It can happen in an instant: an accident, a break-in, damage—and suddenly, stress levels rise. In moments like these, it helps immensely if you don’t have to dig around for documents, phone numbers, or contacts.
This article isn’t insurance advice (if you’re looking for that, check out Finanztip—a nonprofit organization that offers great analysis and recommendations for Germany). Instead, this is about making sure you’re not completely overwhelmed when something happens, and that you can respond with a clear plan and all the necessary info at hand.
To help with that, I’ve listed typical insurance cases—based on recommendations from Finanztip—along with their urgency, required information, and special considerations. Feel free to adapt this with your own specific needs so that you have a personalized emergency folder ready to go.
Overview of Insurance Claims: What to Do and When
Car Insurance
When an accident occurs on the road, quick action is essential. Report the damage immediately. You’ll need:
- Your insurance number
- A detailed account of the incident
- Photos of the damage and accident scene
- Personal details of everyone involved
- Police report number (if called)
- Witness statements, if available
Important: If anyone is injured or if fault is unclear—always call the police.
Personal Liability Insurance
If you accidentally damage someone else’s property, report it within one to two days. Be ready with:
- A description of the incident
- Contact details of the affected party
- Photos
- Witnesses, if applicable
- Your insurance policy
Note: Never admit fault. This could cause problems later.
Homeowners Insurance
Damage to your house—e.g., from storms, fire, or break-ins—must be reported quickly, either immediately or within the following days. You’ll need:
- A description of the damage
- Photos or videos
- Time and suspected cause
- Cost estimates
- For break-ins or fires: police or fire department reports
Tip: Always notify the police in cases of break-in, vandalism, or fire.
Home Contents Insurance
This covers damage or loss of personal belongings from break-ins, water, fire, storms, or vandalism. Report as soon as possible. You’ll need:
- A list of stolen or damaged items
- Photo evidence
- Purchase receipts (if available)
- Police report (for theft or vandalism)
- Your insurance policy
Important: Always report break-ins or vandalism to the police. For all types of damage, thorough documentation is key for the claim process.
Travel Health Insurance
In a medical emergency abroad, every minute counts. Contact your insurer immediately, ideally via their 24/7 emergency hotline. You’ll need:
- Your insurance number
- Diagnosis
- Clinic information
- Invoices
- Doctor’s reports
- Info on medically necessary repatriation, if needed
Tip: Always call your insurance provider to clarify the next steps.
Dog Liability Insurance
If your dog causes damage, report it as soon as possible. You’ll need:
- A description of the incident
- Contact info of the affected party
- Photos
- Witnesses
- Your dog’s vaccination record
- Medical/vet report
Note: If a person is injured, you must also inform the police.
Disability Insurance
If you become permanently or temporarily unable to work, act within a few weeks. The process can be lengthy. Prepare:
- Medical certificates and reports
- Rehab documents
- A description of your job duties
- Proof of income
- Your insurance policy
Tip: It’s often helpful to seek early assistance—e.g., from an insurance advisor or broker.
Legal Protection Insurance
Before consulting a lawyer, clarify cost coverage with your insurer. Make sure you:
- Can explain your legal situation
- Have all relevant documents (e.g., fine notice, termination letter)
- Know your insurance number
Only proceed with legal steps once the insurer approves—otherwise, you might have to cover the costs yourself.
Insurance Overview Table
| Insurance Type | Urgency | Required Info | Special Notes |
| Car Insurance | Immediate | – Insurance number– Incident details– Photos– Involved parties– Police file no.– Witnesses (if any) | Call the police in case of injury or unclear fault |
| Personal Liability | Soon (1–2 days) | – Damage description– Victim’s contact info– Photos– Witnesses– Policy | Never admit guilt |
| Homeowners Insurance | Soon / Immediate | – Description– Photos/Videos– Time & cause– Estimates– Police/fire report (if needed) | In case of fire, vandalism, or break-in: notify police |
| Home Contents Insurance | Immediate (if theft) | – List of items– Photos– Receipts– Police report– Policy | Always file a police report for theft or vandalism |
| Travel Health Insurance | Immediate | – Insurance number– Diagnosis– Clinic info– Bills– Reports– Return transport info | Always use 24/7 emergency number |
| Dog Liability | Soon / Immediate | – Description– Victim contact– Photos– Witnesses– Vaccination record– Medical/vet report | Call the police in case of injury |
| Disability Insurance | Within weeks | – Medical reports– Rehab docs– Job description– Income proof– Policy | Seek help early – e.g., advisor or broker |
| Legal Protection Insurance | Before lawyer | – Description of legal matter– Docs (e.g., fine, termination)– Policy no. | Get approval before incurring legal costs |
How to Stay Organized in Case of Emergency
To avoid scrambling through old emails or drawers in a panic, it helps to prepare these things calmly ahead of time:
Store your insurance policies centrally:
– Ideally in a cloud folder (e.g., Google Drive, Dropbox, iCloud)
– Also save a local copy on your smartphone
Save emergency numbers and contacts:
– Clearly label them in your contacts (e.g., “Car Insurance – Max Mustermann”)
– Make sure 24/7 emergency numbers are easy to find
Add specific additional info:
– Based on insurance type, e.g., vaccination records, receipts, medical reports
Bundle everything in a digital emergency folder:
– Organize it clearly by insurance category
In a crisis, staying calm is key—and being prepared is your best ally.
If you take the time now to organize everything properly, you’ll save yourself a lot of stress and time when something actually happens.
Checklist
- Save insurance policies digitally and locally (e.g., cloud & smartphone)
- Save important emergency numbers on your phone—with clear labels
- Prepare relevant documents for each insurance (e.g., photos, receipts, reports)
- Act quickly in the event of damage and document everything (photos, notes, witnesses)
- Notify the police in cases of injury, break-ins, or unclear fault
- Keep everything clearly organized in a digital emergency folder