Status: 27/09/2023, 14:49 p.m.
By: Sebastian Oppenheimer
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The type class is one of the factors that determines the amount of the premium for car insurance. Now the classifications for 2024 have been determined.
A car costs a lot of money. In addition to the purchase price, there are, for example, costs for fuel, maintenance and repair. Every few years, for example, a new set of tires is due. And in addition to the vehicle tax, there is also the insurance. Liability insurance is mandatory for every car – whether you also insure your car with partial or fully comprehensive insurance depends, among other things, on the age and value of the vehicle. The amount of the insurance premium is influenced by various factors, such as the classification in the regional class. But the type class also plays a role: this is now changing for around 13 million motorists.
Type classes for car insurance: this is how the classification works
The classification of regional classes is based primarily on where accidents occur most frequently – this is usually more common in cities than in rural areas. Accordingly, rural regions are generally rated better than large cities – Berlin has had the worst damage balance for years. The type classes, on the other hand, are about specific car models. The principle is relatively simple: If a model causes little damage and low damage costs, then it receives a low type class. If a particular vehicle causes a lot of damage and high insurance benefits, it is grouped into a high type class.
Starting next year, millions of motorists will again be classified into new type classes by the insurance company. (Symbolic image) © Shotshop/Imago
For 7.4 million motorists, insurance premiums could rise
Now the German Insurance Association (GDV) has published the new type class statistics. For around 7.4 million motorists, it could be more expensive in the coming year: They will be classified higher in the motor vehicle liability insurance in the future. On the other hand, around 5.4 million motorists will be able to benefit from the changes: they will be classified lower in the future. For the majority of motorists (29.4 million or 70 percent), the model class of the previous year remains. Incidentally, the GDV's type class directory is not binding for insurers – but most of them are guided by it.
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Type class classification: Usually only minor changes – but there are exceptions
In most cases, the type classes change by one level up or down. But there are also exceptions: The Ford Focus 1.0/ 74 kW (type DEH, since 2018) and the Audi Q5 50 TDI Quattro (type FY, since 2017), for example, each deteriorate by three type classes. On the other hand, 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.
Among the type classes, the following models, for example, are generally classified particularly favorably:
| Model | Liability class / partially comprehensive class / fully comprehensive class |
|---|---|
| Hyundai i10 1.1 | 15 / 12 / 10 |
| Kia Picanto 1.0 | 15 / 15 / 12 |
| Opel Corsa-D 1.4 | 15 / 13 / 12 |
| Skoda Fabia | 14 / 15 / 11 |
| Smart Fortwo Coupe ED | 12 / 13 / 11 |
The following models, among others, are highly rated in the type classes:
| Model | Liability class / partially comprehensive class / fully comprehensive class |
|---|---|
| Audi RS6 Avant 4.0 | 19 / 30 / 30 |
| BMW X6 M50D | 24 / 32 / 32 |
| Jeep Grand Cherokee Trackhawk | 22 / 32 / 30 |
| Lexus RX450H Hybrid AWD | 21 / 33 / 32 |
| Mercedes-Benz GT 4-door 43 | 21 / 31 / 30 |
Cost of car insurance: Many components play a role
If you want to know how your car is classified in the type class, you can find out on the GDV portal. However, the regional and type classes are only two of the components that make up the amount of insurance premiums. The kilometers driven annually and the owner himself also play an important role. Increasing no-claims discounts, for example, can also reduce the insurance costs for individual motorists in the coming year, despite a higher regional or type class.
