- Civilians without a German address: standard German insurers usually decline non-residents. Through CarTurf the car is registered via our German partner and insured with AXA, coupled with the registration.
- US military, or anyone covered by USAA S.A. in Europe: you can bring that insurance to a CarTurf registration.
- Either way the car gets German plates and can be driven across Europe. Customers contract with CarTurf Global FZCO (Dubai). Our German partner CarTurf UG (haftungsbeschränkt) is the registered Halter.
Car Insurance in Germany for Non-Residents and US Military
Without a German address, most insurers will not quote you. US military members and USAA S.A. customers are the exception. For everyone else, CarTurf provides AXA insurance together with the registration.
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Short answer
The USAA option: what to know
USAA has long insured US service members in Europe through USAA S.A. If you are covered by USAA S.A., you can bring that policy to a car registered through CarTurf.
Two caveats from our customers:
- Service: some customers tell us USAA can be difficult to work with.
- Vehicle type: some report that USAA only covers passenger vehicles, not motorhomes or camper vans. If you are buying a camper, confirm cover with USAA in writing before you buy, or use AXA through CarTurf.
Check your own policy terms with USAA; this page is not insurance advice.
Insurance through CarTurf: AXA
Insurance is with AXA and comes with the CarTurf registration; there is no stand-alone temporary insurance. AXA's Schutzbrief (assistance abroad) is included, and ADAC cover can be added for €149/year. Default cover is for drivers aged 23+; drivers aged 18–22 (minimum 18) pay a higher premium. A no-claims discount from a foreign insurer does not carry over; one from a previous German policy does. Premium ranges are on Pricing.
CarTurf's AXA Green Card. Default cover is 38 European countries: all 27 EU states (Cyprus: government-controlled areas only), Iceland, Norway, Switzerland, the UK, Andorra, Moldova, Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, North Macedonia and Serbia (government-controlled areas only). In Cyprus and Serbia cover applies only to areas under government control. Turkey, Morocco and Tunisia are not covered by default. They can be added on request with your exact travel dates: Turkey for €75 per month (cover only up to the Bosphorus), Morocco and Tunisia for up to 3 months with mobil komfort or mobil kompakt cover. See where you can drive with German plates.
Your insurance options at a glance
| Option | Who it is for | Coupled with CarTurf registration | Motorhomes and campers | Assistance abroad |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AXA through CarTurf | Anyone registering through CarTurf | Yes | Yes | AXA Schutzbrief included; ADAC +€149/year |
| USAA S.A. (bring your own) | US military or USAA S.A. customers in Europe | Used with it | Some customers report no | Per USAA policy |
| Standard German insurer | German residents | No | Yes | Per policy |
CarTurf insurance premium ranges are on [Pricing](/pricing). USAA terms are set by USAA; confirm them directly.
No temporary insurance
Insurance through CarTurf comes with the registration. The only exception is our 4-month transit plates for €500, which include liability insurance. See export, short-term and transit plates.
Registered and insured, without a German address
We register your car in 1–5 business days once the documents are in, with AXA insurance or your USAA S.A. policy.
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