Home Insurance Austria 2026: Household Insurance for Expats
Home insurance (Haushaltsversicherung) in Austria 2026: What's covered? How much does it cost? Guide for expats with comparison tips and English-speaking providers.
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Home Insurance in Austria: Essential Guide for Expats
In Austria, home insurance (Haushaltsversicherung) is one of the most important policies you can have. It protects all your belongings against fire, water damage, burglary, and more. About 85% of Austrian households have this insurance.
What's New in 2026
- ✓ Many insurers expand natural disaster coverage due to climate change
- ✓ E-bike and wallbox protection included in premium tariffs
- ✓ Home office equipment often automatically covered
- ✓ Cyber protection available as optional add-on
Compare Home Insurance at durchblicker.at
What Does Home Insurance Cover?
Home insurance (also called "Hausrat" in German) covers movable items in your apartment or house:
Covered Items
| Category | Examples | Sublimit? |
|---|---|---|
| Furniture | Sofa, wardrobe, bed, tables | No |
| Electronics | TV, laptop, smartphone, gaming consoles | Sometimes |
| Clothing | All textiles, shoes | No |
| Appliances | Washing machine, fridge, dishwasher | No |
| Valuables | Jewelry, cash, watches, artwork | Often limited! |
| Bicycles / E-Bikes | All bicycles in household | Often with sublimit |
Covered Risks (Standard Coverage)
| Risk | Description | Included in Basic? |
|---|---|---|
| Fire | Fire, lightning, explosion | ✓ Yes |
| Water Damage | Pipe burst, water leaks | ✓ Yes |
| Burglary | Theft during break-in | ✓ Yes |
| Storm & Hail | Storm damage from wind force 8+ | ✓ Yes |
| Flooding | Flood water, sewage backup | Often extra |
| Earthquake | Earthquake damage | Often extra |
| Glass Breakage | Windows, glass doors, ceramic hob | Often extra |
How Much Does Home Insurance Cost in 2026?
Price Examples by Apartment Size
| Living Space | Coverage Amount | Basic | Premium |
|---|---|---|---|
| 40 m² (studio) | €30,000 | €6-10/month | €12-18/month |
| 70 m² (2-3 rooms) | €50,000 | €10-15/month | €18-28/month |
| 100 m² (3-4 rooms) | €70,000 | €15-22/month | €25-38/month |
| 150 m² (house) | €100,000 | €22-32/month | €38-55/month |
Finding the Right Coverage Amount
Rule of Thumb: €700-1,000 per m²
How to Calculate Your Coverage
- • 70 m² apartment: approx. €50,000-70,000
- • 100 m² apartment: approx. €70,000-100,000
- • High-end furnishings: €1,000-1,200 per m²
- • Average: €700-800 per m²
Avoid Underinsurance!
Warning: Underinsurance Clause
If your coverage is too low, the insurance will only pay proportionally. Example: With 50% underinsurance, only 50% of the damage is covered!
Home Insurance for Expats: What You Need to Know
Insurance Vocabulary in German
| English | German | |---------|--------| | Home/household insurance | Haushaltsversicherung | | Coverage amount | Deckungssumme / Versicherungssumme | | Deductible | Selbstbehalt | | Premium | Prämie | | Claim | Schadensfall | | Burglary | Einbruchdiebstahl | | Water damage | Wasserschaden | | Fire damage | Brandschaden | | Liability insurance | Haftpflichtversicherung |
Providers with English Support
| Provider | English Support | Online Signup |
|---|---|---|
| Allianz | Good (hotline, some documents) | Yes |
| Generali | Good | Yes |
| UNIQA | Limited | Yes |
| Wiener Städtische | Limited (in Vienna) | Yes |
Tip: Even if the website is in German, you can often get English support via phone or use a broker (Versicherungsmakler) who speaks English.
Liability Insurance: Usually Included!
Private Liability (Haftpflichtversicherung)
Most home insurance policies include private liability insurance with €1-5 million coverage. This pays if you accidentally damage someone else's property or injure someone.
