Car Insurance Warning: You Could Be Billed for an Accident You Didn't Cause
Imagine this: your car is damaged by a mechanic during a routine inspection, and then your own insurance company sends you the bill. This isn't a hypothetical scenario—it recently happened to a policyholder in Germany, exposing a critical clause in some car insurance contracts that every driver should understand. The case involves the direct insurer Huk24 and underscores why carefully comparing auto insurance policies is more important than ever.
The Case: A Faultless Driver Gets a Bill
In 2024, a policyholder (Klaus P.) left his car for an inspection at a Dekra station in Mutterstadt. A Dekra employee, while moving the car, reversed into a parked vehicle. Although Dekra has its own liability insurance for such incidents, the policyholder's insurer, Huk24, demanded he pay approximately €720 for the damage to the other car. The alternative? A severe penalty: a drop of 14 no-claims bonus classes and a 10% premium increase.
Huk24 justified this by stating it had to cover half the damage due to a "multiple insurance" situation. This case reveals a significant gap between industry standards and the specific terms some insurers use.
Understanding "Multiple Insurance" (Mehrfachversicherung)
Legally, the damage in this scenario is covered by two liability policies: the garage's (Dekra's) business liability and the car owner's mandatory third-party motor insurance. According to §78 of the German Insurance Contract Act (VVG), both insurers are jointly liable.
The industry standard, outlined in the German Insurance Association's (GDV) 2015 model terms and conditions (AKB), is clear: in such cases, the policyholder's contract should be treated as "claim-free." The customer should not face premium hikes or pay out of pocket. The insurers involved settle the costs between themselves.
The Crucial Catch: Not All Insurers Follow the Standard
Here's the critical detail: the GDV confirmed to the trade magazine procontra that these model terms are not legally binding. Each insurer can draft its own conditions.
Research by SWR found that 15 of the largest German car insurers adhere to the customer-friendly standard rule. Huk24, however, introduced a change in 2022: policyholders must contribute to the costs in multiple insurance scenarios. Customers who renewed or switched to Huk24 after this date may have agreed to these new terms without full awareness.
Key Legal Opinion
Insurance law expert Prof. Hans-Peter Schwintowski told SWR that insurers cannot unilaterally place customers in a worse position. They must actively seek the customer's consent to such detrimental changes. Otherwise, the new conditions may be invalid and unenforceable.
How to Protect Yourself When Choosing Car Insurance
This case is a powerful reminder to be an informed consumer. Don't just look at the premium price.
| Action Step | What to Do | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Scrutinize the Fine Print | When comparing car insurance quotes, specifically look for clauses related to "Mehrfachversicherung," "Regress," or "Ausgleichspflicht." | Identifies if the insurer uses the standard GDV rule or a less favorable one. |
| 2. Ask Direct Questions | Before signing, ask: "How is a claim handled if my car causes damage while in the custody of a repair shop or valet?" | Forces a clear explanation of their policy on multiple insurance scenarios. |
| 3. Review Renewal Documents | Carefully read any notification of changes to your General Terms and Conditions (AGB). | Protects you from unfavorable changes you didn't explicitly agree to. |
| 4. Know Your Rights | Understand that significant detrimental changes require your consent. | Empowers you to challenge unfair premium increases or demands for payment. |
| 5. Use Independent Comparison | Utilize reputable online tools to compare auto insurance rates and policy features holistically. | Helps you find the best overall value, not just the cheapest initial price. |
Outcome and Final Advice
In the reported case, Huk24 ultimately waived the charge and the no-claims penalty as a "gesture of goodwill," but did not provide a formal statement. Relying on goodwill, however, is not a strategy.
Conclusion: The true test of an insurance policy often comes not when you cause an accident, but in complex, faultless situations like this one. When shopping for car insurance, prioritize transparency and policyholder protection over the lowest headline price. By understanding terms like "multiple insurance" and actively choosing insurers that adhere to customer-friendly standards, you safeguard yourself against unexpected bills and protect your valuable no-claims bonus. Always remember: in insurance, the details in the contract are what you truly pay for.