Dog Liability Insurance in Germany: Complete Guide for Expats
Everything you need to know about mandatory dog insurance in Germany – explained in English, with English-speaking support
Moving to Germany with your dog? Or already living here as an expat? Then you need to know: Dog liability insurance (Hundehaftpflicht) is MANDATORY in several German states – and you can be fined up to €10,000 if you don’t have it!
The problem? Most German insurance companies only offer contracts in German, with German-only customer service. That’s where Feather Insurance comes in – the ONLY provider with full English support for expats.
In this guide, you’ll learn exactly which states require dog insurance, how to sign up in English, and what happens if you move abroad.
⚡ Quick Answer
Do I need dog liability insurance in Germany?
YES, if you live in:
- ✅ Berlin – Mandatory for ALL dogs
- ✅ Hamburg – Mandatory for ALL dogs
- ✅ Niedersachsen (Lower Saxony) – Mandatory for ALL dogs
- ✅ Sachsen-Anhalt – Mandatory for ALL dogs
- ✅ Thüringen (Thuringia) – Mandatory for ALL dogs
- ✅ Schleswig-Holstein – Mandatory for ALL dogs
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED in all other states (you’re liable for any damage your dog causes!)
Best for Expats: Feather Insurance – from €5.58/month, English support, worldwide coverage
Why Dog Liability Insurance is Mandatory in Germany
In Germany, dog owners are 100% liable for any damage their dog causes – even if it wasn’t your fault! This is called „Gefährdungshaftung“ (strict liability).
What Does Dog Liability Insurance Cover?
- Personal Injury: Medical bills if your dog bites someone (can be €50,000+)
- Property Damage: If your dog destroys someone’s laptop, furniture, car, etc.
- Rental Property Damage: Scratched floors, chewed furniture in your apartment
- Financial Losses: If someone can’t work due to your dog’s actions
- Legal Defense: If someone sues you unfairly
⚠️ Real-Life Example: Why You NEED This Insurance
Scenario: Your dog gets excited, jumps on a cyclist, cyclist falls and breaks their arm.
Costs WITHOUT insurance:
- Medical treatment: €8,000
- Lost wages (6 weeks): €4,500
- Damaged bicycle: €1,200
- Pain & suffering: €3,000
- TOTAL: €16,700 – you pay out of pocket!
Costs WITH insurance: €0 (insurance pays everything)
Insurance cost: €5.58/month = €66.96/year
State-by-State Requirements: Where is Dog Insurance Mandatory?
| State (Bundesland) | Mandatory? | For Which Dogs? | Fine if No Insurance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Berlin | ✅ YES | ALL dogs | Up to €10,000 |
| Hamburg | ✅ YES | ALL dogs | Up to €10,000 |
| Niedersachsen | ✅ YES | ALL dogs | Up to €10,000 |
| Sachsen-Anhalt | ✅ YES | ALL dogs | Up to €10,000 |
| Thüringen | ✅ YES | ALL dogs | Up to €10,000 |
| Schleswig-Holstein | ✅ YES | ALL dogs (from 2025) | Up to €10,000 |
| Brandenburg | ⚠️ Partially | Only „dangerous breeds“ | Up to €5,000 |
| Baden-Württemberg | ⚠️ Partially | Only „dangerous breeds“ | Varies by city |
| Bayern (Bavaria) | ⚠️ Partially | Only „dangerous breeds“ | Varies by city |
| Hessen | ⚠️ Partially | Only „dangerous breeds“ | Varies by city |
| All Other States | ❌ Not mandatory | – | – |
💡 Even if NOT Mandatory: Get Insurance Anyway!
Even in states where it’s not required by law, you’re still 100% liable for any damage your dog causes. A single incident can cost you €10,000-50,000+!
For just €5.58/month, you get peace of mind and protection up to €20 million.
Feather vs. Traditional German Insurers: What’s the Difference?
✅ Feather Insurance (Expat-Friendly)
- ✅ 100% English (website, contract, support)
- ✅ Worldwide coverage (even if you move abroad!)
- ✅ Monthly cancellation (no 24-month lock-in)
- ✅ Digital-first (sign up in 5 minutes)
- ✅ Claims in English (via app or email)
- ✅ No German bank account needed
- ✅ €20 million coverage
- ✅ 4.8/5 rating (1,700+ reviews)
❌ Traditional German Insurers
- ❌ German only (contracts, support, website)
- ❌ Limited abroad (usually only EU, max 12 months)
- ❌ 24-month contracts (hard to cancel)
- ❌ Paper-based (slow sign-up process)
- ❌ Claims in German (phone/fax only)
- ❌ German bank account required
- ✅ Coverage varies (€5-50 million)
- ⚠️ Ratings vary
How to Sign Up for Dog Liability Insurance (in English!)
With Feather, signing up takes just 5 minutes – all in English!
-
Go to Feather’s Website
Visit feather-insurance.com/dog-liability (fully in English) -
Enter Your Dog’s Details
Breed, age, weight – takes 2 minutes. Feather accepts most breeds (except purebred „dangerous breeds“) -
Choose Your Coverage
Standard: €20 million coverage (recommended)
Deductible: €0 (no out-of-pocket costs) -
Enter Your Personal Info
Name, address in Germany, email. No German bank account needed! -
Sign Digitally
E-signature – no printing, no mailing. Done in 30 seconds. -
Get Instant Confirmation
Insurance certificate sent to your email immediately. Show it to your landlord or authorities if needed.
