Difference accident occupant and damage occupant
Occupant insurance is an additional car insurance policy that pays out money to the driver and passengers after an accident. To properly protect yourself and fellow passengers, there are 2 main additional car insurance policies: accident-occupant insurance and passenger indemnity insurance. Both policies help after an accident, but each provides a different type of coverage and works differently.
Calculate your premiumAccidental Occupant Insurance (OIV).
Accidental occupant insurance pays a predetermined amount if you or your fellow passengers are killed or permanently disabled in an accident involving the insured vehicle. The advantage of this insurance is that the amount paid out is independent of who is at fault for the accident or what the actual damage is. The amount of the benefit depends on the predetermined insured amount.
The insurance provides coverage while driving. But also in situations such as getting in and out of the car or performing emergency repairs on the road. Material damage such as damage to clothing or luggage is not covered by this insurance.
Indemnity insurance for occupants (SVI).
The Indemnity Insurance for Occupants offers broader coverage. With this insurance, all actual property damage, personal injury and consequential damages suffered by all occupants are compensated. For example, loss of income, medical expenses, domestic help, compensation for pain and grief and even funeral expenses.
This applies regardless of who is at fault for the accident. This is especially helpful if you do not know who the other party is or if it is not clear who is at fault. Usually the maximum amount paid out is about 1 million euros per occurrence for everyone combined.
Indemnity insurance gives peace of mind
This insurance gives peace of mind if the driver himself is at fault for the accident. Passengers can then recover damages from the driver's third-party insurance, but this can take a long time if it is not clear who is at fault.
With indemnity insurance, you don't have to, and both passengers and drivers receive compensation quickly without complicated procedures.
Difference between accident passenger insurance and casualty passenger insurance
The main difference between the variants is in the method of payout and coverage.
- Accidental occupant insurance is insurance where you receive a fixed amount if you die or become permanently disabled due to an accident. This amount is prearranged and does not depend on the actual damage you have. So it is not compensation for all costs after the accident.
- Passenger insurance is true no-fault insurance. This means that the insurance pays for all actual damages, such as medical expenses, loss of income and damage to property. The claim is handled in the same way as liability insurance, but with this insurance it does not matter who is at fault for the accident. So the driver who causes the accident also receives compensation for their damages.
Overview differences
| Accidental occupant insurance | Indemnity insurance for occupants |
|---|---|
| Pays a lump sum of the agreed amount in the event of death and permanent disability (total or partial) | Pays for all actual property damage and personal injury sustained in the accident, provided such damage is not compensated on another insurance policy (in the alternative) and up to the insured amount |
| Sum insured discussed and determined in advance (in case of partial and permanent disability not the full sum insured but a percentage thereof after examination by occupational expert and in accordance with the Gliedertaxe) | All actual damages (in the alternative) suffered by the occupants up to a maximum of 1 million euros |
| Psychological injury is not covered | Usually, grief/psychic injury is included in the insurance policy |
| Payment is independent of who(s insurer) may be liable for the collision. One can hold the (insurer of the) tortfeasor liable, and that insurer may not deduct the OI benefit in compensation. | Actual damages are paid and insurer can recover the damages paid from the (insurer of the) liable party |
| No relationship between amount paid and actual damages suffered | Distributed damages are those actually suffered and proven damages |
Level of premium additional coverages
The premium for Injury Passenger Insurance is higher than for Accident Passenger Insurance because of the more comprehensive coverage and reimbursement for actual damages. The exact cost may vary by insurer, coverage and personal situation.
Cost of Accidental Occupant Insurance
The cost of an OIV is usually relatively low because it is a fixed benefit. The premium depends mainly on the sum insured chosen and can vary between about €2 and €6 per month, depending on insurer and coverage chosen.
Cost of indemnity insurance for occupants
The SVI offers more comprehensive coverage and reimburses all actual damages incurred, resulting in a slightly higher premium. The monthly premium for an SVI is usually between about €4 and €10, depending on the insurer and the exact terms of the coverage.
Which insurance do you choose?
Which insurance you choose depends on your own situation and what exactly you want to insure. Usually, Property Damage Insurance for Occupants provides more protection. Both insurances are additional to your regular car insurance and provide extra financial security. So you are better protected against unexpected costs after an accident.
Examples of possible damage amounts in an accident
The financial consequences after an accident can vary from one accident to another. Are you not insured with passenger indemnity or accident insurance? Then you have to pay these costs yourself.
Medical expenses
- Ambulance transport: €600 - €900
- Emergency hospitalization (1 day): €500 - €1,000
- Long-term hospitalization: thousands of euros per week.
Personal injury and disability
- Average compensation for permanent disability: €50,000 - €200,000+ depending on severity.
Loss of income
- For temporary disability: average 70-100% of monthly income per month.
- For permanent disability: can amount to hundreds of thousands of dollars.
Domestic help and home care
- Household help: average €20 - €35 per hour.
- Long-term home care: easily thousands of dollars a month.
Material damage
- Replacement damaged clothing or personal items: average €200 - €1,000.
- Repair of electronic equipment (phone, laptop): €250 - €1,500.
Funeral expenses (in the event of death)
- Funeral costs average: between €7,500 and €10,000.
Frequently asked questions about occupant insurance.
Can I purchase both accident and passenger indemnity insurance?
Yes, you can buy both policies, but this is usually not necessary. Most people choose one of the two. Occupant damage insurance (SVI) is often better because it covers more. Taking out both insurances usually costs unnecessary money.
Aren't medical expenses already covered by my health insurance?
Your health insurance usually pays your medical expenses, but sometimes not everything. Other important costs, such as loss of income, household help and damage to belongings, are not covered by your health insurance. So with passenger insurance, you are extra protected against these financial risks.
Is passenger accident insurance also useful if I am driving alone?
Yes, even if you usually drive alone, passenger indemnity insurance is useful. This insurance also pays your own damages after an accident, even if it's your fault. This is important for the self-employed, for example, because it can compensate for lost income if you can no longer work.
Why should I choose passenger indemnity insurance instead of accidental occupant insurance?
Passenger indemnity insurance provides more coverage because it pays for real damages, such as lost income, medical expenses and household help. With accident insurance, you only get a fixed amount if you die or become disabled, but with non-life insurance, you get exactly the amount you need for your actual expenses. Thus, you are better protected against various financial consequences of an accident.
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