# Public adjusters in Germany: how the rules work

In Germany, a Versicherungsberater (insurance adviser) can represent you against your insurer. They need an IHK permit and are paid only by you.

Updated 2026-10-01. Country: Germany. Also on the [web page](https://publicadjusters.fyi/guides/de-germany).

Germany has no "public adjuster" licence, but a Versicherungsberater (insurance adviser) can represent you out of court against your insurer, needs a permit from the local Chamber of Industry and Commerce (IHK), and may be paid only by you.

## What the job is called here

The closest role is the "Versicherungsberater" (insurance adviser). It is set out in § 34d(2) of the Trade Regulation Act (Gewerbeordnung, GewO).

## Who regulates it

The local Industrie- und Handelskammer (IHK) grants the permit. The Deutsche Industrie- und Handelskammer (DIHK) runs the Vermittlerregister, the public register.

## Is a licence required

Yes. § 34d(2) GewO says a person who gives advice on insurance as a business needs a permit from the IHK. A Versicherungsberater is a person who has no economic benefit from, or other dependence on, an insurer, and who:

1. advises the client, also on legal points, on insurance contracts or on claims under a contract after an insured event,
2. represents the client out of court against the insurer, or
3. arranges insurance contracts for the client.

## Fees

§ 34d(2) GewO says a Versicherungsberater may only be paid by the client. They must not accept payments from an insurer linked to the advice. The law text we read does not set a fee cap. Agree the fee in writing before you sign.

## How to check a licence (official register link)

Search the [DIHK Vermittlerregister](https://www.vermittlerregister.info/). It lists Versicherungsvermittler, Versicherungsberater and some other financial intermediaries who need a permit. You can search by registration number or use the advanced search.

## What to do if there is no regime

Germany has a regime for insurance advisers. If you have a dispute with your insurer, you can also contact the [Versicherungsombudsmann](https://www.versicherungsombudsmann.de/). It says it is a recognised consumer dispute resolution body. It says its out-of-court dispute resolution is independent and free of charge.

This is general information, not legal advice; confirm the current rules with your local IHK.

## Sources

- [Gewerbeordnung (GewO) § 34d, Versicherungsvermittler, Versicherungsberater (gesetze-im-internet.de)](https://www.gesetze-im-internet.de/gewo/__34d.html)
- [DIHK Vermittlerregister](https://www.vermittlerregister.info/)
- [Versicherungsombudsmann e.V.](https://www.versicherungsombudsmann.de/)

## Questions

### Who can represent me against my insurer in Germany?

Under § 34d(2) GewO, a Versicherungsberater (insurance adviser) can advise you on claims under an insurance contract and represent you out of court against the insurer.

### Does a Versicherungsberater need a licence?

Yes. § 34d(2) GewO says a person who gives insurance advice as a business needs a permit (Erlaubnis) from the local Chamber of Industry and Commerce (IHK).

### Who pays a Versicherungsberater?

You do. § 34d(2) GewO says a Versicherungsberater may only be paid by the client. They must not accept payments from an insurer linked to the advice.

### How do I check a Versicherungsberater?

Search the DIHK Vermittlerregister. It lists insurance intermediaries and insurance advisers who need a permit.