Direct Answer
Household insurance (Haushaltsversicherung) in Austria covers the movable contents of your apartment - furniture, electronics, clothing and valuables - against fire, water damage from pipes, storm, burglary and glass breakage. Unlike home/building insurance (Eigenheimversicherung) which covers the structure itself, household insurance only covers the contents inside. Private liability is included as standard in Austria. According to the Austrian Insurance Association (VVO), monthly premiums for a 70m² rental in Vienna typically range from €6 to €15.
Key Takeaways
- -Covers contents (Hausrat), not the building
- -Personal liability included as standard in Austria
- -Typical premium 70m² Vienna: €6 to €15/month
- -Special cancellation right when moving (cancel before!)
- -Annual cancellation possible after 3 years
Household insurance - also called contents insurance - protects everything inside your apartment. Furniture, electronics, clothing, kitchen equipment, art, sports gear. It applies to tenants and owners alike, because unlike home/building insurance it does not cover the walls but the contents. In Austria, it is traditionally bundled with private liability insurance, so damages you or your family cause to others are included.
What is covered?
Fire
Fire, lightning, explosion, implosion
Water Damage
Pipe burst, escaping mains water
Storm & Hail
Weather damage to contents
Burglary
Burglary, robbery, vandalism
Glass Breakage
Windows, mirrors, cooktops
Power Surge
Lightning, indirect electrical damage
Personal Liability Included
Family Coverage
Protection for all household members
Small Pets
Cats, rabbits automatically covered
Rental Damage
Damage to rented property
Workplace Liability
For minor negligence at work
Example Prices (70m² Rental Apartment, Vienna)
Price Factors
| Factor | Effect |
|---|---|
| Living Space | More m² = higher premium |
| Security Features | Alarm, security door = discount |
| Deductible | Higher deductible = lower premium |
| Location | Cities usually more expensive |
Important Tips
Estimate value correctly
Underestimation leads to underinsurance
3-year rule
Annual cancellation option after 3 years
Cancel before moving
Otherwise automatic transfer to new address
Review regularly
Check terms every 3 years
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Frequently Asked Questions About Household Insurance
What is the difference between household and home insurance?
Household insurance (Hausrat) protects your movable items - furniture, electronics, clothing, valuables. Home/building insurance (Eigenheimversicherung) covers the building itself, meaning walls, roof and permanently installed components. As a renter, you only need household insurance. Owners typically need both.
Is personal liability included in household insurance?
Yes, in Austria personal liability is included as standard in almost every household insurance policy according to the Austrian Insurance Association (VVO). It covers damages you or your family members cause to other people or their property.
How much does household insurance cost in Austria?
For a 70m² apartment in Vienna, according to VVO and durchblicker reference values, expect about €6 to €15 per month depending on coverage and deductible. Larger apartments, premium plans or high valuables sums cost more.
Are pets covered by household insurance?
Small pets like cats, rabbits or hamsters are automatically covered by the included personal liability component. Dogs require a separate dog owner liability insurance in Austria - in some federal states this is mandatory.
Can I cancel household insurance when moving?
Yes, you have a special cancellation right when moving. Important: Cancel in writing BEFORE moving, otherwise the policy is automatically transferred to the new address and may be recalculated.
What happens in case of underinsurance?
If the insured sum is lower than the actual value of your contents, the insurer only pays proportionally in case of a claim. The Chamber of Labour (AK) recommends estimating contents value realistically - a common reference is about €650 to €750 per m² of living space.
Sources and further information
More Insurance Types
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Check tariffs for your apartment - free and non-binding via durchblicker.at.
Open calculator at durchblicker.atListed premiums are reference values from VVO and durchblicker and depend on living space, features, location and individual risk factors. As of: 2026-05-27.