Your vehicle has no type key number – or only the catch-all code TSN 000? You try Check24, Verivox or another comparison portal and receive an error message or simply no result? That is not a system glitch – it is a structural flaw in the German insurance market. Online comparison calculators depend entirely on HSN/TSN codes. Vehicles without a unique key number – grey imports, individually approved vehicles, Chinese small-series cars or JDM imports from Japan – fall systematically through the cracks.

As specialist brokers operating nationwide across Germany, we solve exactly this problem every day. We work directly with the underwriters at the right insurers, assess your vehicle manually and deliver a tailored quote within 24 hours – no TSN required.

What are HSN and TSN – and why are they so often missing?

HSN stands for Herstellerschlüsselnummer (manufacturer key number) and TSN for Typschlüsselnummer (type key number). Both codes are assigned by the Federal Motor Transport Authority (Kraftfahrt-Bundesamt / KBA) in Flensburg and appear in the vehicle registration certificate Part I (Zulassungsbescheinigung Teil I) in fields 2.1 and 2.2.

The problem: A HSN/TSN is only issued to vehicles that hold a formal EU type approval (Certificate of Conformity / CoC). Many vehicles – particularly imports from outside the EU – receive an individual approval under §21 StVZO (assessed by an officially recognised technical expert) or enter Germany under a small-series approval. In these cases, the registration document typically shows:

• HSN 0000 / TSN 000 – the catch-all code for vehicles that cannot be uniquely classified
• HSN 0901 / TSN 000 – commonly used for vehicles imported via Indimo Automotive GmbH
• No code at all – for vehicles approved individually under §21 StVZO

Note: Not a single online comparison portal in Germany can process TSN 000 or an empty type key field. The result: no quote, no eVB (temporary cover note), no registration – a deadlock that we break for you.

Which vehicles are affected?

The number of vehicles in Germany without their own HSN/TSN is larger than most people realise – and growing year on year, driven by the boom in Chinese import models and increasing interest in JDM classics.

Chinese import vehicles without their own TSN

Many Chinese brands distributed via Indimo Automotive GmbH receive the combined key HSN 0901 / TSN 000. These include, among others:

• BAIC – Beijing X35, X55, X75, BJ40, BJ60
• DFSK (Dongfeng Sokon) – Fengon 500/580/600, Glory 580, Mini Trucks K01S/K02S
• DFM / Forthing – Forthing 3, 5, 7, 9 HEV, Rich 6 Pick Up
• SWM (Shineray) – G01, G03, G05
• Seres – Seres 3 and 5 (electric SUVs)
• JAC – T8 Pro pickup
• BAW 212 – the legendary off-roader known as the ‘Chinese G-Class’
• XEV YOYO – compact electric city car

US trucks and grey imports from America

• Ford F-150 (privately imported – no pickup entry in the German hsn-tsn.de database)
• Dodge RAM 2500 / 3500 (older model years and private imports)
• Chevrolet Silverado, GMC Sierra and GMC Yukon
• Jeep Gladiator (withdrawn from EU market, now only available as grey import)
• US-spec models: Shelby GT500, Wrangler 392 V8, Wrangler Xtreme Recon

Other vehicles with individual approval or without a KBA number

• UAZ Hunter, Buchanka, Patriot (HSN 9309, but zero TSN)
• Caterham Seven (despite EU CoC, often without HSN/TSN in the registration document)
• Mahindra and Tata (no HSN/TSN in the KBA system at all)
• Mitsuoka (Japanese retro manufacturer, no HSN registered with KBA)
• All vehicles with a §21 StVZO individual approval without EU type approval
• Tesla Cybertruck (no EU type approval possible, individual import only)

✓ No matter what vehicle you drive: if you have no matching TSN or online portals fail you – we find the solution.

How does insurance without HSN/TSN work?

The process differs fundamentally from a standard motor insurance application. Instead of an automated database lookup via HSN/TSN, the insurer conducts a manual risk assessment. We guide you through every step:

1. Submit your request: Fill in our online form. We need the make, model, a copy of your registration document (fields 2.1 and 2.2), year of manufacture, power output (kW), engine displacement and your driver details.
2. Manual risk assessment: We forward your documents to the right insurers – those that can classify import vehicles without a TSN manually. We draw on comparable vehicles, technical datasheets and our experience handling hundreds of similar cases.
3. Individual type class assessment: Many insurers base their assessment on a comparable vehicle with a known type class. We ensure this comparison works in your favour.
4. Quote and eVB: Within 24 hours, you receive your personalised quote by email. Once you take out the policy, we issue your eVB (temporary cover note) – even without a TSN.
5. Registration and policy: With the eVB you can register your vehicle. We also support you afterwards with any questions about your policy or in the event of a claim.

Important for individual approvals: If your vehicle is not yet registered and requires a §21 individual inspection, engage a certified expert (DEKRA, TÜV, GTÜ) first. We can arrange a preliminary insurance confirmation at this stage already.

Why comparison portals fail – and we don’t

Online comparison portals and similar platforms are technically dependent on HSN/TSN codes. Their entire pricing model is based on automated retrieval of type classifications from the GDV database. Without a valid key number, there is no query – and therefore no result.

We operate differently: as an independent insurance broker, we have direct access to underwriters and specialist tariffs that are invisible in the mass market. We know which insurers can manually classify import vehicles without a TSN, and we have the experience from advising many owners of grey imports, individually approved vehicles and small-series cars.

Tip: We negotiate on your behalf. Particularly for vehicles with an unclear type class, the broker makes the decisive difference between an overpriced standard quote and a market-appropriate specialist rate.

Frequently Asked Questions – Car Insurance Without HSN/TSN

Can I register a vehicle in Germany without a type key number?

Yes. Registration is possible without your own HSN/TSN – either via an individual approval under §21 StVZO or through a small-series approval. For registration, however, you will need an eVB (temporary cover note). We issue this to you after the policy is concluded.

How much does insurance cost for a vehicle without a TSN?

This depends heavily on the vehicle type, your driver profile and the level of cover chosen. Since online portals cannot provide benchmark values, there is no general answer. In our experience, premiums for import vehicles without a TSN are often surprisingly competitive – provided you have the right insurer and the right broker.

What documents do I need for a quote?

Typically: the importer’s vehicle data sheet, your driving licence category and previous insurance details (no-claims class / Schadenfreiheitsklasse). We clarify what is specifically needed on a case-by-case basis.

Am I covered abroad as well?

Yes, if you include overseas damage protection and/or a breakdown assistance package. We ensure your cover remains watertight outside Germany as well.