New type classes for almost 13 million motorists
The German Insurance Association (GDV) has published the new non-binding type class statistics. "For around 7.4 million motorists, higher classifications will apply in motor vehicle liability insurance in the future, while around 5.4 million will benefit from better type classes," says GDV Managing Director Jörg Asmussen. For 70 percent, or around 29.4 million motorists, it remains in the type class of the previous year.
"Big leaps are the exception, only for a few models is it more than one class up or down," says Asmussen. For example, the Suzuki Ignis all-wheel drive (type MF, since 2016) improves by three classes and the Dacia Jogger (type DJF, since 2022) by two classes. The Ford Focus 1.0/ 74 kW (type DEH, since 2018) and the Audi Q5 50 TDI Quattro (type FY, since 2017), on the other hand, each deteriorate by three type classes.
Many SUVs and luxury class models with high type classes
While in motor vehicle liability insurance the benefits for injured parties in the accident are decisive, in comprehensive insurance the value of the insured car, among other things, plays a role. As a result, many high-powered luxury class models and SUVs such as the Audi RS6 Avant 4.0 (Type F2, since 2019) and the BMW X6 M50D (Type X6, since 2014) have rather low model classes, while older models or small cars such as the Fiat 500 1.2 (Type 312, since 2011) or the Citroen C3 1.2 (Type S, since 2018) have rather low classes.
The new type classes for around 32,000 different car models can be accessed online here: www.typklasse.de
Background: The GDV's type class statistics
How high the premium of a car insurance is depends on various characteristics - including which car model is driven. In order to make it easier for motor insurers to calculate their premiums in line with the risk, the GDV statisticians evaluate the claims balances of all car models registered in Germany once a year. The GDV's type class statistics currently include around 32,000 different models and their loss balances for the years 2020 to 2022
"The logic of the non-binding GDV type class statistics is simple: If a car model causes comparatively little damage and low claims costs per vehicle on average, it receives a low type class, and a high one with many claims and high insurance benefits," says Asmussen.
There are 16 type classes (10-25) in motor vehicle liability insurance, and the insurance benefits for injured third parties after traffic accidents are decisive for the classification of the model. In fully comprehensive insurance, the GDV statisticians distinguish between 25 type classes (10-34). The calculation of fully comprehensive insurance includes the damage to one's own car after accidents caused by the insured person as well as the partially comprehensive damage (including car theft, glass damage, wildlife accidents or damage caused by natural events) of fully insured vehicles. There are 24 types of partial comprehensive insurance (10-33). For this statistic, the partial casco damage of fully insured vehicles is considered.
The new type class classification of the GDV is non-binding for insurance companies and can be applied with immediate effect to new contracts and to existing contracts from the next insurance year. However, the type class alone does not allow any conclusions to be drawn about the development of the total motor insurance premium. You can find out how a car insurance premium is made up and what tariff features there are on www.gdv.de.