Personal liability insurance protects against claims for damages arising from accidents and other mishaps. Such claims can result from personal injury, property damage, or financial loss.

Example: Our policyholder crosses the street without looking carefully and collides with a cyclist, causing them to fall. This may result in:

• Personal injury – the cyclist is hurt

• Property damage – the bicycle is damaged

• Financial loss – the cyclist is a business owner and misses an important appointment

In such a case, personal liability insurance covers the costs incurred.

According to Section 823 of the German Civil Code (BGB), anyone who causes damage is legally obliged to compensate for it—even if the damage was not intentional. Claims for damages, especially in cases of personal injury, can amount to millions.

Accidents and mishaps can happen to anyone, which is why personal liability insurance is generally recommended for everyone. It covers costs up to the agreed coverage limit, protecting against financially devastating claims.

At PHÖNIX, the coverage limit is €30 million under the Exklusiv plan and €50 million under the Premium plan.

Personal liability insurance covers the policyholder, their partner, and children. Additionally, parents and grandparents living under the same roof and registered at the same address are also covered.

Deliberately caused damages are not covered. Certain areas are also excluded, such as damages resulting from the use of a motor vehicle or professional/business-related risks.

PHÖNIX personal liability insurance is valid throughout Europe with no time limit. For stays outside Europe, coverage applies for up to five years, provided the client maintains a registered German address.

Dogs (except guide dogs) and horses are not included in personal liability insurance. For damages caused by these animals, PHÖNIX offers dedicated pet owner liability insurance.

Coverage applies to legal liability from permitted use of aircraft that do not require mandatory insurance (e.g., model planes or toy kites). Coverage also extends to drones and insured flying models under the following conditions:

• Used exclusively for private purposes

• Maximum take-off weight of 5 kg

• Operation complies with legal regulations, including flight bans in restricted zones

Loss of third-party keys or access cards (e.g., keys to a rented property, hotel keys, or workplace access cards for non-self-employed persons) is covered.

Secondary professional activities are covered under PHÖNIX personal liability:

• Exklusiv plan: up to €12,000 annual turnover

• Premium plan: up to €22,000 annual turnover

Not covered: craft, medical/therapeutic, planning/construction supervision, consulting activities, or work involving employees.

If your client suffers damage and the responsible party cannot pay, PHÖNIX personal liability covers the loss. To claim, it must be proven that the responsible party is insolvent and has no liability insurance of their own.

Statutory liability—including professional liability as a teacher at a state-recognized school (civil servants and employees)—is included. Coverage also applies to a co-insured spouse or life partner.

Optional coverage (for an additional premium) is available for:

• Employees in administrative roles

• Firefighters, rescue services, military, police, customs, judicial or correctional services

• Clergy, kindergarten teachers, and educators

Claims should be reported as quickly as possible—ideally within one week (as required by the German Insurance Contract Act, VVG §30). Damages resulting from criminal acts must also be reported directly to the police.

Claim reporting options:

• Insurance broker reports the claim via Ameise system, email, or claim form

• Client reports directly to PHÖNIX via email or claim form

• Broker or client uses the online claims portal at phoenix-versichert.de

After reporting, the PHÖNIX claims team will contact the parties involved promptly to clarify any open questions.

A personal liability insurance policy can be cancelled without notice at the next main due date. The cancellation can be submitted informally in written or electronic form.

NOTE: Please ensure your client is appropriately covered in a timely manner.

An existing liability policy with another insurer can generally be cancelled at the next main due date. From the moment the application is received by PHÖNIX, the improved benefits for your client are automatically covered under the coverage and condition difference protection.