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March Rule Changes Hit German Consumers: Schufa Opens Scores, New Plates, Lower Net Pensions

Pension reductions reflect the delayed pass-through of higher statutory health-insurance surcharges to retirees’ payouts.

Overview

  • From 17 March, consumers can access the new Schufa score digitally for free after a one‑time registration and waitlist, with a simplified model based on 12 criteria ranging from 100 to 999 points.
  • Many retirees see lower net pension payments starting in March as supplemental health‑insurance contributions rise, with the pension insurer covering half of the surcharge.
  • Owners of mopeds, e‑scooters and similar vehicles must mount the 2026 black insurance plates from 1 March or risk losing liability coverage and facing penalties.
  • Germany’s new anti‑money‑laundering reporting regulation took effect on 1 March, requiring banks, financial service providers and retailers to file standardized electronic reports to the Financial Intelligence Unit.
  • Sparkasse will shut down its S‑Trust service on 31 March 2026, and customers have until then to export stored passwords and documents before data is deleted.