Motorcycle Insurance in Germany (2026)

Yes. Under the German Compulsory Insurance Act (Pflichtversicherungsgesetz), every motorcycle and scooter used on public roads must carry liability insurance (Kfz-Haftpflicht), regardless of engine size. This includes 50cc mopeds and 125cc bikes. Section 6 of the Act prohibits using an uninsured vehicle, and section 30 makes that a criminal offence punishable by up to one year in prison or a fine.

Liability cover for a 125cc bike can start in the low double-digit euros per year for an experienced rider with a good no-claims class. A 600cc to 750cc machine with comprehensive cover commonly lands in the few-hundred-euro range, while large sports bikes, young riders and high regional classes push the figure higher. The exact premium depends on the type class, your district and your SF class, so it is best to compare offers for your own profile.

Liability (Haftpflicht) covers damage you cause to others and is mandatory. Partial comprehensive (Teilkasko) adds theft, fire, storm, hail, glass breakage and animal collisions. Full comprehensive (Vollkasko) includes everything in Teilkasko plus self-inflicted accident damage and vandalism. New or financed bikes usually justify Vollkasko, while older bikes are often well covered by Haftpflicht plus Teilkasko.

Yes. Third-party liability insurance is mandatory for every motorcycle and scooter used on German roads, whatever the engine size. How that cover is documented differs by vehicle class: two- and three-wheeled mopeds and scooters up to 50cc do not require registration under section 3(3) sentence 1 no. 1(d) of the Vehicle Registration Ordinance (FZV) and instead carry an insurance plate (Versicherungskennzeichen) under section 52 FZV, which is valid for a traffic year running from 1 March to the end of February. Registered machines such as a 125cc bike need an electronic insurance confirmation (eVB number) from the insurer before the registration office will issue plates.

Motorcycles carry higher accident and theft risks than cars relative to their value. Young riders, large sports bikes and dense urban districts attract the highest premiums. Experienced riders with a good no-claims class, secure storage and a seasonal plate can still secure competitive rates.

Use a seasonal plate if you do not ride in winter, keep the bike in a locked garage, choose a higher deductible in comprehensive cover, transfer the no-claims class from a car you no longer insure, and compare several offers. The consumer advice centres recommend comparing a handful of providers, since prices for identical cover differ widely.

The ordinary cancellation date for most annual policies is 30 November, with the change taking effect on 1 January. If your insurer raises the premium without widening the cover accordingly, section 40(1) of the German Insurance Contract Act (VVG) lets you cancel within one month of the notice reaching you. Note that this is a calendar month, not four weeks.

Many insurers let you transfer or borrow the no-claims class (SF-Klasse) from a car you insure, which can move you up from the beginner class. The rules differ between providers, so check the terms before you switch. This is one of the most effective ways for newcomers to avoid the highest beginner rates.

You need a valid registration (Zulassung) and an electronic insurance confirmation (eVB number) before you can register the bike. A foreign no-claims record can sometimes be recognised if you provide written confirmation from your previous insurer. Several German insurers and brokers handle the process in English.