VBG accident insurance: Optimise comprehensive cover and benefits
08.04.25
4
Minutes
Katrin Straub
Managing Director at nextsure
A workplace accident can happen to anyone and have far-reaching consequences. VBG's accident insurance provides important protection here. Find out how to make the most of the benefits.
The topic in brief and concise terms
VBG accident insurance provides statutory cover in the event of workplace accidents, commuting accidents and occupational diseases for employees and optionally for self-employed people.
The amount of the VBG contribution depends on remuneration, risk class and contribution rate; correct classification is crucial.
In the event of an accident, timely accident notification to the VBG (within three days if incapacity for work lasts more than three days) is important for claims to benefits.
Fundamental protection: understanding the core tasks of VBG accident insurance
The VBG accident insurance is a statutory safeguard for a wide range of occupational groups. Its main task is to prevent workplace accidents and occupational diseases. If an insurance claim does occur, a comprehensive package of benefits applies. This ranges from medical treatment and rehabilitation measures to financial compensation such as injury benefit or pensions. VBG is not profit-oriented and is financed through the contributions of member companies. In this way, it provides solidarity-based protection that can help secure the livelihoods of those affected in the event of a loss. The legal basis is Book Seven of the Social Code (SGB VII). This framework ensures reliable protection for millions of insured persons. Knowledge of these fundamentals is essential for business owners and insured persons.
Contributions to VBG accident insurance: calculate costs transparently
The financing of VBG accident insurance is covered by company contributions. The amount of these contributions is not set as a flat rate, but calculated individually. The decisive factors are employees' remuneration, the company's respective risk class and VBG's contribution rate. Companies receive an annual contribution notice showing the costs for the previous year as well as advance payments for the current year. Correct classification in the risk class can significantly influence the amount of the contribution. For 2024, for example, the contribution rate was set at 4.40 euros. It is important to understand the calculation basis in order to be able to trace the costs. A cost overview of accident insurance can provide an initial indication here. VBG also levies a minimum contribution, even if the calculated contribution amount would be below this.
Mandatory and optional: Who is covered by VBG accident insurance?
The VBG accident insurance covers a broad range of people. As a rule, all employees are compulsorily insured, regardless of their income or nationality. This also includes trainees, mini-job workers and interns. Entrepreneurs and self-employed persons are generally not required to take out insurance, but they can choose to insure themselves voluntarily with the VBG. This voluntary insurance offers important protection in the event of accidents at work and occupational diseases. Volunteers may also be covered under certain conditions. The exact provisions on compulsory membership in accident insurance are set out in SGB VII. It is essential to know your own insurance status. The VBG provides comprehensive information and advice on this.
Act correctly in an emergency: report accidents and secure your entitlement to benefits with the VBG
After an occupational accident or commuting accident, quick and correct action is required. Employers are obliged to report occupational accidents that result in incapacity for work of more than three days to the VBG within three days. In the event of serious accidents or fatalities, the report must be made immediately. The report can be submitted online via the VBG portal. Early reporting ensures optimal medical treatment and rehabilitation. After the report, the VBG checks entitlement to benefits. The benefits of accident insurance include medical treatment, injury benefit and, where applicable, an injury pension. Seeing a designated doctor is often an important step. This specialist with special accident medicine expertise oversees further treatment.
Expert knowledge on VBG accident insurance: use statutory provisions, rulings and practical tips
For a deeper understanding of VBG accident insurance, it is essential to take a look at the legal foundations. Book Seven of the Social Code (SGB VII) forms the central legal source here. It sets out in detail the group of insured persons, insured events and types of benefits. Current court rulings continually clarify the interpretation of these provisions. For example, the Federal Social Court has ruled several times on questions relating to workplace accidents at company events or on the way to work. Our expert tip: Stay up to date with changes to SGB VII and relevant rulings so that you know your rights and obligations precisely. The DGUV regulations also provide important guidance. For self-employed persons, voluntary insurance with VBG can be a useful addition to private provision, as it often covers benefits that private accident insurance policies do not offer.
Important aspects for companies and insured persons include:
Knowledge of the precise definition of a work-related accident and a commuting accident under Section 8 SGB VII.
Understanding the requirements for recognition of an occupational disease.
