What is a KFZ-Versicherung letter?
KFZ-Versicherung (Kraftfahrtversicherung) is mandatory car insurance in Germany. Your insurer sends formal letters about premiums, coverage, claims (Schaden), and contract changes. Unlike a marketing email, these letters often set deadlines — especially around renewal and the annual switch date.
Common letter types
- Beitragsmitteilung / Prämienanpassung — new Jahresbeitrag (annual premium) and SF-Klasse (no-claims class) for the coming year.
- Vertragsbestätigung — confirmation of coverage after signup or vehicle change.
- Kündigungsbestätigung — your cancellation was received; states contract end date.
- Schadenmitteilung / Regulierungsbrief — claim opened, approved, partially paid, or rejected.
- Unterlagenanforderung — insurer requests photos, police report, or repair estimate.
- Mahnung / Zahlungserinnerung — unpaid premium; act before lapse of coverage.
Haftpflicht, Teilkasko, and Vollkasko
Haftpflicht (third-party liability) is legally required — it covers damage you cause to others. Teilkasko adds theft, fire, glass, and animal hits. Vollkasko adds collision damage to your own car. Claim letters differ: liability claims involve the other party's insurer; Kasko claims are between you and your insurer.
SF-Klasse — no-claims bonus
Your Schadenfreiheitsklasse (SF-Klasse) discounts premium based on claim-free years. Each year without an at-fault claim usually moves you up one class (lower premium). An at-fault accident can drop you several classes — the letter shows old and new SF-Klasse.
When switching insurers, you can often transfer SF-Klasse with an SF-Klassenübertragung certificate from your old insurer. Losing this document can cost hundreds of euros per year.
Premium notice — what to check
- Jahresbeitrag or monthly rate — compare with last year and online quotes.
- SF-Klasse — did it change correctly? A claim you reported should be reflected.
- Vertragsbeginn / Verlängerung — when the new term starts; often 1 January.
- Stichtag — insurers often use 30 November as the deadline to cancel for 1 January switch.
If the premium rose sharply, compare on Check24 or Verivox before auto-renewal. You usually need to cancel the old contract in time, not just sign a new one elsewhere.
Cancelling or switching (Kündigung)
Ordinary cancellation typically requires notice by 30 November for termination on 31 December (standard annual contracts). Shorter notice may apply to some policies — read your letter.
Special termination (Sonderkündigungsrecht) applies after a premium increase, claim dispute, or vehicle sale — often without waiting for November. Cite the reason in writing.
Send Kündigung in writing (email if the contract allows, otherwise post). Keep proof. Your new insurer can often send the cancellation to the old one if you authorize it.
After an accident — insurer letters
If you caused an accident, the other party's insurer may contact you — do not ignore it. If you have a claim on your policy:
- Report the Schaden to your insurer promptly (often required within days).
- Submit photos, Unfallbericht, and police reference if applicable.
- A Regulierungsangebot is a settlement offer — you can accept, negotiate, or dispute.
- Repairs via Werkstattbindung may be required if your contract includes it.
A traffic fine is separate — see our Bußgeldbescheid guide if you received a penalty notice from the authority.
Unpaid premiums
A Mahnung from your insurer means missed payment. Pay or contact them immediately — coverage can lapse and driving uninsured is a criminal offence. Repeated non-payment may affect your SCHUFA if sent to collections.
What to do — step by step
Step 1: Identify letter type (premium, claim, cancellation, payment).
Step 2: Note all deadlines — especially 30 November for switching.
Step 3: For premium letters — compare quotes; send Kündigung if switching.
Step 4: For claim letters — gather documents; respond before the stated Frist.
Step 5: For Mahnung — pay or arrange payment plan; confirm coverage is active.
When to get help
- Claim rejected or payout far below repair estimate.
- SF-Klasse downgraded after a no-fault accident — may be disputable.
- Insurer cancelled your policy after a claim — check Sonderkündigungsrecht and legal advice.
- Liability letter from another insurer claiming you owe damages — respond in writing, do not admit fault casually.
Verbraucherzentrale or a lawyer specialising in insurance law can help with disputes.
Key terms glossary
| KFZ-Versicherung | Motor vehicle insurance |
| Haftpflicht | Mandatory third-party liability |
| Teilkasko / Vollkasko | Partial / full comprehensive cover |
| SF-Klasse | No-claims discount class |
| Jahresbeitrag | Annual premium |
| Schaden | Insurance claim / damage event |
| Kündigung | Cancellation of the policy |
| Stichtag | Cut-off date (often 30 Nov for switching) |
| Sonderkündigungsrecht | Special right to cancel early |
| Regulierung | Claim settlement by the insurer |
| Werkstattbindung | Obligation to use partner repair shops |
Still not sure what your letter wants?
Upload your KFZ insurer letter and get:
- ✓ Plain English breakdown of premium, claim, or cancellation
- ✓ SF-Klasse and Jahresbeitrag highlighted
- ✓ Kündigung / Stichtag deadline check
- ✓ Draft reply or Kündigung letter in German
Open Briefed — explain my letter
Last updated: June 2026