Important Add-On Coverages
1. Bicycle and E-Bike Theft
| Coverage Type | What's Covered | Additional Cost | |---------------|----------------|-----------------| | Basic (inside home) | Only during burglary | Included | | Extended (locked outside) | Theft with proper lock | +€2-5/month | | Premium (24h, worldwide) | Always, even without lock | +€5-15/month |
2. Glass Breakage
| Glass Type | Usually Included? | Typical Damage | |------------|-------------------|----------------| | Window glass | Yes (premium) | €200-500 | | Glass doors | Yes (premium) | €300-800 | | Ceramic hob | Often extra | €300-600 | | Aquarium | Extra agreement | €100-500 |
3. Natural Disaster Coverage
Climate Change: Natural Disaster Coverage Matters
- • Flooding: Heavy rain, river flooding, sewage backup
- • Landslide: Hillside locations
- • Snow pressure: Alpine regions
- • Earthquake: Rare in Austria but possible
Cost: approx. +€3-8/month depending on location
How to Save on Home Insurance
1. Compare Online
Price differences of up to 50% between providers are possible.
2. Choose a Deductible
| Deductible | Savings | Recommended For | |------------|---------|-----------------| | €0 | 0% | Small budgets | | €150-200 | 10-15% | Standard | | €300-500 | 20-30% | Cost-conscious |
3. Multi-Year Contract
3-year contract = often 10-15% discount compared to 1-year.
4. Bundle Discount
Home + legal protection + car with one provider = up to 15% discount.
Compare All Home Insurance Tariffs
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Do I need home insurance as a renter?
Yes, highly recommended! Your landlord only insures the building, not your furniture and belongings. Without insurance, you'd have to cover all losses from water damage or fire yourself.
Is my e-bike covered?
In basic coverage, often only during burglary from your home. For theft outside, you need extended bicycle coverage – make sure the coverage amount is sufficient (e-bikes often worth €2,000-5,000).
What should I do when moving?
When moving, you must inform your insurance about your new address. The premium may change (different apartment size, different risk area). During the move, both apartments are briefly covered.
What does insurance pay after a burglary?
After burglary, stolen and damaged items are replaced at new value. Watch for sublimits on cash (often max. €500-1,000) and jewelry (often max. €2,000-5,000).
Can I sign up for insurance without speaking German?
Yes! Use durchblicker.at (comparison portal) and translate with browser tools, or contact an English-speaking insurance broker. Some providers like Allianz and Generali offer English customer service.
Checklist: Getting Home Insurance
✅ Before Signing Up
- ☐ Coverage amount: Calculate €700-1,000 per m²
- ☐ Liability included? At least €1 million coverage
- ☐ Bicycle/E-bike: Need theft coverage outside?
- ☐ Glass breakage: Ceramic hob, glass doors included?
- ☐ Natural disasters: Flood risk in your area?
- ☐ Valuables: Check sublimits for jewelry, cash
- ☐ Deductible: Choose appropriate amount
- ☐ Cancellation: Usually 3 months before renewal
Conclusion: Home Insurance in Austria 2026
Home insurance is one of the most important insurances for any household. For €8-25 per month, you protect all your belongings against fire, water damage, burglary, and more – including private liability.
Our Tip: Compare online and pay special attention to:
- Adequate coverage (avoid underinsurance!)
- Bicycle/e-bike protection if needed
- Natural disaster coverage if you're in a flood-risk area
Compare Home Insurance Now
Sources: VVO, FMA, durchblicker.at. Updated: February 2026.
Disclaimer and Legal Information
No Financial or Legal Advice: The information provided on this website is for general information purposes only and does not constitute financial, legal, or tax advice. It does not replace individual consultation with a professional expert.
No Warranty for Accuracy and Timeliness: Despite careful research, we cannot guarantee the completeness, accuracy, and timeliness of the information. Prices, terms, and services may change at any time. Please verify all information directly with the respective provider.
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Information as of: November 2024. All information without warranty. Changes and errors excepted.
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