Guide · 2026
Couples who move in together often have two liability and two contents policies – and pay twice. Marriage also changes health insurance, tax, inheritance and who may act for you in an emergency; for unmarried couples, little of this applies automatically. This guide explains what applies, what you should arrange yourselves and in which order.
Two households usually bring two sets of policies. First check who is insured where, then decide which policy to keep.
Spouses and registered partners are usually covered automatically under a couple or family policy, but not under a single policy. Unmarried partners are usually only covered if they live in the same household and are named in the policy. Important: damage you cause each other is usually not paid by the shared policy – if you break your partner's laptop, the cost is yours.
One policy is enough for a shared home; it also covers your partner's belongings. Adjust the sum insured to the value of your combined contents. If it is too low, the insurer reduces the payout proportionally (underinsurance, Unterversicherung). Many policies waive this if you insure a flat amount per square metre, usually €650 to €750. During a move both homes are covered, the old one for no more than two months – report the move and the new floor area early.
Family and partner policies usually include spouses, and many also include an unmarried partner living in the same household; a single policy only covers you. A waiting period of three months often applies to newly covered areas. Disputes between the partners themselves, for example after a separation, are usually not covered; in family and inheritance law many policies only pay for advice.
If your partner regularly drives your car, tell your insurer – many policies restrict who may drive, and missing information can lead to an extra charge. Your no-claims class (Schadenfreiheitsklasse) can be transferred to a spouse and, with many insurers, to an unmarried partner. However, the recipient only receives as many claim-free years as they have held a driving licence, and the person giving it up loses the discount for good.
According to the German insurance association GDV, many couples only realise late that they have double contents or liability cover. Here is how to proceed:
Marriage or a registered partnership brings many rules into effect automatically – but not for unmarried couples, however long they have lived together.
If your spouse has no or only a low income, they can be covered free of charge through family insurance (Familienversicherung) with your statutory health insurance fund (§ 10 SGB V). In 2026 their total income must not regularly exceed €565 a month, or €603 from a mini-job. They must also live in Germany and must not be self-employed as their main occupation. This does not exist for unmarried partners. Private health insurance has no family insurance; everyone needs their own policy.
Spouses inherit by law: under the standard property regime (Zugewinngemeinschaft), they receive half of the estate alongside children. Their inheritance tax allowance is €500,000. Unmarried partners inherit nothing without a will or an inheritance contract (Erbvertrag). If you name each other as heirs, the partner's allowance is only €20,000; above that, tax starts at 30%.
If a spouse dies, the other can receive a widow's or widower's pension from the statutory pension insurance. Conditions: the deceased was insured for at least five years, and the marriage has usually lasted at least one year. The small widow's pension is 25% of the deceased's pension and is usually paid for no more than 24 months; the large one is 55%. Unmarried partners receive no survivor's pension.
Since 2023, spouses may represent each other in health matters if one of them cannot decide, for example after an accident (§ 1358 BGB). This applies for no more than six months and only to health matters such as examinations, treatment and related contracts – and not if you live apart or a lasting power of attorney (Vorsorgevollmacht) exists. Bank accounts, the tenancy and dealings with authorities are not included. Unmarried partners do not have this right.
Without a marriage contract you live under the community of accrued gains (Zugewinngemeinschaft): each keeps their own assets and is liable for their own debts. Only when the marriage ends are the gains balanced out. If you want something else, such as separation of property, you need a notarised marriage contract (Ehevertrag). For international couples married since 29 January 2019, EU law generally applies the property law of the country where they first live together after the wedding, unless they choose otherwise.
Unmarried couples are taxed as individuals. For spouses and registered partners:
What the law does not settle, you can settle yourselves. This matters most for unmarried couples.
Whether you pool your money is up to you. What matters is knowing the consequences.
The first steps apply to every couple, the last ones only to married couples. Skip what does not apply to you.
This content provides general orientation. Situations and benefits mentioned are examples; the specific need, policy terms and individual advice are decisive. It does not state a price, acceptance or cover decision.
Contact and content responsibility
Owner and insurance broker authorised under section 34d(1) of the German Trade Regulation Act · Register number D-H3YB-K7WLO-18.
Spouses usually are under a couple or family policy, but not under a single policy. Unmarried partners usually only if they live with you and are named in the policy. Damage you cause each other is usually not covered.
There is no statutory special right to cancel just because you move in together or marry. However, many insurers cancel the newer policy early on request – only cancel once the remaining policy covers you both.
IV/IV automatically. On application to the tax office you can choose III/V or IV with a factor; for the current year by 30 November. Your final tax is only set by your tax return.
No. Free family insurance only covers spouses, registered partners and children. A partner you are not married to needs their own health insurance.
Usually yes. Emergency representation only covers health matters and lasts no more than six months. For accounts, contracts, housing and authorities you need a power of attorney – otherwise a court often has to appoint a guardian.
Next step
Send a short request without health or contract details. We will contact you to agree on the next step.
