Reclassification of regional drivers: Over ten million drivers undergo reassessment of skill levels

In an announcement by the German Insurance Association (GDV), changes to the regional classes for comprehensive car insurance are set to affect over 10 million drivers across the country. These changes, based on the damage record and risk levels in each vehicle registration district, will result in minor adjustments for around 33.4 million drivers, while 48 districts and approximately 5 million drivers will see an increase in their classes. Conversely, 51 districts and around 5.3 million people will experience a decrease.

The regional classes apply to motor vehicle liability insurance, fully comprehensive insurance, and partially comprehensive insurance. There are 12 classes for liability, 9 classes for full coverage, and 16 classes for partial coverage in the regional classes. These classes are determined annually by the GDV based on the damage record of the 413 German registration districts.

The insurance benefits for injured third parties in traffic accidents are decisive for motor vehicle liability insurance classes. For comprehensive insurance, insurance benefits for self-inflicted accidents and other comprehensive damage cases are also included in the calculation. Higher risks and more expensive damages in a district lead to higher regional classes and therefore higher insurance premiums.

Comparatively good damage records in motor vehicle liability insurance are shown by Brandenburg, Schleswig-Holstein, Lower Saxony, and Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania. On the other hand, Offenbach and Berlin have high regional classes with damages almost 40 percent above the average. Notably, the Elbe-Elster district in Brandenburg has the best damage record in motor vehicle liability insurance nationwide, with damages around 30 percent lower than the average.

Higher classes have mainly occurred in Hesse and North Rhine-Westphalia. Jörg Asmussen, the CEO of GDV, stated that almost every fourth driver in Hesse and North Rhine-Westphalia is upgraded. However, it's important to note that a change in the regional class does not allow any conclusions to be drawn about the development of the entire motor vehicle insurance premium.

The regional statistics of the GDV are non-binding for insurance companies and can be applied immediately for new contracts and for existing contracts from the next insurance year. These changes aim to provide a more accurate reflection of the risks associated with each region, ultimately leading to fairer insurance premiums for drivers.

Reclassification of regional drivers: Over ten million drivers undergo reassessment of skill levels