Transferring an SF class in Germany: who qualifies and how it works

A high no-claims class (SF-Klasse, short for Schadenfreiheitsklasse) cuts your German car insurance premium significantly. If you no longer need yours – for example because you are giving up your car – you can pass it on to a relative under certain conditions. Young drivers, who otherwise start in a low class, benefit most. The transfer is permanent, though: the person giving it up loses their claim-free years for good.

Free comparison by PLZ

Car Insurance — Request a Quote

Taken over an SF class? Compare prices with your new class and German postcode (PLZ) – free and non-binding.

What exactly is transferred?

What moves is the claims history (Schadenverlauf) – the number of claim-free years and therefore the SF class – not a specific discount percentage. Each insurer sets its own discount per class. Transfers work for third-party liability (Haftpflicht) and fully comprehensive cover (Vollkasko). Partial cover (Teilkasko) has no SF classes. Basics: SF class and no-claims discount.

Who can take over an SF class?

The model conditions (AKB) and most insurers allow transfers within a close personal circle, for example:

children and grandchildren
spouses and registered partners
with many insurers, unmarried partners or other members of the same household
relatives after a death, for example a spouse who keeps driving the family car

Whether siblings, parents-in-law or partners living elsewhere qualify depends on the insurer. Ask before you apply.

Key conditions

Regular use: The recipient must have driven the car regularly during the period being transferred. Insurers often ask for a written statement.
Licence years as the limit: The recipient can take over no more claim-free years than they have held a driving licence. Someone with a four-year-old licence gets at most four years.
Waiver by the giver: The current policyholder declares in writing that they give up their claims history. This cannot be reversed.
Surplus years are lost: If the giver has 25 claim-free years but the recipient has held a licence for only 6, just 6 years move across. The rest is lost.

The process in four steps

Ask the insurer whether you meet the conditions and which documents are needed. Many insurers have their own form.
Apply: The recipient provides licence and usage details. Depending on the insurer, the giver signs a waiver or is informed in writing by the insurer.
Wait for approval: The insurer checks the details and confirms the new class.
Check the policy and compare: A transferred SF class can usually be taken to another insurer, so comparing quotes is worthwhile right after a transfer.

If you plan to switch, mind the deadline: switch car insurance by 30 November.

When is a transfer worth it?

It makes sense if the giver will not insure a car of their own again, for example for reasons of age, and a relative with a few years of driving experience takes over a car. For young drivers with only a short licence history, the effect is limited because only those years count.

Be careful if the giver might want to insure a car again later – they would start in a low class. Also consider alternatives such as being named as a driver on a parent's policy or a second car arrangement.

Special cases

Company cars: The claims history of a company car is usually tied to the company. Some insurers credit the period if you provide a certificate from the company car's insurer and a statement from your employer on use and claim-free driving.
Breaks in cover: If a policy has not been used for a long time, the claims history may be reduced or lost. How to check your current class: find out your SF class.

Frequently asked questions about transferring an SF class

Can I transfer my SF class to my children?

Usually yes, if the child has driven the car regularly. At most as many years count as the child has held a driving licence.

Do I lose my SF class if I transfer it?

Yes. The waiver is final. If you insure a car again later, you start in a low class.

Can I give away only some of my claim-free years?

Usually not. The claims history is transferred, capped by the recipient's licence years, and surplus years are lost.

Does the transfer work with a different insurer?

Mostly yes. After the transfer, the SF class can normally be taken along when switching insurer. Clarify the details with both insurers.

Does a transfer apply to Teilkasko?

No. Teilkasko has no SF classes. Only the liability and Vollkasko classes are transferred.

Next step

After a transfer, compare quotes again with your new SF class. Compare car insurance quotes by PLZ

Note: General information without guarantee; not legal or insurance advice. Transfer rules differ between insurers, and your insurer's terms (AKB) always take precedence. Last updated: October 2026.