ERGO
ERGO is a motor casco insurance for the DE market with online purchase and 24/7 assistance.
Direct payment
ERGO pays repair costs directly to the certified workshop when the Werkstattbonus module is selected; for claims without workshop binding, ERGO pays the policyholder after damage assessment. Payment is made within two weeks of establishing liability and settlement amount.
Geographic scope
DE
Versicherungsschutz gilt in den geografischen Grenzen Europas sowie in außereuropäischen Gebieten, die zum Geltungsbereich der Europäischen Union gehören (gem. AKB M.1)
Unique selling points
- Unlimited vehicle accessory coverage for passenger cars with no additional premium surcharge (Pkw unbegrenzt) when the standard coverage is in place, including all legally road-compliant permanently fitted parts.
- New vehicle price compensation (Neupreisentschädigung) is included as standard for the first 6 months after initial registration and can be extended up to 24 months with the Wertschutz 24 module, significantly above the market minimum.
- All-risks battery coverage (Allgefahrendeckung) for electric and hybrid vehicle traction batteries via the Elektro Plus add-on, including disposal costs up to EUR 2,000 and coverage of the private charging station with charging cable.
- 24/7 damage reporting service reachable toll-free at 0800 3746-310, with optional certified premium workshop network providing a 6-year guarantee on repairs, hol-und-bringservice, and a small-class replacement vehicle for the duration of repair.
- No deduction for new vs. old parts (kein Abzug neu für alt) is applied as standard on all casco claims, preserving full repair cost reimbursement without age-based depreciation of replaced parts.
Coverage limits
Own damage (accident)
Covered
Fully comprehensive insurance covers damage to the insured vehicle caused by accidents, including self-caused accidents. Repair costs are covered up to the replacement value. In case of total loss, the replacement value minus residual value is paid.
SourceTotal loss compensation
Covered
In the event of total loss, ERGO pays the replacement value minus residual value. New vehicle compensation (Neupreisentschädigung) applies within the first 6 months after initial registration (standard), extendable to 12 or 24 months with Wertschutz 12/24 module. For used vehicles up to 4 years old, purchase price compensation (Kaufpreisentschädigung) applies within 6 months of policy start, extendable to 12 or 24 months with Wertschutz. For older vehicles, compensation is increased by 5% (year 3), 10% (year 4), and 15% (years 5–15) above replacement value with Wertschutz module.
SourcePartial loss / repair costs
Covered
ERGO pays the repair costs required to restore the vehicle. In case of partial loss, the maximum benefit is the replacement value of the vehicle including insured parts and accessories. No deduction for new vs. old parts (Abzug neu für alt) is made. With the Wertschutz module, depreciation compensation (Wertminderung) is also available based on expert assessment.
SourceTheft and robbery
Covered
Theft, robbery, embezzlement, and unauthorized use of the insured vehicle are covered under Teilkasko (and thus also Vollkasko). In the event of theft, compensation equals the replacement value minus residual value. If the vehicle is recovered within one month of the claim report, the insured must take it back if reasonably possible. With the Wertschutz module (optional), key theft is also covered: lock and key replacement up to EUR 1,000.
SourceGlass damage
Covered
Breakage damage to the vehicle glazing (windshield, rear, roof, side and partition glass, mirror glass, light covers) is covered under Teilkasko. Deductible is waived for windshield repair (Selbstbeteiligungsverzicht bei Glasreparatur) as long as repair costs do not exceed the agreed deductible. After a glass claim, ERGO also reimburses costs for damaged light bulbs, interior cleaning, and vignettes on the damaged glazing. Glass and plastic parts of measurement, assistance, camera and information systems, solar modules, displays, and monitors are excluded.
SourceNatural perils (Elementarschutz)
Covered
Teilkasko (and thus Vollkasko) covers direct impact of natural perils: lightning, gusts/storm (minimum wind force 8), hail, earthquake, landslide, snow and roof avalanches, and flooding. Damage caused by objects thrown onto or against the vehicle by these natural perils is also covered. Damage attributable to driver behavior triggered by natural perils is excluded.
SourceVandalism (malicious acts)
Covered
Vollkasko covers damage caused by malicious or deliberate acts (vandalism) by persons who are in no way authorized to use the vehicle. Persons to whom the vehicle was entrusted (e.g. workshop or hotel employees) or persons in a close relationship to the authorized user (e.g. employees, family or household members) are considered authorized and thus excluded. Vandalism is not covered under Teilkasko.
SourceRoadside assistance / breakdown service (Kfz-Schutzbrief)
Optional
Roadside assistance is available as an optional add-on module (Kfz-Schutzbrief, section G of AKB). It provides assistance in case of breakdown, accident, or theft of the insured vehicle, as well as illness or death during travel. Services include: roadside repair up to EUR 150 (incl. small parts), towing up to EUR 150 (net of breakdown costs), vehicle recovery if off-road, travel cost reimbursement (rail 2nd class up to 1,200 km, 1st class beyond), accommodation up to 3 nights (max EUR 75/person/night), rental car up to 7 days (max EUR 50/day), and assistance in case of illness, death, or vehicle theft abroad. Valid only for vehicles registered in Germany.
