A Personal Accident Insurance (POV) provides financial support for permanent disability or death following an accident, without the question of fault playing a role. This makes it a valuable addition to your insurance package in Utrecht.
What does a POV entail?
A Personal Accident Insurance is a type of fixed-sum insurance that pays out for permanent injury or death due to an accident. Unlike a liability insurance, it is not necessary to identify a liable party.
Differences with damage insurance
| Feature | POV (fixed-sum insurance) | Liability claim |
|---|---|---|
| Payout | Fixed percentage of insured sum | Damage based on actual costs |
| Fault question | No influence | Fault must be proven |
| Own fault | No impact on payout | May reduce payout |
| Claim process | Often quick and simple | Complex and time-consuming |
What coverages does a POV offer?
A POV includes various coverages, each with specific conditions for payout.
Key coverages
Permanent disability
In case of permanent injury, you receive a percentage of the insured sum, based on the Gliedertaxe or functional loss:
- Full disability: 100% of the insured sum
- Loss of an arm: 70-75% of the sum
- Loss of a leg: 60-70% of the sum
- Loss of an eye: 30-35% of the sum
- Partial disability: pro rata percentage
Death following accident
If death occurs within a specified period (often 1-3 years) after the accident, the insured sum is paid out to the beneficiaries.
Additional coverages
Many insurers offer supplementary options within the POV:
- Reimbursement of medical treatment costs
- Daily allowance for hospital stay
- Reimbursement for dental care following an accident
- Costs for cosmetic procedures
When does POV coverage apply?
The policy conditions determine what is considered an 'accident' and when a payout occurs.
Definition of an accident
An accident is generally described as an unexpected, sudden external event that causes medically demonstrable injury.
Potential disputes
| Scenario | Often covered | Often not covered |
|---|---|---|
| Traffic accident | ✓ | |
| Sports injury | ✓ (in case of sudden event) | Chronic wear and tear |
| Fall from stairs | ✓ | |
| Heart attack | ✓ (not an accident) | |
| Back complaints (hernia) | ✓ (often degenerative) |
How is disability determined?
The payout is determined based on the percentage of permanent disability.
Medical assessment
An independent physician assesses the degree of disability, usually after stabilization of the medical condition (often 1-2 years after the accident).
Assessment criteria
- Gliedertaxe: fixed percentages per lost body part
- Functional loss: based on impact on function
- AMA guidelines: global standard for disability determination
POV and personal injury claims in Utrecht
A payout via the POV is independent of any potential damage claim against a liable party.
Combination of claims
In Utrecht, you can receive both a POV payout and compensation from a liable party. These are not offset against each other.
Advice on submitting a POV claim
- Report the accident to your insurer as soon as possible
- Keep all relevant medical records
- Pay attention to the limitation period for submitting a claim
- Check the established disability percentage if unclear
- Consider a combined claim (POV and liability)
Legal support in Utrecht
For legal advice on your POV or personal injury claim, you can contact:
- District Court Midden-Nederland: Vrouwe Justitiaplein 1, Utrecht
- Juridisch Loket Utrecht: Catharijnesingel 55, Utrecht
Frequently asked questions about POV in Utrecht
When do I receive a payout from my POV?
You receive a payout for 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 are usually excluded from coverage. Report the accident immediately and retain medical documentation.
How is my disability percentage determined?
An independent physician determines this, often after 1-2 years when your condition is stable. Methods such as the Gliedertaxe (fixed percentages per body part) are used.