 5.9M drivers pay more, 4.5M pay less and roughly 75 percent stay unchanged.
- ✓Look up your type class for free in the GDV tool using the HSN and TSN from your registration document.
- ✓Even with a high type class, a comparison, a telematics tariff and a higher deductible lower the premium.
Table of contents
1. What are type classes and how do they work?
The type class is, alongside the regional class and the no-claims class, one of the most important factors in your premium. It is based on the claims record of your car model. Every year the GDV analyses the claims of all vehicles of a model registered in Germany and assigns the model a type class. For the 2026 classification the claims data from 2022 to 2024 was used.
How type classes are calculated
For each model the GDV mainly looks at these factors:
- •Claims frequency: how often are drivers of this model involved in claims?
- •Claims severity: how expensive are the average claims?
- •Repair costs: how complex and costly are repairs?
- •Theft rate: how often is the model stolen (relevant for partial cover)?
| Insurance type | Class range | What it covers |
|---|---|---|
| Liability (Haftpflicht) | 10 - 25 | Damage to others |
| Partial (Teilkasko) | 10 - 33 | Theft, glass, nature |
| Comprehensive (Vollkasko) | 10 - 34 | All own damage |
Type class ranges per GDV. Class 10 is the cheapest in each category.
Good to know: the lower the type class, the cheaper your insurance tends to be. The GDV classification is a recommendation. Each insurer decides for itself how strongly to factor it into the premium. Reliable figures for your case only come from an individual comparison.
2. Type class changes for 2026
For the 2026 insurance year the GDV re-evaluated around 33,000 car models. According to the ADAC, about 5.9 million drivers are placed higher and pay more, while roughly 4.5 million benefit from a lower class. For about 75 percent of drivers, around 32 million, the type class stays the same.
placed higher and tend to pay more
benefit from a lower type class
stay unchanged (about 75 percent)
Reasons for the 2026 changes
Rising repair costs
Higher workshop rates and expensive electronics push up the average cost of a claim.
Complex vehicle technology
Modern assistance systems, sensors and cameras make even small repairs more involved.
Changing claims patterns
Some models show more, others fewer claims than the year before, shifting their classification.
More expensive parts
Higher spare-part prices and longer labour times raise the average claim amount.
Note: even if your type class stays the same, your premium can rise. Insurers also factor in rising claims and repair costs. According to Finanztip it is therefore worth reviewing and comparing your policy every year.
3. Which models are most affected in 2026?
The type class always depends on the specific engine and variant. For 2026 the ADAC names a few examples where the liability type class changed noticeably. The overview below shows these ADAC-cited models. For your own car, check the classification directly in the GDV type class lookup.
Type class improved (ADAC examples)
- Renault Clio 1.3-2 classes
- VW ID.4 Pure 125-2 classes
Change in liability type class, source: ADAC 2026.
Type class worsened (ADAC examples)
- Renault Austral 1.3+3 classes
- Ford Focus 1.0+2 classes
- Mercedes-Benz GLA 250 e+2 classes
Change in liability type class, source: ADAC 2026.
Note: these examples refer to specific engines and may differ from your car. Within a model range the type class varies by engine, year and trim. What matters is the HSN/TSN combination on your registration document.
4. SUVs vs. compact cars
The vehicle category influences the type class. SUVs and off-roaders are on average classified higher than compact and small cars, because they often cause greater damage in a collision and are more expensive to repair. There are exceptions, though: some compact models land in high classes, some SUVs in moderate ones. The specific model is what counts.
| Criterion | SUVs (tendency) | Compact cars (tendency) |
|---|---|---|
| Damage to other vehicles | higher | lower |
| Repair costs | high | moderate |
| Spare-part prices | higher | lower |
| Theft risk | elevated | normal |
| Type class on average | tends higher | tends lower |
General tendency based on GDV logic. The actual type class always depends on the individual model.
Why SUVs are often more expensive
- •Higher weight: greater damage to crash partners.
- •Expensive parts: large body panels cost more.
- •Complex technology: special tools and longer labour.
- •Popular theft targets: high-value SUVs are stolen more often.
Advantages of compact cars
- •Cheaper parts: standard parts are widely available.
- •Simpler repairs: more compact build, fewer special parts.
- •Lower claim amounts: smaller claims on average.
- •Better type classes: often several classes below SUVs.
5. How to check your type class
To find your type class you need the HSN (manufacturer code) and TSN (type code) for your car. Both are on your registration document. With these codes you can look up the type class for free in the GDV type class tool.
