Changes to vehicle insurance from 2025: Impact on farmers and logistics companies

Changes to vehicle insurance from 2025: Impact on farmers and logistics companies

According to a report by www.echo24.de,

From January 1, 2025, a new regulation on motor vehicle insurance will come into force, which primarily affects certain types of vehicles such as forklifts, excavators and bulldozers. Previously, these vehicles could be used on public roads without special insurance if their design-related maximum speed was six to 20 km/h. However, from the date mentioned, they must be additionally insured if they are used on public roads. This change will particularly affect farmers, logistics companies, manufacturing companies and private individuals. The EU directive requires sufficient coverage with an insured sum of at least 7.5 million euros if these vehicles drive on public roads.

However, a Bundestag resolution made it clear that coverage does not necessarily have to be provided through motor vehicle liability insurance, but will also be possible through private or business liability insurance - provided this has the statutory minimum coverage of 7.5 million euros. If no corresponding amount is noted in the insurance policy, the insurance for the affected vehicles must be adjusted, which often costs farmers dearly.

This change to vehicle insurance is expected to have an impact on affected farmers and businesses. Additional insurance costs and adjustments to existing policies could lead to financial burdens. In addition, farmers' protests against the federal government's plans and the abolition of the agricultural diesel subsidy could increase. It remains to be seen how this new regulation will affect the market and the consumers affected.