Difference Between Passenger Accidents and Passenger Injuries
Passenger insurance is a type of supplemental auto insurance that pays out to the driver and passengers following an accident. To ensure you and your passengers are properly protected, there are two important types of supplemental auto insurance: Accident Passenger Insurance and Property Damage Passenger Insurance. Both types of insurance provide assistance after an accident, but they each offer a different kind of coverage and work differently.
Calculate Your PremiumPassenger Accident Insurance (OIV)
Passenger accident insurance pays out a predetermined amount if you or your fellow passengers die or become permanently disabled as a result of an accident involving the insured vehicle. The advantage of this insurance is that the payout is independent of who is at fault for the accident or what the actual damage is. The amount of the payout depends on the predetermined insured amount.
The insurance provides coverage while driving. It also covers situations such as getting in and out of the car or performing emergency repairs while on the road. Property damage, such as damage to clothing or luggage, is not covered by this insurance.
Passenger Injury Insurance (SVI)
Passenger Liability Insurance offers broader coverage. This insurance covers all actual property damage, personal injury, and consequential damages sustained by all passengers. For example, it covers loss of income, medical expenses, household help, compensation for pain and suffering, and even funeral expenses.
This applies regardless of who is at fault for the accident. This is especially useful if you don’t know who the other party is or if it’s not clear who is at fault. Usually, the maximum amount paid out is approximately 1 million euros per incident for everyone combined.
Passenger Injury Insurance Gives You Peace of Mind
This insurance provides peace of mind if the driver is at fault for the accident. Passengers can then seek compensation through the driver’s liability insurance, but that can take a long time if it’s not clear who is at fault.
With property and casualty insurance, that’s not necessary, and both passengers and the driver receive compensation quickly without complicated procedures.
Difference Between Accident Insurance for Passengers and Property Damage Insurance for Passengers
The main difference between the options lies in the payout method and coverage.
- Passenger accident insurance is a type of insurance under which you receive a fixed amount if you die or become permanently disabled as a result of an accident. This amount is agreed upon in advance and does not depend on the actual damages you have incurred. It is therefore not compensation for all costs incurred after the accident.
- Passenger injury insurance is a true indemnity insurance policy. This means that the insurance covers all actual losses, such as medical expenses, loss of income, and damage to personal property. Claims are handled in the same way as with liability insurance, but with this type of insurance, it does not matter who is at fault for the accident. Therefore, even the driver who caused the accident receives compensation for his or her losses.
Overview of Differences
| Passenger Accident Insurance | Passenger Injury Insurance |
|---|---|
| Pays out the agreed-upon amount as a one-time benefit in the event of death or permanent disability (total or partial) | Covers all actual property damage and personal injury sustained in the accident, provided that such damage is not covered by another insurance policy (on a supplementary basis) and up to the insured amount |
| An insured amount agreed upon and determined in advance (in the case of partial and permanent disability, not the full insured amount but a percentage thereof, following an assessment by an occupational health expert and in accordance with the disability rating scale) | All actual damages (alternatively) sustained by the passengers, up to a maximum of 1 million euros |
| Psychological injuries are not covered | In most cases, compensation for pain and suffering or emotional distress is covered under the policy |
| The benefit is independent of the party (our insurer) that may be held liable for the collision. The party responsible for the damage (or that party’s insurer) may be held liable, and that insurer may not deduct the OI benefit from the compensation it pays. | Actual damages will be paid, and the insurer may seek reimbursement for the damages paid from the liable party (or the liable party’s insurer) |
| No correlation between the amount paid and the actual damages suffered | Compensated damages are the damages actually incurred and proven |
Premium Amount for Supplemental Coverage
The premium for Passenger Property Damage Insurance is higher than that for Passenger Accident Insurance because it offers more comprehensive coverage and compensates for actual damages. The exact cost may vary depending on the insurer, the coverage, and your personal situation.
Costs of Accident Insurance for Passengers
The cost of an OIV is usually relatively low, since it involves a fixed benefit. The premium depends mainly on the chosen coverage amount and can range from approximately €2 to €6 per month, depending on the insurer and the coverage selected.
Costs of Passenger Liability Insurance
The SVI offers more comprehensive coverage and reimburses all actual damages incurred, which results in a slightly higher premium. The monthly premium for an SVI is typically between approximately €4 and €10, depending on the insurer and the exact terms of the coverage.
Which insurance policy should you choose?
The type of insurance you choose depends on your individual situation and exactly what you want to insure. In most cases, Passenger Injury Insurance offers more protection. Both types of insurance are supplemental to your standard auto insurance and provide additional financial security. This way, you’re better protected against unexpected costs following an accident.
Examples of potential damages in the event of an accident
The financial consequences following an accident can vary from one accident to another. If you don't have passenger liability insurance or accident insurance, you'll have to pay these costs yourself.
Medical expenses
- Ambulance transport: €600 – €900
- Emergency hospital admission (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 the severity.
Loss of income
- In the event of temporary disability: an average of 70–100% of monthly income per month.
- In the event of permanent disability: costs can run into hundreds of thousands of euros.
Housekeeping and Home Care
- Household help: an average of €20–€35 per hour.
- Long-term home care: it can quickly add up to thousands of euros a month.
Property damage
- Replacement of damaged clothing or personal belongings: on average, €200–€1,000.
- Repair of electronic devices (cell phone, laptop): €250 – €1,500.
Funeral Expenses (in the Event of Death)
- Average funeral costs: between €7,500 and €10,000.
Frequently Asked Questions About Passenger Insurance
Can I purchase both accident and passenger liability insurance?
Yes, you can purchase both types of insurance, but this is usually unnecessary. Most people choose one or the other. Passenger accident insurance (SVI) is often a better option because it provides more coverage. Purchasing both types of insurance usually costs an unnecessary amount of money.
Aren't medical expenses already covered by my health insurance?
Your health insurance usually covers your medical expenses, but sometimes it doesn’t cover everything. Other important costs, such as loss of income, help with household chores, and damage to personal property, are not covered by your health insurance. Passenger insurance, therefore, provides you with additional protection against these financial risks.
Is passenger liability insurance also useful if I'm the only one driving?
Yes, even if you usually drive alone, passenger liability insurance is a good idea. This insurance also covers your own damages after an accident, even if you’re at fault. This is important for self-employed people, for example, because it can compensate for lost income if you’re unable to work.
Why should I choose passenger liability insurance instead of passenger accident insurance?
Passenger injury insurance provides more coverage because it compensates for actual losses, such as loss of income, medical expenses, and help with household chores. With accident insurance, you only receive a fixed amount if you die or become disabled, but with injury insurance, you receive exactly the amount you need to cover your actual expenses. This way, you’re better protected against the various financial consequences of an accident.
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