A recent SWR broadcast has spotlighted a case in which a driver found himself facing higher costs—even though a testing center employee was at fault in an accident. This incident occurred in Mutterstadt, where the driver had simply brought his car in for a standard inspection. When an employee backed the vehicle into a parked car, the facility’s insurance covered part of the damage. However, several months later, the driver’s own insurer—HUK24—demanded reimbursement, citing the need to split costs with the other insurance policy involved.

 

The Mutterstadt Accident: A Surprising Bill

The SWR report details how the driver, identified as Klaus Pajurek, was shocked to discover that HUK24 wanted over 700 euros back. If he refused, his no-claims discount would be downgraded, leading to higher premiums. Despite not causing the accident himself, he still faced potential out-of-pocket expenses.

  • Routine Inspection Gone Wrong: The testing center staff member drove into another car, causing damage.
  • Unexpected Reimbursement Request: HUK24 later asked the customer to repay part of the claim—otherwise, his premium would increase.

The key takeaway: a simple workshop visit turned into an insurance headache for the customer, largely because of specific clauses in HUK24’s newer policy terms.


Why HUK24’s Approach Raises Concerns

According to the SWR investigation, most other large insurers in Germany do not burden their customers with costs when a workshop or inspection professional causes an accident. Older HUK24 contracts also used to protect policyholders in such situations. However, in recent years, HUK24 introduced updates that can leave customers on the hook for part of the damage.

What Changed?

  • Previous Policy Terms: Older versions did not require customers to pay anything if a workshop was at fault.
  • New Conditions: Under certain scenarios—like the one in Mutterstadt—customers risk a worse no-claims classification unless they reimburse their insurer.

How Other Insurers Typically Handle Similar Incidents

During its investigation, SWR also surveyed the terms of 15 other major auto insurers. None of them followed HUK24’s newer approach. In other words, they did not charge customers for an incident clearly caused by a third-party workshop or testing center.

This underscores that HUK24’s stance appears to be an exception in the German insurance market, according to the SWR research. While this does not automatically mean HUK24 is unsuitable for every driver, the change in policy language highlights why it is crucial to read the fine print before signing.


Tips for Drivers Seeking Better Protection

If you’re worried about policy terms that could leave you paying for accidents caused by workshop employees, consider the following:

  1. Check Your Current Policy: Even if you’ve been insured with the same company for years, contracts can evolve. Verify that you’re still protected in third-party fault scenarios.
  2. Ask Specific Questions: Before switching or renewing your policy, inquire about what happens if a mechanic or inspector causes damage to another vehicle while using your car.
  3. Compare Providers: As SWR’s investigation shows, many insurers do not pass along these costs to policyholders. Look for contracts that offer stronger protections.
  4. Seek Expert Advice: An independent broker or insurance advisor can pinpoint which policies offer better coverage for scenarios like workshop-related accidents.

Conclusion: Staying Alert to Policy Details

The SWR case from Mutterstadt highlights a simple truth: not all car insurance contracts treat workshop-caused damage the same way. HUK24—Germany’s largest direct insurer—has revised its terms so that some customers face unexpected bills or premium increases. While this may suit certain drivers, it’s a stark reminder to carefully review any car insurance contract to ensure you’re not caught off guard.

Key Takeaway: If you value peace of mind and want to avoid hidden pitfalls, read your policy terms thoroughly or seek professional advice. Even a routine visit to the inspection station can become a costly affair if your insurer’s conditions place part of the financial burden on you.