SF class explained: understand your no-claims discount and lower your premium

In Germany, your SF class (no-claims level) is one of the strongest price drivers in car insurance. It reflects your claim-free history and turns into a no-claims discount. That’s why two people with the same PLZ and a similar car can see very different premiums, even when nothing about the vehicle “seems” to have changed.

The good news: you don’t need to be an expert. If you understand a few common real-life situations (switching providers, second car rules, driver changes, a recent claim, or a break in coverage), you can compare quotes more accurately and avoid the most expensive mistakes.

Check SF class the practical way — set the baseline, then optimize

A fair comparison always starts with a stable baseline: keep PLZ, main driver, vehicle, and coverage consistent. Then change only one variable at a time. This makes it obvious whether a price difference comes from SF rules/conditions — or from hidden changes in the inputs.

60-second SF checklist: Write down 3 things before you compare: 1) PLZ (where the car is parked overnight), 2) who actually drives regularly, 3) realistic annual mileage. These three points often move the premium more than small add-ons.

Car insurance — request a quote

Start with a PLZ baseline first. Then test one lever at a time (SF logic, mileage, drivers, deductible, coverage level).

Home insurance — request a quote

Compare by PLZ first, then adjust coverage amount and deductible in a controlled way.

Regional risk factors also influence home insurance. The clean method stays the same: establish a baseline first and optimize step by step.

Tip: Don’t change multiple inputs at once. Otherwise you won’t know whether the price changed because of SF/conditions, annual mileage, or driver rules.
SF class and no-claims discount explained

What SF class means — in plain English

Think of SF class as a simplified record of your claim-free years. Many insurers reward longer claim-free periods with better pricing. At the same time, rules can change depending on your situation (for example: second-car policies, a change of main driver, or returning after a period without your own car).

That’s why SF class should never be viewed in isolation. It works together with where you live (PLZ), who drives, how much you drive, and the coverage you select.

The key SF scenarios to double-check

Use this practical overview as a quick guardrail. It helps you avoid the most common SF misunderstandings and reach a fair comparison faster.

Scenario What to check Common risk Clean approach
Switching providers Keep SF level and driver profile consistent (main driver, mileage, overnight parking). Quotes look cheaper because baseline inputs quietly changed. Compare 1:1 first, then test options.
Second car Rules vary (classification, who is main driver, usage patterns). You compare a “second-car deal” with a standard quote — not apples-to-apples. Check standard baseline first; review second-car rules separately.
Driver changes Who truly is the main driver? Who drives regularly? “Only me” selected even though partner/family drives often. Stay realistic; define the driver circle properly.
Recent claim A claim can affect conditions; compare conservatively after a claim. You assume old conditions and get surprised by the premium. Re-check baseline quotes first, then optimize.
Break in coverage After longer breaks, SF handling may differ by provider/plan. Over-optimistic inputs make the comparison misleading. Start with two scenarios: conservative + optimistic.

Find the best lever fast: the 4-minute test plan

If you want to see what truly saves money, use this quick plan. It’s simple and prevents “random results” caused by changing too many things at once.

1) Run a PLZ baseline with realistic inputs (main driver, annual mileage, coverage).

2) Change only one item: for example mileage or driver circle.

3) Test the deductible in small steps. Only then evaluate coverage level changes.

4) Choose the combination that balances price and real protection.

Mini FAQ about SF class

Can premiums differ a lot even with the same SF class?
Yes. PLZ/region, vehicle, mileage, driver circle and coverage can move the price significantly. That’s why a clean baseline matters.

Why isn’t “cheapest” always best?
Often it’s cheaper because coverage, driver rules or deductibles differ. Compare like-for-like and adjust step by step.

What’s the most common SF mistake?
Changing several inputs at once (or choosing an unrealistically narrow driver circle). It makes comparisons unreliable.

Popular topics

If your main goal is to save money, start here for a clear switching checklist and common pitfalls: switch car insurance and reduce your premium.

For the comparison itself, keep the baseline consistent (PLZ, driver, vehicle, coverage) and adjust one lever at a time. That’s the quickest way to spot real savings without accidentally cutting protection.

Want the full method explained step by step (including why PLZ, mileage and driver rules matter so much)? Use this guide: how the PLZ-based insurance comparison works.

Next step

Start with a baseline quote by PLZ and use the table above as your checklist: which scenario matches your situation? Then optimize in a controlled way (mileage, drivers, deductible, coverage) until price and protection truly fit.