After a traffic accident, the question often immediately arises as to who will compensate your personal injury. In many cases, the liable party is looked at. However, there is also an important supplementary insurance: SVI coverage for personal injury. Many people have taken out this insurance, but do not know exactly when they can invoke it.
In this article, we therefore explain in detail what SVI coverage entails, when this insurance pays out, and what damages you can claim. Furthermore, you will read how SVI relates to liability and other regulations.
What is SVI coverage?
SVI stands for Schadeverzekering Inzittenden (Passenger Indemnity Insurance). This insurance pays out for personal injury that you sustain as a driver or passenger of a motor vehicle, regardless of the question of fault.
This means that you do not have to prove who caused the accident. This is precisely why SVI coverage offers extra security after a traffic accident.
Who does SVI coverage apply to?
SVI coverage applies to everyone who was present in the vehicle at the time of the accident. These are, for example:
- the driver;
- passengers;
- occupants of a company car;
- traveling family members or colleagues.
It does not matter whether you are the owner of the car. The number of occupants also generally plays no role.
When does SVI pay out for personal injury?
SVI coverage for personal injury pays out when you, as an occupant, sustain an injury due to a traffic accident in which the insured vehicle is involved. The cause of the accident is not decisive in this.
For example, SVI can pay out when:
- you cause an accident yourself;
- the opposing party is unknown or uninsured;
- the question of fault remains unclear;
- you are solely involved in the accident.
It is precisely in these situations that SVI coverage offers important financial protection.
What damage is compensated under SVI?
An important advantage of SVI coverage is that virtually the same items of damage are compensated as with a regular personal injury claim based on liability.
Material damage
- medical costs;
- travel expenses;
- costs for domestic help;
- modifications to the home or car;
- damage to personal property.
Loss of income
Are you temporarily or permanently unable to work due to the accident? Then loss of income can arise. Also loss of earning capacity can fall under the SVI coverage.
Pain and suffering compensation
In addition, SVI also pays out compensation for pain and suffering. This compensation relates to pain, sorrow, and loss of joy in life. You can read more about this on our page pain and suffering compensation for personal injury.
SVI coverage versus liability insurance
SVI coverage is often confused with third-party liability (WA) insurance. Yet these are two different insurances.
WA insurance compensates for damage you cause to others. SVI coverage precisely compensates for your own personal injury and that of your occupants, regardless of who is at fault.
As a result, both insurances complement each other.
SVI coverage and question of fault
A major advantage of SVI coverage for personal injury is that the question of fault plays no role. Even when you cause the accident yourself, you can invoke this insurance.
This prevents lengthy discussions with insurers and significantly speeds up the claims settlement.
How high is the SVI payment?
The amount of the payment depends on the insured amount on your policy. Often this amount is between €500,000 and €1,000,000 per event, but higher coverages also occur.
Within that amount, your full personal injury is compensated, as long as it is reasonable and demonstrable.
SVI coverage for single-vehicle accidents
In a single-vehicle accident, for example due to slipperiness or a steering error, a liable opposing party is often missing. It is precisely then that SVI coverage offers a solution.
Without SVI, you could potentially be left with your damages in such a situation.
What should you do after an accident?
After a traffic accident, it is important to act quickly. By doing so, you prevent problems with the settlement of your SVI claim.
- have your injury medically recorded;
- report the accident to your insurer;
- keep all relevant documents;
- note down details of those involved;
- seek legal advice.
You can also find more general information on our page personal injury lawyer.
Can SVI exist alongside a liability claim?
Yes. SVI coverage can exist alongside a liability claim. Often, the liable party is addressed first. Subsequently, SVI can serve as a safety net or advance payment.
The insurer can then potentially seek recourse against the liable party.
Frequently asked questions about SVI coverage
Is SVI mandatory?
No. SVI is a supplementary insurance. Yet this insurance is highly recommended, precisely because of the broad coverage.
Does SVI also apply abroad?
That depends on the policy conditions. Often the coverage applies in Europe. Therefore, always check your policy.
Can the insurer refuse to pay out?
In exceptional cases, an insurer can refuse coverage, for example in the case of intent. In practice, discussions regularly arise about this.
Does legal help cost me money?
Even with SVI claims, the costs of legal assistance can often be recovered from the insurer. As a result, you as a victim usually run no financial risk.
Why choose Arslan Advocaten?
We have extensive experience with personal injury cases in which SVI coverage for personal injury plays a role. We assess your policy, guide the claim, and ensure that you receive what you are entitled to.
In addition, we communicate clearly and act promptly.
You can find more general information about insurance and traffic at the National Government.
Do you want to know if you are entitled to an SVI payment? Feel free to contact us for a no-obligation assessment.
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