What is accident insurance?
Accident Insurance (Unfallversicherung) is designed to protect you from the financial consequences of a sudden, external event that leads to permanent physical or mental impairment.
In Germany, there are two distinct types you need to understand:
Statutory Accident Insurance (Gesetzliche Unfallversicherung)
Who pays: Your employer (it is part of the social security system).
When it covers you: ONLY at your workplace, during work-related activities, or on your direct commute to and from work.
The Problem: It does not cover you at home, during hobbies, while playing sports, or on vacation.
Private Accident Insurance (Private Unfallversicherung)
Who pays: You.
When it covers you: 24/7, worldwide.
The Benefit: It provides a tax-free lump sum or a monthly pension if an accident results in a permanent disability—regardless of where it happened.
How does Personal Accident Insurance work?
*Personal Accident Insurance* protects you against the *financial consequences of an accident* – whether it happens during your free time, at home, while doing sports, or when traveling.
Since most accidents occur *outside of work*, this type of insurance is an essential part of comprehensive personal protection.
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What is considered an accident?
An accident is defined as a *sudden, external event* that causes *involuntary physical injury* to the body. Examples include:
* Falling from a ladder
* Road traffic accidents
* Sports injuries
* Slips and falls at home
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What benefits does Accident Insurance provide?
*1. Disability Benefit (core benefit)*
If an accident leads to a *permanent physical impairment, the insurer pays a **one-time lump sum*.
The payout depends on:
* the agreed *insured sum*
* the *degree of disability* (e.g. loss of an arm results in a higher percentage than loss of a finger)
*2. Progression (performance multiplier)*
The more severe the disability, the higher the payout increases.
Especially important in serious accidents to cover long-term financial needs.
*3. Accident Pension (optional)*
In the event of severe disability, a *monthly pension* can be paid in addition to the lump sum.
*4. Optional additional benefits*
* Daily hospital allowance
* Recovery allowance
* Rescue and recovery costs
* Cosmetic surgery
* Death benefit for dependents
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Why is statutory coverage not sufficient?
Statutory accident insurance usually only covers:
* accidents at work
* commuting accidents
It *does not* cover accidents during leisure time – where *over 70% of all accidents occur*.
Personal Accident Insurance closes this crucial gap.
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How much does Personal Accident Insurance cost?
The premium depends on:
* age of the insured person
* occupation and leisure risks
* insured sums and progression
* selected additional benefits
Typical monthly price ranges:
* *Children:* approx. *€5–15*
* *Adults:* approx. *€10–30*
* *High-performance policies:* approx. *€30–50*
Even with a small monthly contribution, meaningful protection can be arranged. Comprehensive policies provide significantly higher benefits when it matters most.
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Our recommendation as independent insurance brokers
Personal Accident Insurance should *not be chosen based on price alone, but on the **quality of coverage in the event of a claim*. Key factors include:
* sufficiently high disability sums
* appropriate progression levels
* clear and customer-friendly policy terms
*We compare policies independently* and find the solution that best fits your personal situation.
If you like, I can also adapt this text to be *more sales-oriented, **shorter for landing pages, or **tailored to specific target groups* (families, self-employed individuals, children).