New here? Check out GermanPedia​ Did someone forward you this? Subscribe to this newsletter. Your unfair advantage in Germany

​

Save up to 500€ every two years

The easiest and quickest way to save up to 500€ every two years is to change your internet provider. However, your current internet provider is often the cheapest on comparison portals.

Unfortunately, you cannot just cancel your current contract with the internet provider and join the same provider again to save money.

So, what can you do in this situation?

Here is the solution.

You have two options.

• Option 1: Reach out to Check24* and ask about signing up for your current internet provider’s cheaper plan. Although Check24 will tell you that this offer is for new customers only, they'll still offer you cashback if you renew the same internet plan through them. The cashback amount depends on your plan, location, and other factors, but you could get up to €500 in cashback.
• Option 2: This option is for people who don't live alone. In this option, you cancel your internet contract. Then, the person living with you takes a new internet contract in their name. You can do this if you meet all three conditions. It doesn't matter if the other person living with you is your friend, spouse, partner, or adult child (18 years and above).
  • You and the other person's last names are different.
  • The email addresses provided during the sign-up of the new and old contracts are different.
  • The bank details provided for the new and the old contracts are different.

Kfz insurance is getting expensive.

Car insurance premiums will increase in 2025 for almost everyone. The reasons for the increase are

• increase in the labor costs
• increase in the automobile parts
• increased expenses of the insurance companies

So, irrespective of the change in your SF class, your car insurance cost will most probably increase in 2025.

What can you do about the price increase?

• You have the special right to terminate your car insurance contract if the provider increases the premium.
• You don't have to wait for the premium increase. You can be proactive and look for a cheaper contract now. Usually, you can cancel the car insurance contract by the end of November of a year.

How do you find the cheapest and best car insurance?

• Understand what should your car insurance cover.
• Compare car insurance plans on Verivox* and Check24*.
• Pick the one that offers all the required coverage and is cheap.

How can you reduce the cost of car insurance?

• Opt for a “Deductible”
• Switch to an annual payment plan
• Limit the number of drivers
• Estimate annual mileage defensively
• Let go of the option of picking a car workshop

Fake Tax Assessment Report (Steuerbescheid)

People who filed the 2023 tax return will start getting Steuerbescheid from the tax office (Finanzamt). This document contains a summary of the taxes you paid during the year and how much you actually owe.

If you paid less tax during the year, you must pay the difference now. The scammers are now sending people fake Steuerbescheid documents stating that they owe taxes.

So, you must check the Steuerbecheid document carefully before making the bank transfer. Check the following things on the document:

• Your tax number and tax id
• Bank details of the tax office
• Check if the tax amount stated in the letter makes sense. Is it too high or too low compared to what you expected?
• Double-check the summary in the Steuerbesheid document and ensure you don't see anything made up.

Change contracts to save money

Switching your electricity, gas, internet, car insurance, and other contracts can save you money. Companies and comparison portals offer various discounts to attract new customers. Switching your contracts can save you more than 1000€.

How do you do it?

• Simply compare plans on Check24 or Verivox.
• If you find a cheaper contract, sign up for it.
• The new company takes care of canceling your old contract.

​​​​

​

New on GermanPedia

Lending money to family or friends You usually don't sign a contract when lending money to family or friends. However, it's highly recommended that you do so. We have created a loan agreement template you can use when lending money to family or friends. Free loan agreement template