There’s something thrilling about owning a sports car or roadster. The sleek lines, roaring engine, and refined performance are every car enthusiast’s dream. However, what it takes to insure a sports car or roadster in Germany is not as straightforward as with a standard vehicle.
In this article, I want to distill my decade of experience helping policyholders go through the nuances of insuring premium automobiles.
If you’re wondering how to insure a sports car or roadster in Germany, this blog post will walk you through every essential detail.
Why Insuring a Sports Car in Germany Is Different
Unlike insuring a family sedan, getting coverage for high-performance vehicles like Porsches, BMW M-series, or even convertibles like the Mazda MX-5 involves several complexities. These cars tend to have more powerful engines, a higher risk of theft, and greater repair costs. Consequently, they often attract steeper premiums.
Moreover, because these vehicles are often driven for pleasure and not utility, insurers assess them differently. Your driving record, age, location, and even where you park your vehicle at night can influence the quote.
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Understanding the Types of Car Insurance in Germany
Before you insure any car, let alone a sports car or roadster, you need to understand the three levels of car insurance in Germany:
- Haftpflichtversicherung (Liability Insurance): This is the minimum legal requirement. It covers damages caused to others but not your own vehicle.
- Teilkasko (Partial Coverage): Offers coverage for theft, fire, glass damage, and natural events like storms or hail.
- Vollkasko (Fully Comprehensive Insurance): In addition to Teilkasko benefits, this covers damage to your own vehicle, even if you’re at fault.
For a high-value vehicle, Vollkasko is strongly recommended. It gives you peace of mind whether you hit a pole while parking or become the victim of vandalism.
Factors That Influence Sports Car Insurance Premiums
Insurers consider various parameters when calculating premiums for sports cars in Germany. Here are the most important ones:
- Type of Vehicle: A turbocharged Audi TT will be rated higher than a city car because of its power and repair costs.
- Horsepower (PS/kW): The more powerful the car, the higher the premium. Take a look at how a car’s horsepower influences insurance rates in Europe.
- Driver Profile: Drivers under 25 years of age will face higher costs.
- Driving History: Previous accidents, points on your driving license, or aggressive driving history increase risk.
- Location: Living in a city like Berlin or Hamburg may result in higher premiums due to increased accident risk and theft.
- Parking Conditions: Having a secure garage reduces your premium.
- Annual Mileage: Lower mileage can reduce risk and premiums.
Tips to Save Money on Sports Car Insurance in Germany
Even though premiums for sports cars are higher, there are still ways to save money on your car insurance. As someone who has worked with dozens of high-performance car owners, I recommend the following:
1. Choose a Higher Deductible (Selbstbeteiligung)
If you’re willing to cover a portion of the damage, your insurer sees you as a lower risk. This can reduce your premium significantly.
Related: What is the Usual Deductible in German Car Insurance?
2. Bundle Your Policies
Combine your car insurance with household or legal insurance from the same provider. Insurers often reward loyalty with discounts.
3. Limit Annual Mileage
If you drive less than 10,000 km a year, you may qualify for a reduced rate. But be honest—exceeding declared mileage can nullify a claim.
4. Secure Parking
Parking in a locked garage rather than on the street helps reduce theft risk and your premium.
5. Defensive Driving Courses
Insurers sometimes reward policyholders who complete certified driving courses, especially for sports car owners.
6. Install Anti-Theft Devices
Advanced GPS trackers or immobilizers can deter theft and qualify you for reduced premiums.
Related: How to Protect Your Vehicle with These Anti-Theft Devices
Do Roadsters and Convertibles Cost More to Insure?
Yes, generally they do. Convertibles like the Audi A5 Cabriolet or BMW Z4 are seen as more vulnerable due to soft tops, making them easier to vandalize or steal. Weather damage is also a bigger concern.
However, not all roadsters are created equal. A lower-powered Fiat 124 Spider will be cheaper to insure than a Mercedes-AMG SLC. Your personal driving profile and coverage selection will also weigh heavily.
Required Documents to Insure a Sports Car in Germany
To insure your sports car or roadster in Germany, you’ll need:
- Vehicle Registration Document (Zulassungsbescheinigung Teil I and II)
- Proof of Identity (Passport or German ID)
- Driver’s License (EU/valid foreign license)
- SEPA Direct Debit Mandate for premium payments
- eVB Number (Electronic Insurance Confirmation)
- No-Claims Discount (Schadenfreiheitsklasse or SF-Klasse), if transferring from another insurer
Make sure all documents are valid and up to date. Incorrect information can delay policy activation.
Should You Get Agreed Value Insurance (Wertgutachten)?
Absolutely. For rare or modified sports cars, standard market value may not reflect the real cost of your vehicle. An agreed value policy based on a certified appraisal (Wertgutachten) ensures you receive the right compensation if the car is stolen or written off.
Many insurers require these appraisals for vehicles over €50,000 or those that are modified. This can also help resolve disputes during claims.
Legal Requirements and Safety Regulations
You must meet all TÜV safety requirements, especially if you have tuned or modified your sports car. Vehicles that do not pass inspection cannot be insured.
Also, don’t forget that sports cars are typically subject to higher vehicle taxes and emissions-based penalties. These costs add up, so it’s crucial to budget accordingly.
Popular Insurers Offering Sports Car Coverage in Germany
Several German insurers specialize in high-value vehicle coverage. These include:
- Allianz: Offers custom sports car packages, including GAP insurance.
- AXA: Known for their driver training discounts.
- HUK-Coburg: Popular among younger drivers with clean records.
- DEVK: Competitive rates and easy online access.
- VHV: Offers agreed value policies for high-end cars.
It’s essential to compare quotes based on your specific vehicle and driver profile. Online insurance comparison tools like Check24 or Verivox can be very useful.
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Final Thoughts on Insuring a Sports Car in Germany
While it can be costly, insuring a sports car or roadster in Germany doesn’t have to be stressful. The key is to understand the criteria insurers use, choose the right level of coverage, and take steps to minimize your risk.
As someone who has worked both in Switzerland and Germany with hundreds of performance car owners, I’ve seen firsthand how the right policy can save thousands in the event of an accident, theft, or even hail damage. Take your time, ask the right questions, and get expert advice if needed.