Changing your car insurance in Germany: Why 30 November matters – and when you have a special right to cancel
For most policies, 30 November is the key date. In addition, there are situations where you have a special right of termination (Sonderkündigungsrecht), for example after a premium increase. The following overview explains the most important points for policyholders.
1. Ordinary cancellation: Why 30 November is the key date
- Many car insurance policies are annual contracts running from 1 January to 31 December.
- If the contract is not cancelled, it is automatically renewed for another year.
- The contractual notice period is usually one month.
If your contract expires on 31 December, your insurer must receive your notice of cancellation no later than one month before, which is why 30 November has become the standard deadline.
⚠️ Important:
Not every policy has 31 December as the main renewal date. If your contract started during the year, your personal deadline will be different. Always check the end of the insurance period stated in your policy.
2. Special right of termination after a premium increase
Even after 30 November you may still be able to switch providers if a special right of termination (Sonderkündigungsrecht) applies.
Typical examples:
- Premium increase without improvement of cover
- Changes in type class or regional class leading to higher premiums
- Reduction of benefits or other changes to your disadvantage
In these cases you are entitled to terminate the policy outside the regular renewal date.
Deadline:
- As a rule, you have one month (often referred to as four weeks) from the day you receive the notification of the change.
- Some insurers may specify a shorter period (e.g. 14 days).
➡️ The decisive deadline is always the period stated in your insurer’s letter.
The cancellation should be made in writing (letter, fax, or – if accepted – e-mail) and should clearly mention the reason for termination (“due to premium increase”).
3. Other situations where a special right applies
A Sonderkündigungsrecht may also exist if:
- You sell or de-register your car
- You have had a claim and are dissatisfied with the way it was handled (usually within one month after the claim has been settled)
In these cases you can switch insurers regardless of the calendar year.
4. How to switch your car insurance
- Check your contract
- End of the insurance year, notice period and renewal date.
- Compare offers
- Premiums, level of cover, third-party and comprehensive options, deductibles, choice of garages, add-ons such as bonus protection, etc.
- Take out the new policy first
- Only cancel your current insurance once the new policy has been confirmed, to avoid any gap in cover.
- Observe all deadlines
- 30 November for ordinary cancellation, or the specific period indicated in your premium adjustment letter for special termination.
5. Our service
Would you like to know whether changing your car insurance could save you money and improve your cover?
Get in touch with us – we will review your current policy and provide you with a tailored and more affordable quote, without obligation.
