Whether a sabbatical in Lisbon, a posting to Singapore or emigrating to Canada: your liability travels with you. Anyone who causes damage abroad is liable under local law – often with significantly higher claims than in Germany. We explain when your German private liability insurance applies worldwide, where the limits lie and how to stay internationally covered for the long term.
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Within the EU, the Rome II Regulation governs the conflict of laws: in principle, "the law of the country in which the damage occurs" is to be applied (source: eur-lex.europa.eu, translated). So if you cause damage in France, French liability rules and damage levels apply. Outside the EU, from a German perspective, the EGBGB applies: accordingly, "claims arising from tort" are subject to the "law of the state in which the liable party acted" (source: gesetze-im-internet.de, translated) – whereby injured parties can often choose the law more favourable to them. In short: you cannot rely on German standards abroad – all the more important are high coverage sums with worldwide validity.
Within Europe, good policies apply without time limit; worldwide usually one to five years – depending on the terms. For holidays, workation and semesters abroad, that is generally sufficient.
Many contracts end when you permanently move your residence abroad – some immediately, some after a transition period. Premium policies offer extended worldwide validity even after moving away (e.g. unlimited within the EU). What specifically happens when emigrating is shown in our guide Emigrating: What Happens to Your Liability Insurance.
When returning to Germany, a dormant contract does not automatically revive – clarify the status before departure. Cross-border commuters residing abroad often need a policy in their country of residence.
Worldwide validity without tight time limits, coverage from 10 million €, rental property damage also for properties abroad (holiday apartment!), favour damage, lost keys and best-performance guarantees. As a broker with an expat focus, we compare policy terms specifically for suitability abroad – in German and English.
Planning a stay abroad? Have your liability checked in advance: Insurance Check or WhatsApp (+49 151 28937141).
For temporary stays, yes – from one year to unlimited, depending on the policy. With permanent relocation, coverage often ends; then you need a solution with extended worldwide validity or a local policy.
Usually yes, but due to the liability law there, sometimes with restrictions or deductibles. Check the USA/Canada clause especially if you live there longer.
Good policies cover rental property damage to holiday accommodation worldwide. Special rules apply to permanently rented or owned properties abroad – we clarify that individually.
Vehicle damage is a matter for the rental car's motor insurance, not private liability. With rental cars, look for sufficient liability coverage (Mallorca policy in Europe) – more in the guide Foreign Damage Protection: Which Countries?.
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Sources: Regulation (EC) No 864/2007 (Rome II) – EUR-Lex · Art. 40 EGBGB – Tort, gesetze-im-internet.de · Updated: 2026
We advise Germans abroad and expats with residence changes. You get a clear recommendation on international liability insurance – worldwide coverage, high limits, in German and English.
When something happens abroad, every hour counts. We are available via WhatsApp, video call or phone – across time zones.
You see what really matters: coverage scope, limits, exclusions and how claims are handled – compared clearly side by side.
Posting, workation or permanent move: we check whether your existing cover is enough – or which international solution fits.
From claim reporting to settlement – we guide you through the process, regardless of which country the incident occurred in.
Take out your cover directly online.
