After a traffic accident, the question 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 extensively explain what SVI coverage entails, when this insurance pays out and what damage you can claim. Moreover, 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 guilt.
This means that you do not have to prove who caused the accident. Precisely for this reason, 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 usually 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 counterparty is unknown or uninsured;
- the question of guilt remains unclear;
- you are solely involved in the accident.
Precisely in these situations, 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;
- adjustments in the home or car;
- damage to personal property.
Loss of income
Are you temporarily or permanently unable to work due to the accident? Then a loss of income can arise. Also loss of earning capacity can fall under the SVI coverage.
Compensation for pain and suffering (Smartengeld)
In addition, SVI also pays out compensation for pain and suffering (smartengeld). This compensation relates to pain, sorrow and loss of joy of life. You can read more about this on our page compensation for pain and suffering in personal injury.
SVI coverage versus liability insurance
SVI coverage is often confused with WA insurance (third-party liability insurance). Yet these are two different insurances.
The WA insurance compensates damage that you cause to others. The SVI coverage precisely compensates 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 guilt
A major advantage of SVI coverage for personal injury is that the question of guilt 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 payout?
The amount of the payout 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 in single-vehicle accidents
In a single-vehicle accident, for example due to slipperiness or a steering error, a liable counterparty is often missing. Precisely then, SVI coverage offers a solution.
Without SVI, you could possibly be left with your damage 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 in the settlement of your SVI claim.
- have your injury medically documented;
- 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 possibly seek recourse against the liable party.
Frequently asked questions about SVI coverage
Is SVI mandatory?
No. SVI is a supplementary insurance. Nevertheless, 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 event of intent. In practice, discussion regularly arises about this.
Does legal help cost me money?
Also 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 decisively.
You can find more general information about insurance and traffic at the National Government.
Would you like to know if you are entitled to an SVI payout? Feel free to contact us for a no-obligation assessment.
Read also
- Wrong medication or dosage error: what can you do?
- Medical error during surgery: what can you do?
- Accident abroad?