Where to find HSN and TSN
Registration certificate Part I:
- HSN: field 2.1 (4 digits)
- TSN: field 2.2 (3 characters)
Registration certificate Part II:
- HSN: field 2 (for 2.1)
- TSN: field 3 (for 2.2)
Step by step
- 1Have your registration document ready
- 2Note the HSN (4 digits) and TSN (3 characters)
- 3Open the GDV type class lookup
- 4Enter HSN/TSN and read all three type classes
Example type classes for individual models 2026
The figures below are specific 2026 type classes published by the insurer Allianz for individual engines. They are for orientation only; your own classification may differ.
| Model | Liability | Partial | Comprehensive |
|---|---|---|---|
| Opel Corsa D 1.4 | 15 | 11 | 13 |
| BMW iX1 xDrive 30 | 14 | 21 | 23 |
| VW Touareg 3.0 TDI | 22 | 26 | 27 |
Individual values per Allianz type class table 2026. Your individual GDV lookup is always decisive.
6. Tips for a high type class
You cannot change the type class itself without changing the car. You can, however, lower your overall premium through several other levers. The following approaches help regardless of your type class.
Compare tariffs every year
Insurers rate the same model differently. An independent comparison shows who prices your car favourably. This is usually where the biggest savings sit.
Choose a higher deductible
A higher deductible in the comprehensive or partial cover lowers the premium. Pick an amount you could comfortably pay in a claim.
Consider a telematics tariff
Careful driving can be rewarded with a telematics tariff, regardless of type class. This can pay off especially for younger drivers.
Define the driver circle and parking spot
A small named-driver circle and a secure parking spot such as a garage reduce the risk and often the premium.
Check the type class before buying a car
If you are shopping for a new car, check the type class in the GDV tool first. A model with a low class saves money over the whole ownership period.
More on this: how your location affects the premium is covered in our guide to Regional Classes 2026. How good driving is rewarded is explained in Telematics Insurance 2026.
7. Frequently asked questions about type classes
What is a type class in German car insurance?
A type class (Typklasse) is a figure that reflects the claims record of a specific car model. It shows how often a model is involved in claims and how expensive those claims are on average. The worse the record, the higher the type class and, generally, the premium. The GDV recalculates the classification every year. (Source: GDV)
How many drivers are affected by the 2026 type classes?
According to the GDV, around 5.9 million drivers will be placed in a higher type class for 2026 and tend to pay more, while about 4.5 million benefit from a lower class. For roughly 75 percent of drivers, around 32 million, the type class stays the same. (Source: GDV, ADAC)
What are the type class ranges?
Liability insurance (Haftpflicht) uses classes 10 to 25, partial coverage (Teilkasko) 10 to 33, and comprehensive coverage (Vollkasko) 10 to 34. Each model gets its own class for each of the three insurance types. Class 10 is the best in each category. (Source: GDV, ADAC)
Why do SUVs often have higher type classes?
Because of their weight, SUVs often cause greater damage to other vehicles in a collision. Add to that more expensive spare parts and repairs, and the claims record tends to push them into higher type classes. The exact classification always depends on the specific model and engine. (Source: GDV)
How can I find my car's type class?
You can look up your type class for free using the GDV type class lookup. You will need the HSN (manufacturer code) and TSN (type code) from your vehicle registration document (Zulassungsbescheinigung Teil I). The HSN is in field 2.1, the TSN in field 2.2. (Source: GDV)
When are the type classes recalculated?
The GDV recalculates the type classes once a year based on the claims record of recent years. For 2026 the data from 2022 to 2024 was used. The new classes are published in autumn and apply from the following insurance year. (Source: GDV, ADAC)
Can I change my car's type class?
No. The type class is tied to the car model and is based on the claims record of all vehicles of that type. You can only change it by driving a different model. You can, however, lower your overall premium through other levers such as the deductible, the named-driver circle, a secure parking spot or an annual tariff comparison. (Source: Verbraucherzentrale)
Can my premium rise even if my type class stays the same?
Yes, this is possible. The premium depends not only on the type class but also on the regional class, the no-claims class and the insurer's pricing. If repair and claims costs rise across the market, premiums can go up even with an unchanged type class. An annual comparison is therefore almost always worthwhile. (Source: Finanztip, GDV)
Compare car insurance for your vehicle
Check which insurer prices your model favourably. The comparison takes your type class into account, is free and non-binding.
Financing a car purchase
Planning to finance your next car? Our loan comparison explains what to look for on interest rates and terms, and the personal loan guide 2026 covers current conditions.
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This guide is for general information and does not replace individual advice.