💳 Payment Options for Expats
Feather accepts:
- ✅ Credit cards (Visa, Mastercard)
- ✅ Debit cards
- ✅ SEPA direct debit (EU bank accounts)
- ✅ PayPal
No German bank account required!
The Best Dog Liability Insurance for Expats
Worldwide coverage, English support
- 100% English (website, contract, support)
- €20 million coverage
- Worldwide coverage (even if you move!)
- Monthly cancellation
- No deductible (€0 out-of-pocket)
- Covers rental property damage
- Puppy protection (up to 1 year)
- Family members covered
- Digital claims via app
What Happens if You Move Abroad?
This is where Feather REALLY shines for expats!
🌍 Feather’s Worldwide Coverage
Scenario: You move from Berlin to London, Paris, or New York.
With Feather:
- ✅ Your insurance continues worldwide
- ✅ No need to cancel and find new insurance
- ✅ Same coverage, same price
- ✅ Claims still processed in English
With traditional German insurers:
- ❌ Coverage ends when you leave Germany (or max 12 months abroad)
- ❌ You need to find local insurance in your new country
- ❌ Language barriers in new country
Moving Within Germany?
Just update your address in the Feather app. Coverage continues automatically – even if you move from a non-mandatory state to a mandatory one (or vice versa).
How to File a Claim (in English!)
If your dog causes damage, here’s how to file a claim with Feather:
-
Report the Incident
Open the Feather app or email support@feather-insurance.com (in English!) -
Provide Details
What happened? When? Where? Who was affected? Upload photos if available. -
Feather Contacts the Other Party
Feather handles all communication (in German if needed) – you don’t have to! -
Claim Processed
Feather pays the damages directly to the affected party. You pay €0 (no deductible). -
Updates in English
You get email updates throughout the process – all in English.
⚠️ Important: What to Do Immediately After an Incident
- 1. Check if anyone is injured – call 112 if needed
- 2. Exchange contact info with the affected person
- 3. Take photos of any damage
- 4. DO NOT admit fault or promise to pay – let the insurance handle it
- 5. Report to Feather within 7 days
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
No! You just need a German address (Anmeldung). Feather accepts:
- EU citizens living in Germany
- Non-EU expats with work visa
- Students with student visa
- Digital nomads with temporary residence
You DO need: A registered address in Germany (Anmeldung)
Feather does NOT insure purebred „dangerous breeds“:
- American Pit Bull Terrier
- American Staffordshire Terrier
- Staffordshire Bull Terrier
- Bull Terrier
- Rottweiler (purebred)
- Dogo Argentino, Fila Brasileiro, etc.
GOOD NEWS: Mixed breeds ARE accepted!
If your dog is a mix (e.g., 50% Rottweiler, 50% Labrador), Feather will insure them.
For purebred dangerous breeds: You’ll need a specialized German insurer (German-only, more expensive).
Yes! Feather has monthly cancellation.
How it works:
- Cancel anytime with 1 month notice
- Example: Cancel on May 15 → insurance ends June 30
- No fees, no penalties
BUT: You don’t need to cancel if you move abroad!
Feather’s coverage continues worldwide. So if you move to London, Paris, or New York, just keep your insurance – it still works!
NO! Home insurance (Haftpflichtversicherung) does NOT cover dogs.
Common misconception: „I have personal liability insurance, so I’m covered.“
Reality: Personal liability insurance in Germany explicitly EXCLUDES dogs. You need separate dog liability insurance.
Exception: Some home insurance policies cover small pets (hamsters, cats), but NEVER dogs.
NOT covered by dog liability insurance.
What IS covered:
- ✅ Damage to OTHER people’s property
- ✅ Damage to RENTAL property (your apartment)
- ✅ Damage to borrowed items (friend’s laptop)
What is NOT covered:
- ❌ Your own furniture
- ❌ Your own electronics
- ❌ Your own car
Why? Liability insurance protects OTHERS from your dog – not you from your dog.
Yes! Feather covers non-professional dog sitters.
Covered:
- ✅ Family members walking your dog
- ✅ Friends dog-sitting for free
- ✅ Neighbors helping out
NOT covered:
- ❌ Professional dog walkers (they need their own insurance)
- ❌ Dog daycare businesses
- ❌ Dog trainers
Important: The sitter must be acting on YOUR behalf (you asked them to watch your dog).
Conclusion: Why Feather is the Best Choice for Expats
🏆 Why Expats Choose Feather
1. Language Barrier = GONE
Everything in English – from sign-up to claims. No more Google Translate!
2. Worldwide Coverage
Move to London, Paris, NYC? Your insurance moves with you.
3. No Long-Term Commitment
Monthly cancellation – perfect for expat life.
4. Digital-First
Sign up in 5 minutes, manage everything via app.
5. Affordable
From €5.58/month – cheaper than a coffee!
6. Trusted by 1,700+ Expats
4.8/5 rating on Trustpilot & Google Reviews.
🇩🇪 Get Your Dog Insured in 5 Minutes
Join 1,700+ expats who trust Feather for English-speaking dog insurance in Germany
✅ 100% English • ✅ Worldwide Coverage • ✅ Monthly Cancellation