Personal Accident Insurance (POV) provides financial support in case of permanent disability or death following an accident, without fault playing a role. This makes it an essential addition to your insurance package in Zoetermeer.
What does a POV entail?
Personal Accident Insurance is a fixed-sum insurance that pays out in case of permanent injury or death due to an accident. Unlike liability insurances, it is not necessary to identify a guilty party.
POV versus damage insurance
| Feature | POV (fixed-sum insurance) | Liability claim |
|---|---|---|
| Payout | Fixed percentage of insured amount | Damage based on actual costs |
| Fault issue | Not applicable | Fault must be proven |
| Own fault | No influence on payout | May reduce payout |
| Process | Often quick and simple | Complex and time-consuming |
What coverages does a POV offer?
A POV includes various coverage types, each with specific conditions for payout.
Main coverage types
Permanent disability
In case of permanent disability, you receive a percentage of the insured amount, depending on the degree of disability according to the Gliedertaxe or functional assessment:
- Complete disability: 100% of the insured amount
- Loss of an arm: 70-75% of the amount
- Loss of a leg: 60-70% of the amount
- Loss of an eye: 30-35% of the amount
- Partial disability: proportional payout
Death following an accident
If death occurs within a specified period (often 1-3 years) after the accident, the insurance pays a fixed amount to the survivors or beneficiaries.
Additional coverage options
Many insurers offer supplementary options within the POV:
- Reimbursement of medical treatment costs
- Daily allowance for hospital admission
- Reimbursement of dental costs due to an accident
- Costs for aesthetic procedures
When do you receive a payout from the POV?
The policy conditions define what constitutes an 'accident' and when you are entitled to a payout.
Definition of an accident
An accident is generally described as a sudden, unexpected external event that directly causes injury, as established by a doctor.
Possible points of dispute
| Scenario | Often covered | Often not covered |
|---|---|---|
| Traffic accident | ✓ | |
| Sports injury | ✓ (if sudden) | Chronic wear and tear |
| Fall from stairs | ✓ | |
| Heart attack | ✓ (not an accident) | |
| Back complaints (hernia) | ✓ (often degenerative) |
How is disability determined?
The payout depends on the percentage of permanent disability that is established.
Medical assessment
An independent doctor determines the degree of disability, usually after a stable medical situation (often after 1-2 years).
Assessment criteria
- Gliedertaxe: fixed percentages for loss of body parts
- Functional disability: based on loss of functionality
- AMA Guides: global standard for disability assessment
POV and personal injury claims in Zoetermeer
A payout from the POV is separate from a possible personal injury claim against a liable party, also in the Zoetermeer region.
Combination of claims
It is possible to receive both a POV payout and compensation via a liability claim. These are not offset against each other.
Advice on POV claims
- Report the accident to your insurer as soon as possible
- Keep all relevant medical records
- Submit your claim in a timely manner to avoid limitation
- Check the established disability percentage if in doubt
- Consider a combined claim (POV and liability)
Legal support in Zoetermeer
For help with a POV claim or personal injury case, you can go to the Juridisch Loket Zoetermeer. In complex cases, a matter can be brought before the District Court of The Hague, under which Zoetermeer falls.
Frequently asked questions about POV in Zoetermeer
When do I receive a payout from my POV?
You receive a payout in case of permanent disability or death due to an accident, provided it fits within the policy conditions. It must involve a sudden, external event, such as a traffic accident or fall. Illnesses or chronic conditions are usually excluded from coverage. Report the incident immediately and retain medical documentation.
How is my disability percentage determined?
An independent doctor establishes this, often after 1-2 years when your situation is stable. This can be via the Gliedertaxe (fixed percentages per body part) or a functional assessment.