DE · Expiry & renewal tracking
Keep motor liability insurance in force for every fleet vehicle
The keeper of a vehicle normally based in Germany must take out and maintain motor liability insurance; without it the vehicle cannot be registered and may not be used (Sections 1, 6 PflVG, Section 3 FZV). No policy term is prescribed; if cover ends, the authority takes the vehicle out of service (Section 51 FZV).
The keeper of a vehicle normally based in Germany must take out and maintain liability insurance for themselves, the owner, the driver and further persons, covering personal injury, property damage and other financial loss caused by use of the vehicle (Section 1 of the Compulsory Insurance Act, PflVG). The insurance can only be taken out with an insurer authorised in Germany for motor liability insurance; these insurers must offer cover to keepers (Section 5(1) and (2)). Exempt are, among others, the Federal Government, the federal states and municipalities with more than 100,000 inhabitants (Section 2(1)).
A motor vehicle is only registered if motor liability insurance under Section 1 PflVG exists (Section 3(1) sentence 2 no. 2 of the Vehicle Registration Ordinance, FZV). Proof is an insurance confirmation that the insurer sends electronically to the registration authority (Section 49(1) and (2) FZV). Using a vehicle without the required insurance, or allowing such use, is prohibited (Section 6(1) and (4) PflVG).
Neither the PflVG nor the Compulsory Motor Insurance Ordinance sets a fixed policy term; the insurance contract governs it. Only the insurance plate, for example for mopeds, has a term set by law: it is valid for one traffic year from 1 March to the end of February of the following year and then becomes invalid (Section 52(1) FZV).
At a glance
| Who | Keeper of a vehicle normally based in Germany (Section 1 PflVG) |
|---|---|
| Persons covered | At least keeper, owner, driver and further persons under Section 4(3) PflVG |
| Insurer | Authorised in Germany for motor liability; must offer cover (Section 5 PflVG) |
| Proof at registration | Electronic insurance confirmation from the insurer (Section 49 FZV) |
| Term | Not set by law; stated in the insurance contract |
| Insurance plate | Valid for one traffic year, 1 March to end of February (Section 52(1) FZV) |
| Without insurance | Use prohibited (Section 6 PflVG); vehicle is deregistered (Section 51 FZV) |
Who is responsible?
Taking out and maintaining the insurance is the keeper's duty (Section 1 PflVG). If a vehicle with number plates has no motor liability insurance, the keeper must have it taken out of service without delay (Section 51(3) FZV). The keeper may not allow anyone to use an uninsured vehicle (Section 6(4) PflVG).
If the deadline passes
If cover ends, the insurer can notify the registration authority; the authority takes the vehicle out of service without delay once it learns that there is no insurance (Section 51(1) and (4) FZV). Towards injured parties, the end of the insurance only takes effect one month after this notice (Section 117(2) of the Insurance Contract Act, VVG). Using an uninsured vehicle or allowing its use is a criminal offence (Section 30(1) PflVG).
No notice if new insurance is in place
If the registration authority already has confirmation of a new motor liability insurance and has told the previous insurer, that insurer's notice is not made (Section 51(1) FZV). Switching insurer in time thus avoids the vehicle being taken out of service.
Tracking it with ExpirySuite
- Add an entry for each vehicle and enter the end of the current insurance period from the policy; for insurance plates, the last day of February.
- Email reminders arrive 60, 30, 14, 7 and 1 day before the date and on the day itself. That leaves time to renew or switch the contract.
- The insurer or broker can upload the policy through a secure link that is valid for 14 days and needs no account.
- Assign a responsible person, such as the fleet manager; emails arrive in each recipient's language. If a date passes, managers get further reminders 3, 7 and 14 days later.
Frequently asked questions
- How long does German motor liability insurance run?
- The PflVG and the Compulsory Motor Insurance Ordinance set no term; it is in the insurance contract. Only the insurance plate is valid by law for one traffic year ending in February (Section 52(1) FZV).
- Who must insure, the keeper or the driver?
- The keeper (Section 1 PflVG). The insurance must cover at least the keeper, the owner and the driver (Section 4(3)).
- What happens when the insurance ends?
- The insurer can notify the registration authority, which takes the vehicle out of service (Section 51(1) and (4) FZV). The keeper must also have it taken out of service without delay (Section 51(3)).
- Can an insurer refuse my application?
- Only in the cases listed in Section 5(4) PflVG, for example due to restrictions in its business plan or if it terminated an earlier contract for non-payment of premiums.
Sources
- Pflichtversicherungsgesetz (PflVG) § 1 Versicherungspflicht
- PflVG § 2 Ausnahmen von der Versicherungspflicht
- PflVG § 4 Mindestumfang des Versicherungsschutzes (Abs. 3)
- PflVG § 5 Zugelassene Versicherer, Pflicht zum Vertragsschluss
- PflVG § 6 Verbot des Gebrauchs unversicherter Fahrzeuge und § 30 Strafvorschriften (Gesamtausgabe)
- Fahrzeug-Zulassungsverordnung (FZV) §§ 3, 4, 49, 51, 52 (Gesamtausgabe)
- Versicherungsvertragsgesetz (VVG) § 117 Leistungspflicht gegenüber Dritten
Last checked: Oct 1, 2026 · This page summarises official sources for general information and is not legal advice. Check the linked sources for current rules and fees.
Made for motor liability insurance (Germany)
A ready template for motor liability insurance (Germany) with sensible validity defaults, so you enter less and track more.
Reminders on time
Email alerts at 60, 30, 14, 7 and 1 day before each motor liability insurance (Germany) expires, plus overdue escalation to managers.
Assign an owner
Give each motor liability insurance (Germany) an owner and let employees update their own via a secure link — no login needed.