How to find out your SF class in Germany – and what to do if records are missing
Every German car insurance quote asks for your SF class (Schadenfreiheitsklasse, the no-claims class). It is one of the biggest factors in your premium. The good news: you can usually find it in a few minutes. This guide shows where to look, how to read the figures and what to do if documents are missing, your cover was interrupted or your driving record comes from abroad.
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Where to find your SF class
- Premium notice (Beitragsrechnung): The annual bill, usually sent in autumn, normally shows the SF class and premium rate for liability and Vollkasko.
- Policy schedule (Versicherungsschein) or endorsement (Nachtrag): Each new schedule or change document lists the class.
- Customer portal or app: Many insurers show the SF class in the contract details of your online account.
- Ask your insurer: A short call or message is usually enough. Have your policy number and registration number ready.
- Certificate from a previous insurer: If the policy has ended, request a certificate of your claims history (Bescheinigung über den Schadenverlauf).
How to read the figures
- SF class and premium rate are different: The SF class (e.g. SF 12) reflects the number of claim-free years. The premium rate in per cent shows what share of the base premium you pay and differs between insurers.
- Liability and Vollkasko are separate: Each has its own SF class. If you added Vollkasko later, its class is often lower.
- No SF class in Teilkasko: Partial cover has no no-claims discount.
- Special classes: SF 0 and SF 1/2 are entry classes; M and S are penalty (malus) classes after claims.
SF classes at a glance
| SF class | Meaning |
|---|---|
| M, S | Penalty classes after claims, highest premium rate |
| SF 0 | Entry without previous cover, usually with a licence held for less than three years |
| SF 1/2 | Entry with a licence held for at least three years, or second car arrangements, depending on terms |
| SF 1 to SF 35 | One claim-free calendar year usually equals one class |
| SF 35 and above | Top class depends on the insurer, some go up to SF 50 |
A detailed table and downgrade examples: SF class and no-claims discount.
When does your SF class change?
After a claim-free calendar year you usually move up one class at the start of the next insurance year – mostly on 1 January – provided the policy ran long enough in that year (at least six months under the model conditions). After a claim paid by the insurer, you are downgraded at the start of the next insurance year. How far depends on the insurer's downgrade table; the number of claims counts, not their size.
Missing records, breaks in cover or a foreign record?
- Lost documents: Ask your last insurer for a claims-history certificate. When you switch, the new insurer normally requests this information itself.
- Short break: A short gap, for example when changing cars, usually has no effect. Each insurer sets its own rules.
- Longer break: Can lead to a lower class. After a policy ends, most insurers keep your claims history for about seven years; some recognise it for up to ten.
- Driving record from abroad: Many insurers take into account claims-history certificates from other EU/EEA countries if they follow the EU model form. How much they credit is up to the insurer – ask before you sign. More for newcomers: car insurance for expats in Germany.
- Class from a relative: You may be able to take over a family member's class: transfer your SF class.
Check your class when switching
When you switch insurer, check the SF class on the new policy schedule. If it differs from what you stated in the application, the premium can change afterwards. Planning a switch for 1 January? Mind the deadline: switch car insurance by 30 November.
Frequently asked questions about finding your SF class
Where is my SF class shown?
Usually on the annual premium notice, on the policy schedule or endorsement, and in your insurer's customer portal.
What if I cannot find my SF class?
Ask your insurer or, for a policy that has ended, the previous insurer for a claims-history certificate.
Is my SF class the same with every insurer?
Your number of claim-free years carries over. The premium rate and the downgrade after a claim differ between insurers.
Why do I have different SF classes for liability and Vollkasko?
The two are recorded separately. If Vollkasko was added later or a claim affected only one of them, the classes differ.
Does my no-claims history from my home country count in Germany?
Often yes for EU/EEA certificates in the EU model format, but insurers decide how to credit them. For other countries, ask the insurer before applying.
Next step
With your SF class to hand, you can compare quotes straight away. Compare car insurance quotes by PLZ
Note: General information without guarantee; not legal or insurance advice. Classification, premium rates and rules for breaks differ between insurers, and your insurer's terms (AKB) always take precedence. Last updated: October 2026.