Germany announces 2027 motor insurance regional classes

The German Insurance Association (GDV) has announced the new regional classes for motor liability insurance for 2027. These classes, based on a five-year damage balance, will affect millions of drivers across Germany's 413 registration districts.

Approximately 5.2 million drivers in 63 districts will receive a more favorable classification, while 4.8 million drivers in 46 districts will see a decline. For the remaining 32 million drivers in 304 districts, the classes remain unchanged. The system uses 12 classes, where a higher class indicates a higher regional damage risk relative to the national average.

Offenbach in Hessen has the highest damage index (139.44), placing it in class 12. In North Rhine-Westphalia, Gelsenkirchen also holds a class 12 rating, followed by Essen. Conversely, the Elbe-Elster district in Brandenburg has the best damage balance in the country, ranking in class 1.

While regional classes are a key factor in premium calculations, they do not automatically dictate the final price. Insurers may use these classes as a recommendation but retain the discretion to set premiums based on other factors such as vehicle type, driver age, and mileage.