Household Insurance Austria 2025: Complete Guide with Liability Coverage

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Important Notice: This guide is for general information purposes only and does not replace individual insurance advice. Insurance terms can change at any time. Before taking out insurance, we recommend checking the current terms directly with the respective provider.

What is Household Insurance?

Household insurance (Haushaltsversicherung) is one of the most important types of insurance for renters and homeowners in Austria. It combines two essential coverages in one policy:

• Contents Insurance (Hausrat): Protects your belongings against fire, water damage, burglary, and more
• Private Liability Insurance (Privathaftpflicht): Covers damage you cause to other people or their property

Why is Household Insurance So Important?

Situation	Potential Damage	Coverage
Apartment Fire	€50,000 - €200,000+	Contents (Fire)
Water Damage from Burst Pipe	€5,000 - €50,000	Contents (Water)
Burglary	€10,000 - €100,000	Contents (Theft)
Child Damages Neighbor's Car	€2,000 - €20,000	Liability
Water Damage to Neighbor's Apartment	€10,000 - €100,000+	Liability

The damage amounts shown are examples and can vary significantly depending on the situation.

What Does Household Insurance Cover?

Contents Coverage - Insured Perils

1. Fire and Smoke

• Fires of all kinds
• Lightning strike
• Explosion
• Smoke damage
• Damage from firefighting

2. Water Damage

• Burst pipes
• Leaking washing machines
• Water damage from faulty plumbing
• Frost damage to pipes

3. Storm and Hail

• Storm damage from wind speed 8+ (approx. 62 km/h)
• Hail damage
• Damage from falling trees

4. Burglary and Theft

• Break-in to the apartment
• Theft from locked rooms
• Vandalism during burglary

5. Glass Breakage (optional)

• Window panes
• Ceramic cooktops
• Mirrors and display cases
• Aquariums

6. Power Surge (optional)

• Damage from lightning strikes to power grid
• Defective electronics from voltage spikes

Liability Coverage - What's Included?

Area	Examples
Personal Injury	Someone trips over your bag and breaks their leg
Property Damage	You accidentally damage a friend's smartphone
Rental Property Damage	Damage to hardwood floors or bathtub in rental apartment
Children	Minor children are automatically covered
Pets	Damage by cats and small animals (dogs usually separate)
Sports & Leisure	Accidents while cycling, skiing, or hiking

How Much Does Household Insurance Cost in Austria?

The premium depends on several factors:

Apartment Size	Basic approx.	Standard approx.	Premium approx.
50 m²	€5 - €7/month	€8 - €12/month	€12 - €18/month
70 m²	€6 - €9/month	€10 - €15/month	€15 - €22/month
100 m²	€8 - €12/month	€12 - €20/month	€18 - €30/month
150 m²	€12 - €18/month	€18 - €28/month	€25 - €40/month

Prices are non-binding estimates and may vary by provider, location, and individual factors.

Factors That Influence the Price

1. Living Space in m² - The most important price factor
2. Location - Cities usually more expensive than rural areas
3. Sum Insured - Higher coverage = higher premium
4. Deductible - Higher deductible = lower premium
5. Additional Modules - Glass breakage, bicycle theft, electronics protection
6. Payment Method - Annual payment often cheaper

Choosing the Right Insurance Amount

How Do I Calculate My Household Contents?

The sum insured should cover the replacement value of all your belongings. As a rule of thumb:

Flat Rate Rule: €600 - €800 per m² of living space

Example for 70 m² apartment:

• Minimum: 70 × €600 = €42,000
• Recommended: 70 × €700 = €49,000
• Comfort: 70 × €800 = €56,000

What Counts as Household Contents?

• Furniture: Sofas, beds, wardrobes, tables
• Electronics: TV, computer, smartphone, kitchen appliances
• Clothing: Entire wardrobe
• Valuables: Jewelry, watches, artwork
• Sports Equipment: Bicycles, skis, fitness equipment
• Children's toys and equipment

Avoiding Underinsurance

With underinsurance, the insurance only pays proportionally in case of damage:

Example:

• Sum insured: €30,000
• Actual value of contents: €60,000
• Underinsurance: 50%
• Damage: €10,000
• Reimbursement: only €5,000 (50% of damage)

Important Tips for Taking Out Insurance

1. Compare Multiple Providers

Premiums can vary by up to 50% for the same coverage. A comparison is always worthwhile.

2. Pay Attention to Important Clauses

• Gross Negligence: Should be covered
• External Insurance: Protection outside the apartment
• New Value Compensation: Replacement at new value, not current value

3. Document Your Household Contents

• Photos of valuable items
• Keep receipts
• Maintain an inventory list
• Store outside the apartment (cloud)

4. Review Your Coverage Regularly

• Adjust when moving
• Increase for major purchases
• Review every 2-3 years

What to Do in Case of Damage?

Immediate Actions

1. Limit Damage - Prevent further damage
2. Call Police - Always required for burglary
3. Take Photos - Document the damage
4. Inform Insurance - Within one week

What You Need for the Claim

• Describe how the damage occurred
• Photos and videos of the damage
• List of damaged/stolen items
• Purchase receipts (if available)
• Police report (for burglary)

Switching Household Insurance

When Is a Switch Worthwhile?

• Premium significantly higher than comparison offers
• Coverage no longer up to date
• Bad experience with claims
• When moving (check new situation)

How to Switch Correctly

1. Check Notice Period - Usually 1-3 months before contract end
2. Take Out New Policy - Seamless transition
3. Cancel Old Policy - In writing with proof
4. Avoid Coverage Gaps - No day without protection

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I Need Household Insurance as a Renter?

Yes, absolutely! As a renter, you are not automatically insured. The landlord's building insurance only covers the building, not your belongings or your liability.

What's the Difference from Homeowner's Insurance?

• Household Insurance: For renters and owners, insures contents
• Homeowner's Insurance: Only for owners, insures the building

Are Bicycles Covered by Household Insurance?

Usually only within the apartment or in a locked cellar. For theft outside (e.g., on the street), you usually need an additional "bicycle theft" module.

How High Should the Liability Coverage Be?

At least €1 million, better €3-5 million. Personal injury claims can be very expensive.

Can I Deduct Household Insurance from Taxes?

Yes, as a special expense within the special expenses cap. However, the deductible amount is limited and depends on income.

Conclusion

Household insurance is essential in Austria. It protects all your belongings and also covers liability risks. With a comparison, you can find the best value for your individual situation.

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Disclaimer: The information in this article is for general guidance only and does not constitute insurance advice. All information about prices, benefits, and terms is non-binding and may change at any time. For binding information, please contact the respective insurance providers directly. CheckEverything.at assumes no liability for the accuracy, completeness, or timeliness of the information.