Car accident in Germany: what to do at the scene and how to deal with insurance

After a crash you are usually shaken – and that is exactly when a few minutes decide whether the claim will be settled smoothly later. This checklist walks you through the key steps in Germany: securing the scene, collecting evidence, exchanging details and reporting the claim to the right insurer. At the end you will see which insurance pays in which situation and what it means for your SF class (no-claims class).

Free comparison by PLZ

Car Insurance — Request a Quote

Reviewing your policy after a claim? Compare car insurance quotes by German postcode (PLZ) – free and non-binding.

Checklist at the scene

Stop and secure the scene: switch on your hazard lights, put on your high-visibility vest and place the warning triangle 50 to 100 metres behind the car. Carrying a hi-vis vest in a car is mandatory in Germany (§ 53a StVZO); wearing it is especially sensible on busy roads and in poor visibility.
Give first aid: look after anyone injured and call an ambulance on 112.
Call the police if necessary – on 110 (see below).
Collect evidence: photograph the scene, the final position of the vehicles, skid marks and all damage – close up and from a distance.
Note witnesses: name, address and phone number of independent people who saw the accident.
Exchange details: name and address of the driver and the registered keeper, number plate, insurer and – if known – policy number. The easiest way is the European Accident Statement (Europäischer Unfallbericht), which you fill in together and both sign. It is available in many languages with the same layout.
Do not just drive off: leaving the scene without enabling the necessary details to be recorded is a criminal offence in Germany (§ 142 StGB). A note under the windscreen wiper is not enough.

When to call the police

Always call the police if anyone is injured. It also makes sense for major damage, if you cannot agree with the other driver, if the other party has fled, or if a rental or company car is involved. Good to know: the police record traffic offences but do not decide who pays for the damage. Towards the police, details about yourself and the vehicle are sufficient – statements about how the accident happened are voluntary.

Admit fault? Better not

You do not have to admit fault at the scene. An admission does not cancel your insurance cover, but your insurer is not bound by it (§ 105 of the German Insurance Contract Act, VVG). If you admitted something you were not liable for, you may have to bear that part yourself. Stick to the facts in the accident statement.

Reporting the claim: to whom and by when

Your own insurer: report the accident within one week if you may have caused it (even partly) or if the other side makes a claim against you (model terms AKB E.1.1.1 and E.1.2.1). Do not accept the other party's claims yourself – your liability insurer checks them.
The other driver's insurer: if the other driver is at fault, claim your damage directly from their motor liability insurer. If you do not know which insurer that is, the Zentralruf der Autoversicherer (0800 250 2600, free of charge within Germany) can tell you based on the number plate.
Accidents elsewhere in the EU: you can usually settle property damage from Germany. The Zentralruf can also name the responsible claims representative.

Which insurance pays?

Situation	Who pays for your damage?	Effect on your SF class
The other driver is solely at fault	the other driver's liability insurer	no downgrade
You are solely at fault	your liability insurer pays the other party; your own damage only Vollkasko	downgrade in liability, and in Vollkasko if you use it
Both share the blame	damage is split according to each party's share of liability	downgrade as soon as your insurer pays
Collision with game animals (e.g. deer, wild boar)	Teilkasko (or Vollkasko)	no downgrade
Hit-and-run or uninsured vehicle	for personal injury possibly the Verkehrsopferhilfe fund; your own damage otherwise via Vollkasko	downgrade if Vollkasko pays

Whether buying back a small claim pays off is explained here: SF class after an accident. What Teilkasko and Vollkasko actually cover: Haftpflicht, Teilkasko and Vollkasko explained.

After the accident: assessment, repair, rental car

Estimate or expert report: if the other driver is fully liable, ADAC says a repair estimate is enough for minor damage up to around 1,000 euros. For higher damage you are entitled to an expert report paid for by the other driver's insurer, and you may choose the expert yourself.
Rental car or loss-of-use compensation: while your car is being repaired you can rent a car if you use it enough; otherwise you can claim compensation for loss of use (Nutzungsausfall).
Duty to keep costs down: you must not cause unnecessary costs – for example when choosing a rental car.
Special cancellation right: after a settled claim, both you and your insurer may cancel the policy: special cancellation right.

Frequently asked questions: car accident in Germany

Do I have to call the police after every accident?

No. Always call them if someone is hurt. For minor damage where everyone agrees, photos and a jointly completed accident statement are usually enough.

How long do I have to report an accident to my insurer?

One week under the model terms. It is best to report it straight away, even if fault is still unclear.

What if I damage a parked car and the owner is not there?

Wait a reasonable time, then call the police. Leaving a note is not enough. If, after an accident outside moving traffic with only minor property damage, you voluntarily enable the details to be recorded within 24 hours, the court may reduce or waive the penalty (§ 142(4) StGB) – but do not rely on it.

How do I find out the other driver's insurer?

Through the Zentralruf der Autoversicherer (0800 250 2600), using the other vehicle's number plate.

Will my SF class get worse after the accident?

Only if your liability or Vollkasko insurer pays. When the downgrade can be avoided is explained in SF class after an accident.

Next step

After a claim or a downgrade, comparing quotes is worthwhile. Compare car insurance by PLZ

Note: General information without guarantee; not legal or insurance advice. Different rules may apply in individual cases, and the terms (AKB) of your policy always take precedence. If anyone is injured: help first and call 112. Last updated: October 2026.