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AUTOMOBILE INSURANCE
Car insurance in Germany is expensive. Variables such as age
of the car, engine size, make, model and weight of the car can influence
the insurance rates. Proof of insurance is required before your
vehicle can be registered. Shop around when purchasing car
insurance and make sure you understand coverage.
Some insurance companies have local offices that cater specifically to
military servicemembers and DOD civilians. USAA, a popular
insurance carrier among servicemembers, has several German offices.
Whichever carrier you choose, if they have a local office the auto
insurance claims process becomes infinitely easier. When you are
in an accident, you will have a local agent who can speak German with
the police, German insurance agency (if German cars are involved), and
auto or body parts shop. This is an important consideration when
choosing your insurance carrier.
POV VEHICLE REGISTRATION
In order to obtain USAREUR license plates from Vehicle Registration,
you need to provide the following documents:
a) Shipping document (DD Form 788).
b) Double White Insurance Card (DWIC) - Ask your insurance
carrier if they have sent this to you with your insurance papers.
If your insurance carrier is USAA, you can call their toll free German
number and they will enter your information into a computer database and
Vehicle Registration can then look it up in that database. Make
sure the following is correct on the DWIC: the chassis number, and the
effective date is the date you want to pick up your USAREUR license
plates (The DWIC can be up to 60 days old). Any deficiencies that
are on the DWIC cannot be corrected by the vehicle registration clerk.
The only authorized person who can make these changes is your insurance
agent.
c) Vehicle registration application form AE FP 190-1AA - You may
obtain this form at the Vehicle Registration Office.
d) Valid ID Card.
e) Valid USAREUR Driver's License.
f) Emergency Kit - It is German law that you must have an emergency
kit and reflective warning triangle in your vehicle at all times.
Both of these items can be purchased from your local Auto Crafts store.
g) Stateside registration and/or title
h) $20 check or money order
NOTE: An additional requirement for
registration is to complete a German
VEHICLE INSPECTION (Unless the vehicle is less than 2 years
old).
DAMAGED
SHIPMENT?
SEE OUR GUIDE TO
CLAIMS FOR LOSS/DAMAGE TO HOUSEHOLD GOODS/BAGGAGE
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