To file a bike theft claim in Germany, you must first submit a police report either in person or online. The report requires details such as the frame number, bike description, and theft circumstances. You need to obtain the official police report summary (Anzeige) to process your insurance claim efficiently. Providing only the file number without the summary can significantly delay the claim process.
How do I file a police report for a stolen bike in Germany?
You can report your stolen bike in Germany by visiting your local police station in person, preferably where the theft occurred, or by using your state's Onlinewache portal or the Federal Police website to file the report online.
What information do I need to provide when reporting a bike theft?
You need to provide the following details when filing your police report:
The bike’s frame or serial number
Brand, model, and color
Date, time, and location of the theft
Type of lock and how or where the bike was secured
Photos of the bike
Proof of purchase or receipt, if available
What confirmation do I need from the police for my bike theft claim?
After submitting your report, obtain the official police report summary called the Anzeige, which confirms the details you reported. This document is necessary for your insurance claim.
Can I submit just the police report file number for my bike theft claim?
Only providing the file number without the full report summary can delay your claim. Without the summary, processing may require legal involvement and could hold your claim for 6 weeks to 6 months.
What should I do if the police only provide a case number?
If the police provide only a case number without the report summary, it will impact how quickly your claim is processed. Obtaining the summary is essential to avoid extended delays.
If you are unable to provide only the report/file number, and not a copy of the full details reported to the police, this will impact the processing time. While possible, this requires involving a lawyer and can delay your claim from 6 weeks up to 6 months. Your claim will be on hold during that time.
Below are two sample police report summaries:
