Headphones while driving - forbidden or allowed?

Kopfhörer beim Autofahren

Headphones, AirPods and the like have long been part of everyday life for many - even behind the wheel. Whether for navigation, phone calls or noise cancellation: the small devices are practical, but can quickly become a danger on the road. Wearing headphones while driving is generally permitted - as long as you are not distracted from the traffic. Who [...]

Accident without a driving licence - fines and consequences

Unfall ohne Führerschein

An accident without a driving licence has serious consequences - even if you are not primarily to blame for the incident. While simply forgetting your driving licence is only punishable by a small fine, driving without a valid licence is considered a criminal offence. If this results in an accident, you may not only face heavy fines or imprisonment, but also considerable [...]

Winter tyres in summer - What are the penalties in the event of an accident?

Winterreifen im Sommer

Driving with winter tyres in summer is not prohibited, but can be expensive in an emergency. If there is an accident, there is a risk of trouble if you have the wrong tyres, especially if you are (partly) responsible: Your comprehensive insurance can reduce or completely refuse benefits - possibly with reference to gross negligence. In this article, we show why [...]

Taking the right of way and causing an accident - question of fault & consequences

Vorfahrt genommen und Unfall verursacht

If you give way to another road user and cause an accident as a result, you are usually at least mainly at fault - but you are not always solely responsible. Depending on the situation, traffic signs or driving style of the other party (e.g. excessive speed), the person authorised to give way may also be partially at fault or jointly liable. In this article you will learn which [...]

Drinking and driving? - What you need to know in the event of an accident

Unfall mit Alkohol

Anyone who causes an accident under the influence of alcohol can expect severe consequences: In addition to high fines, there is also the threat of points, driving licence disqualification, insurance recourse claims and even imprisonment. From 0.3 per mille, a fine can be imposed - from 1.1 per mille, you are considered to be completely unfit to drive - and your driving licence is usually taken away. In this guide you will learn [...]

Accident with company car - who has to pay?

Unfall mit Firmenwagen

If an accident occurs with the company car during a business trip, in most cases the employer or their insurance will pay - provided the accident was not caused by gross negligence or intent. Depending on the degree of fault, however, the employee may be held liable proportionately or even in full. We explain when which party pays, what role the [...]

Accident during test drive - who pays?

Unfall bei Probefahrt

Whether at a dealership or a private sale: a test drive is often the decisive last step before buying a car - and at the same time harbours an increased risk of accidents. The unfamiliar car, inexperienced handling and the new driving situation can quickly lead to a mishap. If an accident occurs, the vehicle owner's car insurance is usually liable - it [...]

Are you allowed to drive barefoot or with flip-flops & Co. drive a car?

Auto fahren Flip-Flops

Driving barefoot, in flip-flops or high heels is surprisingly not illegal - at least not for private individuals. Nevertheless, it can have serious consequences in the event of an accident: If you lose control because of unsuitable footwear, you risk being partially at fault and getting into trouble with the insurance company. In this article, we show you what the risks are, what the law says and why [...]

Accident with a leased vehicle - what you need to bear in mind

Ein Mann steht unzufrieden vor einem Leasingfahrzeug, das Dellen und Kratzer hat.

What do I need to consider after an accident involving a leased vehicle? An accident involving a leased vehicle is tricky because you are generally liable as the lessee - regardless of whether you are at fault or not. Depending on the type of accident (at fault, not at fault or partially at fault), different regulations apply that affect you and the lessor. The choice of garage is particularly important: it [...]

Accident without police - Do I always have to call the police?

Ein freundlicher Polizist, der einen Zeugen eines Autounfalls in einer deutschen Innenstadt befragt

Do I have to call the police after a road accident? You must call the police if the accident has caused personal injury (e.g. injuries) or major damage to property. You are not obliged to call the police in the event of minor damage, for example small scratches on the car. However, it could still be a good idea. We explain in [...]