Occupant Damage Insurance (schadeverzekering inzittenden, SVI) pays the actual damage of the driver and passengers regardless of who caused the accident. It sits next to your right to claim from a liable party under Article 185 of the Dutch Road Traffic Act (WVW); check your policy for the insured sum and conditions.
For additional general information, see Government of the Netherlands information on the Motor Traffic Guarantee Fund.
A schadeverzekering inzittenden (SVI) covers the actual loss of both the driver and the passengers after a road accident — including where no one else is liable, or where the accident was caused wholly or partly by your own fault. It therefore supplements the compulsory third-party (WA) cover, which only pays for damage caused to others.
Why take out occupant damage insurance?
An SVI is not compulsory, but it offers real advantages for anyone who is regularly on the road:
1. Broad protection for everyone in the car
In an accident, passengers are usually well protected through the car insurance. For the driver it is different: you cannot hold yourself liable for loss you cause to yourself.
With occupant damage insurance you are covered for your own injury and property damage — whoever caused the accident.
Many people take out SVI mainly to protect their passengers. But it is the driver who has most to gain from this additional cover. If you cause an accident as the driver, your passengers can usually recover their loss through the car insurance. You, on the other hand, are left with your own costs, because you cannot hold yourself liable. The SVI therefore makes sure that not only your passengers but you as the driver are covered for injury and property damage.
2. Compensation for the loss actually suffered
An SVI does not pay a fixed sum; it compensates the actual loss up to the insured maximum. For example:
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Medische kosten, eigen risico en revalidatie
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Inkomensverlies en gemiste pensioenopbouw
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Huishoudelijke hulp of vervangende mantelzorg
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Extra vervoers- en reiskosten
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Studievertraging of opleidingsschade
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Compensation for pain and suffering (often included in the cover)
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Statutory interest on the loss
See also: Compensation for pain and suffering in personal injury
3. Security for the people close to you
Do you regularly carry family, friends or colleagues? With an SVI you know that everyone in your car is properly insured, whoever causes the accident.
What does an SVI usually cover?
Besides the heads of loss above, the following costs are usually covered as well:
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Letselschade: medical costs, loss of income or permanent disability
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Costs in the event of death: zoals uitvaartkosten
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Damage to personal belongings: bagage, kleding of andere waardevolle spullen
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Injury to pets: vet’s fees where pets travelling with you are injured
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Costs of assessing the loss: for example legal and medical advice costs (usually up to €25,000 per event)
Note: cover differs from insurer to insurer. Always check the sum insured (usually up to €1,000,000 per event) and any exclusions, such as driving under the influence or deliberately reckless behaviour.
Common misconceptions about the cover
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“Mijn autoverzekering dekt alles al.”
Not quite: third-party insurance only covers loss you cause to others. Your own injury or property damage falls outside it. -
“Occupant accident insurance (OIV) is the same as an SVI.”
No. An OIV pays a fixed sum regardless of the actual loss. An SVI compensates the loss actually suffered — often far more favourable where the injury is serious. -
“An SVI only applies in the Netherlands.”
Cover usually applies in every country listed on the green card. Always check the policy conditions.
Examples: when does an SVI really matter?
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Eenzijdig ongeval: you leave the road with no other party involved. Only an SVI covers your own letselschade. See also who pays for the damage in a single-vehicle accident.
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Eigen schuld of gedeelde schuld: an SVI stops you being left with the costs.
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Werkgeverssituatie: for commuting or a company car, an SVI limits the risk of substantial employer’s liability in the event of an accident.
How is the premium set?
The premium for occupant damage insurance depends on:
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the type of vehicle (car, van, and so on);
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the number of occupants;
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the cover chosen (the maximum sum);
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and whether the SVI is taken out separately or as part of a car insurance policy.
On average an SVI costs only a few euros a month — a small outlay for broad protection.
How do you take out an SVI?
You can take out occupant damage insurance, or add it, through your current car insurer. When you do, check:
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the maximum sum per event;
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which heads of loss are expressly covered;
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uitsluitingen (zoals alcoholgebruik of opzet);
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and the countries in which the policy applies.
Would you like to know whether your SVI provides enough cover, or do you need legal advice about a claim?
At Arslan Advocaten we review your policy free of charge and assess whether your insurer is handling the claim correctly.
Conclusion
Occupant damage insurance is not a luxury but an important addition to a standard car policy. It stops you — as driver or passenger — being left with substantial costs after an accident.
Do you have personal injury after a road accident and are you unsure whether your SVI covers it?
Contact Arslan Advocaten. We assess your case free of charge and pursue the loss against the insurer or the liable party.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Schadverzekering Inzittenden (SVI) and how does it differ from a standard car insurance policy?
An SVI covers the actual damage suffered by both the driver and passengers in a car accident, even if no one else is liable or if the damage is partially caused by the insured themselves. It complements the mandatory third-party liability insurance by providing coverage for personal injury and property damage among occupants.
Why should I consider purchasing an SVI if it is not legally required?
An SVI offers extensive protection for all occupants, including the driver, by ensuring they are compensated for injuries and damages regardless of fault. It also provides peace of mind knowing that everyone in the vehicle is financially protected in case of an accident.
What types of damages and costs are typically covered by an SVI?
An SVI generally covers medical expenses, loss of income, household help, travel costs, study delays, and sometimes smart money. It also often includes coverage for property damage, funeral costs, pet injuries, and legal advice related to the accident.
Are there any important factors to check before purchasing an SVI policy?
Yes, it is essential to review the insured amount, which is usually up to €1,000,000 per incident, and to understand any exclusions such as driving under influence or risky behavior. Always verify what damages and costs are covered by the policy with your insurer.