Prompt reporting of accidents to avoid disadvantages.
Opportunities to optimise contributions through correct risk classification.
Use of VBG prevention services to reduce accident risks.
These points help to actively shape insurance cover and make optimal use of it when needed.
Prevention and rehabilitation: making full use of VBG’s proactive measures
The VBG accident insurance scheme places a strong focus on the prevention of workplace accidents and occupational diseases. It offers companies numerous advisory services, training courses and information materials to improve occupational safety. These include, for example, seminars on risk assessment or on the proper handling of hazardous substances. Participation in preventive measures can not only prevent accidents, but also lead to lower contributions. In the event of an accident, comprehensive rehabilitation management is available. The aim is to restore the health of insured persons as well as possible and to enable a quick return to working life. This includes medical, vocational and social rehabilitation services. The importance of accident insurance is particularly clear here. VBG even operates its own rehabilitation clinics to ensure optimal care.
For self-employed professionals and freelancers, special rules apply under VBG accident insurance. As a rule, they are not compulsorily insured, but they do have the option of taking out voluntary business insurance. This insurance provides protection in the event of workplace accidents and occupational diseases, similar to the cover for employees. The amount of the premium depends on the chosen sum insured and the risk class. The voluntary insurance with VBG can close an important insurance gap, especially if there is no private accident insurance with a comparable scope of benefits. VBG benefits include, for example, injury benefit, which is paid in the event of prolonged incapacity for work, and survivors' pensions. It is advisable to assess the need for accident insurance on an individual basis. Contributions to voluntary business insurance can also be deducted for tax purposes as business expenses.
Advantages of voluntary insurance for the self-employed with VBG:
Comprehensive cover for workplace and commuting accidents as well as occupational diseases.
Benefits often exceed those of private accident insurance policies (e.g. injury benefit, rehabilitation management).
Contributions are tax-deductible.
No health check required.
Protection for dependants in the event of death.
These aspects make voluntary VBG insurance an attractive option for many self-employed professionals.
Your path to optimal protection: Benefit from personalised advice from nextsure
The accident insurance VBG offers important basic protection. Nevertheless, an individual analysis of your situation can be worthwhile. nextsure helps you review your insurance cover and find tailored solutions. We help you understand the complex regulations and optimise your cover. Professional advice can help you identify cover gaps and save on premiums. Take advantage of our expertise for your security. The tax deductibility of accident insurance premiums is just one aspect we check for you. We look at your overall insurance situation. Contact us for a free risk analysis and concrete optimisation suggestions.
Request an individual risk analysis now: Have your insurance situation checked free of charge and receive concrete optimisation suggestions.
More useful links
The German Social Accident Insurance (DGUV) is the umbrella organisation for the commercial employers’ liability insurance associations and accident insurance institutions, and provides comprehensive information on statutory accident insurance protection in Germany.
Wikipedia offers a detailed overview of statutory accident insurance in Germany, its foundations and benefits.
FAQ
What deadlines apply for reporting an accident to the VBG?
Employers must report occupational accidents or commuting accidents that result in incapacity for work of more than three days to the VBG within three days of becoming aware of them. Fatal accidents, major accidents and accidents resulting in serious health damage must be reported immediately.
Can freelancers also take out insurance with the VBG?
Yes, freelancers and self-employed people who are not compulsorily insured by law can usually take out voluntary insurance with the VBG against work accidents and occupational diseases.
How are the contributions to the VBG calculated?
Contributions are calculated on the basis of the insured employees’ remuneration paid, the company’s risk class and the contribution rate set annually by the VBG.
What are the main benefits of VBG in the event of a claim?
VBG covers the costs of medical treatment and rehabilitation, pays injury benefit during incapacity for work, and, where applicable, an injury pension in the event of a permanent reduction in earning capacity, as well as benefits to dependants.
Does VBG accident insurance also cover accidents on the way to work?
Yes, the statutory accident insurance of the VBG also covers commuting accidents, i.e. accidents that occur on the direct way to or from work.
Does the VBG also offer preventive measures?
Yes, prevention is an important part of the VBG’s responsibilities. It offers companies and insured persons advice, training and informational materials to help prevent occupational accidents and work-related illnesses.
