A Personal Accident Insurance (POV) provides financial support in the event of permanent disability or death as a result of an accident, without the question of fault playing a role. This makes it a valuable addition to your insurance package in Rijswijk.
What does a POV entail?
A Personal Accident Insurance is a type of fixed-sum insurance that provides a payout in the event of permanent injury or death due to an accident. Unlike liability insurance, it is not necessary to identify a guilty party.
Difference with damage insurance
| Feature | POV (fixed-sum insurance) | Liability claim |
|---|---|---|
| Payout | Fixed percentage of insured amount | Damage based on actual costs |
| Fault issue | No influence | Fault must be proven |
| Own fault | No reduction | Possible reduction of payout |
| Process | Often quick and simple | Complex and time-consuming |
What does a POV cover?
A POV includes various coverages with specific conditions for payout.
Basic coverages
Permanent disability
In the event of permanent disability, you receive a percentage of the insured amount, based on the Gliedertaxe or functional disability:
- Complete disability: 100% of the insured amount
- Loss of an arm: 70-75% of the insured amount
- Loss of a leg: 60-70% of the insured amount
- Loss of an eye: 30-35% of the insured amount
- Partial disability: proportionate
Death due to accident
If death occurs within a specified period (often 1-3 years) after the accident, the insured amount for death is paid out to the beneficiaries.
Additional coverages
Many insurances offer supplementary options, such as:
- Reimbursement of medical costs
- Daily allowance for hospital stay
- Dental costs after an accident
- Cosmetic procedures
When does a POV pay out?
The policy conditions determine what constitutes an 'accident' and whether coverage applies.
Definition of an accident
An accident is defined as a sudden, unexpected external event that causes medically demonstrable injury.
Possible points of dispute
| Scenario | Often covered | Often not covered |
|---|---|---|
| Traffic accident | ✓ | |
| Sports injury | ✓ (for sudden injury) | Wear and tear |
| Fall from stairs | ✓ | |
| Heart attack | ✓ (not an accident) | |
| Back complaints (hernia) | ✓ (degenerative cause) |
Determining the degree of disability
The amount of the payout is determined by the established percentage of disability.
Medical examination
An independent physician assesses the degree of permanent disability, usually after 1-2 years when the medical condition is stable.
Assessment criteria
- Gliedertaxe: fixed percentages per body part
- Functional loss: assessment of limitations in function
- AMA Guides: global standard for disability assessment
POV and personal injury claims
A POV payout is independent of a possible personal injury claim against a liable party.
Combination possible
You can receive both a POV payout and compensation from the counterparty. These are not offset against each other.
Advice on POV claims in Rijswijk
- Report the accident to your insurer as soon as possible
- Keep all medical reports and evidence in order
- Submit your claim in a timely manner due to limitation periods
- Check the established disability percentage if uncertain
- Consider a combined POV and liability claim
- For legal support, you can contact the Juridisch Loket Rijswijk
- In disputes, the District Court of The Hague (district) may play a role
Frequently asked questions about POV in Rijswijk
When will I receive a payout from my POV?
A payout is made in the event of permanent disability or death due to an accident, provided it falls under the policy conditions. It must involve a sudden, unexpected external event, such as a traffic accident or fall. Illnesses or wear and tear, such as a hernia, are usually excluded from coverage. Report the incident immediately and retain medical documentation.
How is my degree of disability determined?
An independent physician determines this, often after 1-2 years in a stable medical situation. This can be via the Gliedertaxe (fixed percentages per body part, e.g. 70% for an arm) or other methods.