Cancelling car insurance in Germany: letter template (Kündigung) in German

Cancelling a German car insurance policy only takes a short letter, called a Kündigung – but it must contain the right details and arrive on time. German insurers expect the letter in German, so the templates below are in German with an English explanation. Replace everything in square brackets with your own details.

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What the letter must include

Your name and address (as shown on the policy schedule)
The insurer's name and address
Your policy number (Versicherungsscheinnummer)
The car's registration number (amtliches Kennzeichen)
The end date, e.g. "zum Ablauf des Versicherungsjahres am 31.12.2026" (at the end of the insurance year on 31 Dec 2026)
A request for written confirmation of the end date
Place, date and signature

Template: ordinary cancellation at the end of the insurance year

[Vorname Nachname]
[Straße Hausnummer]
[PLZ Ort]

[Name des Versicherers]
[Anschrift des Versicherers]

[Ort], [Datum]

Kündigung meiner Kfz-Versicherung
Versicherungsscheinnummer: [Nummer]
Amtliches Kennzeichen: [Kennzeichen]

Sehr geehrte Damen und Herren,

hiermit kündige ich den oben genannten Kfz-Versicherungsvertrag fristgerecht zum Ablauf des Versicherungsjahres, also zum [31.12.2026], hilfsweise zum nächstmöglichen Zeitpunkt.

Bitte bestätigen Sie mir den Eingang dieser Kündigung und das Datum der Vertragsbeendigung schriftlich.

Mit freundlichen Grüßen
[Unterschrift]
[Vorname Nachname]

In English: "I hereby cancel the above car insurance contract with due notice at the end of the insurance year, i.e. on [31 Dec 2026], or alternatively at the earliest possible date. Please confirm receipt of this cancellation and the end date of the contract in writing."

If your policy also includes Teilkasko or Vollkasko, this wording normally covers the whole contract. If you only want to drop part of it – for example Vollkasko – say so explicitly and check first whether your terms allow it.

Variant: after a premium increase

If the insurer raises the premium without improving cover, you can usually cancel within one month of receiving the notice. Replace the main sentence with:

… hiermit kündige ich den oben genannten Vertrag aufgrund der mit Schreiben vom [Datum] mitgeteilten Beitragserhöhung und mache von meinem Sonderkündigungsrecht Gebrauch. Die Kündigung soll zum Zeitpunkt des Wirksamwerdens der Erhöhung, also zum [Datum], wirksam werden.

In English: "…I cancel the contract because of the premium increase notified in your letter of [date] and exercise my special cancellation right, effective from the date the increase takes effect." When this right applies: special cancellation rights in German car insurance.

Variant: after a claim

After a claim you can cancel within one month of the end of the settlement negotiations, or after the insurer has accepted or rejected liability in third-party liability cover. You can choose whether cancellation takes effect immediately or later, at the latest at the end of the insurance year.

… hiermit kündige ich den oben genannten Vertrag nach dem Schadenfall vom [Datum], Schadennummer [Nummer], mit Wirkung zum [Datum].

In English: "…I cancel the contract following the claim of [date], claim number [number], with effect from [date]."

Making sure the letter arrives

Receipt counts: For ordinary cancellation the letter must usually reach the insurer at least one month before the end of the insurance year – by 30 November for calendar-year policies. See switch car insurance by 30 November.
Check the required form: Your terms state whether a signed letter is needed or whether text form (e-mail, customer portal) is enough.
Keep proof: Use a method that proves delivery, such as registered mail with return receipt (Einschreiben mit Rückschein), and keep a copy.
Chase the confirmation: If nothing arrives within about two weeks, follow up.
Cancellation service: Many insurers will cancel your old policy for you. Agree who does it so the policy is not cancelled twice – or not at all.

Common mistakes

Cancelling before the new policy is accepted – insurers may decline Teilkasko and Vollkasko applications.
A wrong or missing policy number.
Posting the letter too late, so it only arrives in December.
Not checking the SF class in the new policy – see how to find out your SF class.

Frequently asked questions about cancelling car insurance in Germany

Can I cancel German car insurance by e-mail?

It depends on your policy terms. Many insurers accept text form such as e-mail or their customer portal. Make sure you can prove that the notice arrived.

Does the letter have to be in German?

German insurers generally work in German, so a German letter avoids misunderstandings. The templates on this page can be copied directly.

Do I need to give a reason?

Not for ordinary cancellation at the end of the insurance year. For a special cancellation, mention the reason, such as the premium increase or the claim.

What does "hilfsweise zum nächstmöglichen Zeitpunkt" mean?

"Alternatively at the earliest possible date." It is meant to keep the cancellation effective if the stated date is wrong, but it does not replace checking the correct deadline.

Do I need a new eVB number when switching?

Usually not for a simple change of insurer on a registered car. See eVB number in Germany.

Next step

Compare quotes first, take out the new policy and then cancel on time. Compare car insurance quotes by PLZ

Note: The template is a non-binding sample without guarantee and not legal advice. Your policy schedule and your insurer's terms (AKB) always take precedence. Last updated: October 2026.