🛡️ Motor insurance: obligation, eVB and cancellation
In brief
Every keeper must take out and keep motor liability insurance. For registration you need an eVB number, which your insurer gives you.
According to the insurance terms (AKB), cancellation is usually due at the latest one month before the end of the insurance year. That is 30 November only if the insurance year is the calendar year; it is not a statutory date. If the premium rises, after a claim and when you change vehicle, you can cancel earlier. A one-month notice period then usually applies.
Step by step
- CompareCheck the cover, not just the price.
- Take out the new contract firstThat way the vehicle stays insured without a gap.
- Cancel the old contract in writingFor a special cancellation, state the reason and choose a method that gives you proof.
- Keep proofKeep the cancellation and the confirmation.
Deadlines
- The cancellation letter must reach the insurer in time.
- Driving without insurance cover is not without consequences. The consequences were not checked in full text here.
- No-claims classes and discount protection were not checked in full text (see the ADAC guide in the Wegweiser Verkehrsunfallopfer).
- Contract terms differ between insurers. Read your terms.
In depth · legal basis, figures and practice – for advisers and professionals
Insurance obligation (§ 1 PflVG)
The keeper of a motor vehicle with its regular location in Germany must take out and maintain liability insurance. It must cover personal injury, property damage and other financial losses arising from use of the vehicle.
Certificate (§ 113 VVG)
For compulsory insurance, the insurer must certify that insurance meeting the legal requirement exists. The rules also apply if more than the minimum cover is insured.
eVB number
For i-Kfz the BMV names the insurance confirmation (eVB number) as a requirement.
Cancellation
Ordinary cancellation follows the AKB: at the latest one month before the end of the insurance year. 30 November applies only if the insurance year is the calendar year; it is not a statutory deadline. Under § 111 Abs. 2 VVG, cancellation after an insured event is possible only within one month of acceptance or rejection of the claim (or of the final judgment).
Premium increase (§ 40 VVG)
If the insurer raises the premium under an adjustment clause without changing the scope of cover, you can cancel with immediate effect within one month of receiving the notice, at the earliest when the increase takes effect. The insurer must give notice of the increase at least one month beforehand and point out the right to cancel. Abs. 2 applies where cover is reduced without a premium cut. Changes of type class, regional class or no-claims class are not covered.
Change of vehicle (§ 96 VVG)
The acquirer can cancel immediately or at the end of the insurance period; the right expires one month after acquisition or knowledge (Abs. 2). The insurer can cancel with one month's notice, within one month of becoming aware (Abs. 1).
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