Document folder

After a fire or flood, it is a real hassle if your ID, insurance papers and certificates are missing. A document folder keeps everything important together – within reach and protected.

What goes in it

It doesn't have to be done in one evening: start with copies of your ID and your insurance papers, and add more documents bit by bit.

Personal documents

• ID card (Personalausweis), passport, driving licence (or copies – you usually carry the originals with you)
• Birth, marriage and death certificates, family register (Familienstammbuch)
• Vaccination records, allergy card, medication plan
• School and work certificates, proof of qualifications

Finances & insurance

• Bank account contracts, card blocking number 116 116
• Insurance policies (contents, buildings, personal liability, health)
• Pension and income statements, tax assessments

Home & property

• Rental or purchase contract, land register extract (Grundbuchauszug)
• Vehicle registration certificate parts I and II (Fahrzeugschein and Fahrzeugbrief)
• Photos or videos of your household contents (for the insurance)

Legal arrangements

• Will, advance healthcare directive (Patientenverfügung), lasting power of attorney (Vorsorgevollmacht)

How to store it

• Originals you don't need every day go in a waterproof, fireproof folder or box.
• Certified copies in a second place, e.g. with relatives.
• A digital copy, encrypted, on a USB stick in your emergency bag. The data is sensitive – use a password you can remember.

Check regularly

Once a year: Are all documents up to date? Are there new contracts? Has any ID expired?