Accidental occupant insurance: what exactly does it entail? (2024)

Explanation of Occupant Accident Insurance (OI)

Suppose you are involved in an accident as the driver of a car.
The occupants of the car become permanently disabled. Or even die.

Coverage:

The accident insurance for passengers pays a fixed amount (mentioned in the policy) to the passenger(s) or next of kin after an accident:

• In the event of death, the (fixed and pre-agreed) amount included in the policy is paid out in full.
• If the passenger becomes totally disabled, the amount of the policy will be paid in full.
• In case of partial disablement, the insurer pays a percentage (determined by an expert and on the basis of the Gliedertaxe)
• In and around the vehicle: The insurance coverage applies when the occupants are in the car, as well as while getting in and out, and for example while performing emergency repairs on the road. The policy terms will tell you exactly what is covered.
• The driver is also insured!
• The insurer does not look at how much damage a person has suffered, so there is no connection between the amount paid and the damage actually suffered.
• In the case of passenger accident insurance, the number of seats specified is important.
• It does not matter whether the driver is liable for the accident.

No coverage:

• If the driver does not have a valid driving licence;
• If the driver was under the influence of (too much) alcohol or drugs;
• If participating in a race or other speed event;
• If a private car was used as a taxi;
• For psychological injury

If there are more passengers in the vehicle than are insured, the underinsurance rule is applied: Insured number of seats divided by the number of occupants times the sum insured.

What is the Gliedertaxe

The Gliedertaxe is an overview that is included in the policy of a passenger accident insurance. This overview contains a list of senses and body parts. Behind each enumeration, a percentage is mentioned by a doctor or specialist. This percentage indicates to what extent the person is (with regard to that specific part) permanently disabled.

What is the Difference between accident passenger insurance and passenger indemnity insurance?

In addition to passenger accident insurance, you can also take out passenger indemnity insurance. These two insurances may look similar, but they are very different and can be taken out in addition to each other.

Accident passenger insurance is a sum insurance. Sum insurance means that the payment is based on predetermined amounts. If a car occupant becomes permanently disabled or dies as a result of an accident, compensation is paid. This is a predetermined amount, the insurance does not compensate the full damage.

The passenger indemnity insurance is a damage insurance. With this insurance, the actual damage suffered is reimbursed, not just a fixed amount. As with the accident passenger insurance, the insurer pays out regardless of who is to blame for the accident. Click here to see the differences between the accidental occupant insurance and the accidental occupant insurance.