Until 30 November, many drivers can cancel their car insurance (Kfz-Versicherung) with effect from the end of the year. One worry often holds people back from switching: will I lose my Schadenfreiheitsrabatt (no-claims discount)? Here you can find out how it usually works and what to look out for.
What determines your SF class
The Schadenfreiheitsklasse (SF-Klasse, no-claims class) is based on your claims history. A claim-free year usually moves you up a class on 1 January, while an accident you caused leads to a downgrade the following year. What counts is the number of claims, not their amount. The discount applies only to Haftpflicht (third-party liability insurance) and Vollkasko (comprehensive cover), not to Teilkasko (partial cover) (2).
Taking your discount with you when you switch
As a rule, the discount can be transferred to the new insurer without you having to do anything. The new insurer requests your status electronically from your previous insurer (2). How high the discount is in each class is set by each insurer in its own terms and conditions (2).
What to look out for
- An agreed Rabattschutz (discount protection) applies only with your current provider (1).
- After a claim, the new insurer will usually downgrade you as well (1).
- Ask for written confirmation of which SF class your previous insurer reports. The Verbraucherzentrale (consumer advice centre) receives complaints because a less favourable class was reported than the one shown on the premium bill (1).
- Check the downgrade clauses before you sign a contract (1).
- A break in cover of more than six months does not lead to an upgrade (2).
Keep an eye on the deadlines
To cancel with effect from the end of the year, your notice must reach the insurer by 30 November. However, if your insurance year starts on a different date, for example on 1 October, you can only cancel with effect from 30 September. The notice period is usually one month. If the premium bill (Beitragsrechnung) arrives only after 30 November and the premium goes up, you have a special right of cancellation (Sonderkündigungsrecht) (1).
You can find more information in our guide: Car insurance: compare and switch.
Note: We do not give advice and do not recommend any particular insurer or tariff. The decision is yours alone.
Sources (checked on 29.10.2026)
- Verbraucherzentrale: Kfz-Versicherung überprüfen und mehrere hundert Euro sparen (as of 08.10.2025)
- dieversicherer.de (GDV): Was ist der Schadenfreiheitsrabatt? (as of 31.01.2024)