SourceReplacement vehicle / rental car (Ersatzfahrzeug Plus)
Optional
A same-class replacement vehicle is provided for up to 14 days in Germany when a casco claim is settled, through the optional Ersatzfahrzeug Plus module (AKB E.5, section F). If the vehicle is not used for the full repair period, a usage compensation of EUR 50 per day (max 14 days) is paid instead. This benefit does not apply to pure glass damage claims. With the standard Werkstattbonus module (workshop binding), a small-class replacement vehicle is also provided for the duration of repair (not for total theft or pure glass damage). In case of total loss, replacement vehicle provision is available for up to 35 days (per discovered product-specific constraints).
SourceDriver accident insurance
Excluded
Driver accident insurance (covering personal injury to the driver) is not included in the ERGO casco product. The Kfz-Haftpflicht covers third-party personal injury only. Separate personal accident insurance would need to be taken out.
SourceKey conditions
driver_age_experience_limit
No explicit minimum driver age requirement stated in the AKB for casco coverage. However, Rabattschutz (discount protection) is only available if the youngest driver has completed their 23rd year of life (AKB L.4). Drivers under 23 generally lead to higher premiums due to tariff group classification (AKB K.5, K.7).
repair_network_requirements
With the optional Werkstattbonus module (workshop binding), the insured must allow ERGO to select the repair workshop. ERGO arranges a certified premium workshop (TÜV Süd and DEKRA certified). The repair is carried out according to manufacturer guidelines with original parts, with a 6-year guarantee on all work. A pick-up and delivery service (Hol- und Bringservice) is included. If the vehicle is repaired at a non-designated workshop, the compensation is reduced by 20%, minimum EUR 100. Without Werkstattbonus, the insured has free choice of workshop.
territorial_scope
Insurance coverage applies within the geographical borders of Europe and in non-European territories belonging to the scope of the European Union. For Kfz-Haftpflicht, higher mandatory coverage in foreign countries is automatically applied. The Auslandsschadenschutz (foreign accident protection) for Vollkasko is available as an optional module (Ersatzfahrzeug Plus) covering accidents abroad caused by a foreign-insured vehicle.
anti_theft_requirements
No specific anti-theft device requirements are stated in the AKB as a condition for casco theft coverage. However, items stored outside the vehicle must be kept under lock (unter Verschluss) to be covered (e.g. a spare set of wheels, charging cables). During the rest insurance (Ruheversicherung) period, the vehicle must be stored in a locked garage or enclosed parking space.
claim_notification_deadline
Every claim event must be reported to ERGO immediately (unverzüglich). In case of theft, the notice must be in writing (text form: letter, fax, email). For theft, fire, or animal collision claims, the police must also be notified immediately. If the vehicle is recovered within one month of the claim report, the insured must take it back if reasonably possible. The damage claims service is reachable 24/7 at 0800 3746-310 or via www.ergo.de (AKB H.5).
deductible_rules
The agreed deductible is deducted from each claim settlement. The level of deductible can be found in the insurance certificate. Multiple vehicles on one contract each carry the deductible separately per vehicle and per claim. For windshield repair (not replacement), the deductible is waived provided repair costs do not exceed the agreed deductible. For Vollkasko claims arising from accidents abroad with a non-German-insured vehicle (where the other party is at full fault), the deductible is also waived.
Where to buy
Documents
ERGO Kfz-Versicherung – Allgemeine Bedingungen (AKB), Stand 14.9.2019 (Produkt Smart/Best)
terms_and_conditions
ERGO Kfz-Versicherung – Allgemeine Bedingungen (AKB), Stand 22.9.2018 (Kfz-Versicherung Mobil)
terms_and_conditions
ERGO Kfz-Versicherung – Alle Leistungen auf einen Blick (Leistungstabelle Komfort/Komfort Plus)
benefits_table
Policy specifics
Replacement vehicle provision
Supply of replacement vehicle of smallest class during repair duration for comprehensive (fully comprehensive) claims
Self-caused accident coverage
Comprehensive insurance covers accidents caused by the policyholder themselves, in addition to all partial comprehensive benefits
Vandalism coverage
Comprehensive insurance covers damages from vandalism (malicious and willful acts by third parties)
Total loss compensation
Comprehensive insurance provides new price compensation within first 36 months after initial registration, purchase price for used vehicles up to 4 years, up to 15% above replacement value for older vehicles
Electric vehicle traction battery coverage
Traction battery of electric vehicles is covered with all-risks coverage in comprehensive insurance (excluding wear and tear only)
Workshop binding option
Optional selection of certified premium workshop for repairs in case of claim; ERGO arranges the repair facility
Deductible (self-participation) selection
Policyholders can select different deductible levels for comprehensive coverage to adjust premiums
Damage buyback right (Schadensrückkauf)
Policyholders may purchase back comprehensive damage claims up to one year after settlement, retroactively covering the loss themselves
Discount protection (Rabattschutz)
Optional coverage that protects policyholders from being downgraded to a worse damage-free class after one claim per calendar year