Dog liability insurance comparison: what really matters in 2026

What does a good dog liability insurance cost? For one dog the premiums are usually between 40 and 90 euros a year, for two dogs between 60 and 100 euros, often with a discount for the second dog. That makes dog liability insurance considerably cheaper than many people think. Dalma's dog liability insurance, for example, starts at 4.99 euros a month, around 60 euros a year, which puts it in the affordable range.

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What you pay depends on several factors:

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• Breed: many providers charge higher premiums for listed breeds and dogs classified as dangerous.
• Sum insured and benefits: more cover costs a little more, but the surcharge for a higher sum is often small.
• Excess: choosing an excess means a lower premium, but you cover part of the cost yourself in the event of a claim.
• Number of dogs: a multi-pet discount lowers the premium per dog.

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Our assessment: Do not skimp on the sum insured to save a few euros in premium. A single serious personal injury can quickly exceed a low level of cover, and you pay the rest yourself.

The market for dog liability insurance is large and can be roughly divided into four groups: traditional insurers such as Allianz, Gothaer, ARAG, LVM or HUK-COBURG, specialist pet insurers such as Agila, HanseMerkur or Barmenia, direct and budget providers such as Adam Riese or BavariaDirekt, and digital providers such as Lassie and Dalma, which handle sign-up and claims through an app.

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Comparing individual policies is of little use, because prices and terms change constantly. The range across the market and the question of where Dalma sits within it are more meaningful. The following values are a market overview as of July 2026.

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What this means: On sum insured alone, Dalma's up to 15 million euros is not at the top of the market; some premium policies from other providers go up to 50 million euros. For practically every real claim, however, 15 million euros is more than enough. In return, Dalma does without an excess, accepts all breeds with no age limit and provides cover from day 1 with no waiting period.

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Comparison portals and trade magazines regularly name test winners and best policies. Such awards are a pointer, but not a free pass, because tests weight criteria differently and the market changes constantly. In 2026 Dalma was recognised by Focus Money for high customer satisfaction. The best dog liability insurance in the end is the one that pays reliably when it matters and includes the benefits important to you without an extra charge, not the one with the best-known name.

These mistakes cost the most when it matters:

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• Looking only at the price: the cheapest policy is often the one with the lowest cover or the fewest benefits.
• Choosing too low a sum insured: the recommended minimum is 5 million euros, but for serious personal injury 10 to 15 million euros are the safe choice.
• Overlooking additional benefits: third-party carers, damage to rented property or walking off the lead are often missing from basic policies.
• Underestimating the excess: it lowers the premium but costs you in the event of a claim.
• Ignoring the waiting period: some policies do not protect you straight away. Look for cover from the first day.

For listed breeds, dogs classified as dangerous and, in North Rhine-Westphalia, also for large dogs, dog liability insurance is often required by law. Not every provider insures these dogs, and the premiums are usually higher.

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If your dog is one of them, when comparing pay particular attention to whether the policy accepts your breed and meets the legally required minimum cover. You can read which rules apply in your federal state in the guide Dog liability insurance requirement.

Switching is worth it if your policy is too expensive or important benefits are missing. As a rule you can cancel your dog liability insurance at the end of the term, usually with three months' notice. A special right of cancellation often exists after a premium increase or a claim.

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It is best to take out the new contract before the old one ends, so that no gap in cover arises. That way you are continuously covered and can present proof at any time, should a requirement apply in your federal state.

Dalma's dog liability insurance meets the important comparison criteria and goes beyond them. It covers personal injury, property and financial loss with up to 15 million euros, applies from the first day with no waiting period and accepts all breeds and sizes with no age limit.

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Also included are, among others, family members and private carers, walking off the lead, damage to rented property, consequential financial loss, unintended mating, default cover and puppies up to 18 months. For several dogs there is a multi-pet discount of 15 percent, and sign-up is completely digital.

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You can read how liability insurance differs from your dog's health insurance in the guide Dog liability and health insurance.

What should I look for when comparing dog liability insurance?

Above all the sum insured. The Verbraucherzentrale names 5 million euros as the minimum; 10 to 15 million euros make more sense. Also important are damage to rented property, third-party carers, default cover, walking off the lead and waiving an excess. Price should come only after that.

How much does a good dog liability insurance cost?

For one dog, good policies are often between 40 and 90 euros a year. For two dogs usually between 60 and 100 euros. The premium depends on breed, sum insured, excess and the number of dogs.

What sum insured should a dog liability insurance have?

The Verbraucherzentrale recommends at least 5 million euros. Because higher sums usually cost only a little more, 10 to 15 million euros are the better choice. Personal injury can become very expensive, so a high level of cover is more important than a low premium. Dalma covers up to 15 million euros.

Should I choose an excess?

Usually not. An excess does lower the premium, but it costs you part of the sum in the event of a claim. Consumer advocates generally recommend a policy without an excess.

Can I switch my dog liability insurance?

Yes. As a rule you can cancel at the end of the term, usually with three months' notice. After a premium increase or a claim there is often a special right of cancellation. Take out the new contract before the old one ends.

What is the best dog liability insurance?

The best dog liability insurance is the one that suits your dog and your situation, not automatically the one with the best-known name or a test seal. Check the important criteria: a high sum insured, 10 to 15 million euros make sense, damage to rented property, third-party carers, default cover and no excess. A low premium alone does not make a good policy; what matters is that the cover is right when a claim arises.

• Section 833 BGB, liability of the animal keeper, gesetze-im-internet.de
• Verbraucherzentrale, liability insurance for pets
• Dalma insurance terms and conditions
• Dalma table of benefits