Insurance is a (necessary) evil. It offers security and protection when you need it most. A decisive factor that influences the premium for car insurance is the Regional classes.
But what exactly is behind it, and why could your place of residence determine how much you have to pay? Let's shed some light on this.
What are regional classes?
If you are wondering why some people pay less for their car insurance even though they drive similar vehicles, the answer may lie in the regional classes. These are an essential criterion that is used by the insurance is used to risk in a specific region And this risk is directly reflected in the insurance premium.
Regional classes are not just an abstract concept, but a concrete basis for evaluation. They are based on detailed damage statistics from the last five years. The insurance This is how high the risk of damage is in a particular registration district. These figures determine whether you will pay more or less in the future.
The German insurance industry (GDV) divides the country into different classes - and this decision is adjusted annually. This means that the regional class can change from year to year, depending on how the claims statistics have developed in your area. If the number of accidents increases, the premiums also increase.
How are regional classes calculated?
There are many factors that go into calculating the regional classes. Insurance companies analyze accident frequencies, the amount of damage and the likelihood of theft or vandalism in a region. Such statistics are meticulously collected and evaluated. Different types of insurance are considered separately:
- Liability insurance: Compulsory insurance covers damage that you cause to other road users. This is where most claims occur, which is why the regional class is particularly important.
- Partial insurance: It covers damage caused by natural forces, theft or broken glass. These cases can also vary greatly depending on the region, for example in urban areas where theft is more common.
- Comprehensive insurance: It also covers damage to the vehicle that you yourself caused.
Depending on the frequency and extent of damage, a region is assigned to one of a total of twelve classes assigned. Class 12 is the most expensive and class 1 is the cheapest. The higher the damage rate, the higher the regional class - and accordingly the premium you have to pay.
Big city vs. country: where do you pay more?
A look at the regional maps of Germany shows that life in the big city is more expensive in many ways – and this also applies to car insurance. In cities like Berlin, Munich or Hamburg the regional classes are often higher. Why? It's simple: More people, more traffic, more accidents. It is only logical that the probability of damage is higher in urban areas.
Let's take as an example Berlin: In liability insurance, the capital is currently in Class 12 - the highest class there is. This means that Berliners pay more in this category than most other people in Germany. The situation is similar in fully comprehensive and partially comprehensive insurance, where they also belong to the upper classes.
The situation is different in rural areas. In rural areas, where traffic is often less dense and accidents are less frequent, the regional classes are generally lower. Fewer accidents mean lower premiums. Many people in rural regions of cheaper premiums.
What to do if the regional class is promoted?
Even if the regional class in your area is increasing, that doesn't mean you have to sit back and watch. There are ways to reduce insurance costs:
- Regular insurance comparison: It is always advisable to regularly compare current insurance offers. Prices and conditions change, and sometimes you can save a lot by switching.
- use special conditions: Some have discounts or special conditions. Take advantage of these to reduce costsIt is also worthwhile to take out a Fully comprehensive Make sure that the insurer does not exclude any benefits in the event of negligence. This can save you trouble in the event of a claim.
- Check the scope of insurance: Look at what services are included in the policy. Maybe you are paying for things you don’t need? An adjustment of the Insurance coverage can reduce costs.
Tip: Pay attention to the service in case of damage
It is tempting to choose the cheapest tariff, but sometimes it makes more sense to pay a few euros more for a good service. If you are stuck on the street after an accident, you certainly do not want to spend hours in a hanging on hold or fight your way through call centers.
Conclusion: Regional classes are a decisive factor
Where you live has a significant impact on how much you pay for your car insurance. Regional classes are an important indicator that is adjusted annually. Even if it may seem unfair that your premium increases due to the number of accidents of others, you should always keep control of your insurance.
Regularly compare rates, review policies, and make sure you have the right coverage for your needs. These steps can help ensure you don't pay more than necessary.
FAQ: Regional classes 2025 and their impact on motor vehicle insurance
1. What are regional classes and why are they important for car insurance?
- Regional classes are a classification that reflects the risk in a specific registration district. They are based on the damage record of previous years and influence the premium you pay for your car insurance. Depending on the number and severity of accidents, thefts or other damage in your district, your vehicle is assigned to a specific regional class. The higher the class, the more expensive.
2. What changes will the 2025 regional classes bring?
- The new regional classes for 2025 will affect approximately 9,4 million people in liability insurance. Half of the owners will have to set higher contributions, while the other half with a contribution reduction Around 33 million owners will remain in the class from the previous year. In terms of comprehensive insurance, around 5,8 million owners will have to pay higher premiums, while 4,5 million will benefit from cheaper premiums.
3. What exactly determines my regional class?
- The regional class does not depend on where the damage occurs, but on where the vehicle is registered. General Association of the German Insurance Industry (GDV) calculates the damage balances for all of the approximately 400 registration districts in Germany every year. These balances take into account accidents, thefts and other damage events in the respective district.
4. What regional classes are there?
- At the nuclear Liability insurance There are a total of 12 regional classes. In the Comprehensive insurance there are 9 and in the Partial insurance even 16 classes. The higher the classification of your region, the more expensive the contribution will be.
5. When do the new regional classes come into force?
- For New contracts Insurance companies can now apply the new regional classes. For existing contracts However, the new regional classes only apply from the next insurance year. You should therefore check early on how the regional class has developed in your district and whether it makes sense to adjust the contract.
6. Do I have to adhere to the new regional classes?
- No, the classification into regional classes is for insurers not mandatoryThis means that your insurance company can theoretically offer different rates. However, most insurers adhere to the GDV classification, as this enables a reliable risk assessment.
7. What should I do if my regional class increases?
- If you are placed in a higher regional class and your contributions increase, you should first Versicherungsvergleich Many have special conditions or cheaper rates. It is also worth checking your policy for unnecessary additional services and adjusting them if necessary.
8. Can my regional class drop again?
- Yes, the regional classes are recalculated every year. If the number of accidents and claims in your district decreases, the regional class can be lowered again. Regular adjustments ensure that the insurance costs are dynamically adjusted to the risk situation in the region.
9. How can I find out which regional class my district is in?
- You can find the current regional classes on the Visit the website of the German Insurance Association (GDV)There is a search function with which you can enter your registration district and call up the regional class for liability, fully comprehensive and partially comprehensive insurance.
10. Should I check my insurance regularly, even if my regional class remains the same?
- Yes, it is always a good idea to check your insurance regularly, even if your regional class remains the same. Increased material and labor costs can increase premiums for all insurance policies. Comparing insurance policies can help save money and ensure you get the best coverage.