Accident Insurance VBG: Optimising Comprehensive Protection and Benefits
8 Apr 2025
8
Minutes
Katrin Straub
CEO at nextsure
An occupational accident can happen to anyone and have far-reaching consequences. The accident insurance provided by VBG offers important protection here. Find out how you can make the most of the benefits.
The topic in brief and concise terms
VBG accident insurance provides statutory protection against work accidents, commuting accidents, and occupational diseases for employees and optionally for self-employed individuals.
The contribution amount to the VBG depends on wages, hazard class, and contribution rate; a correct classification is crucial.
In the event of damage, a timely accident report to the VBG (within three days if there is more than three days of incapacity for work) is important for claims.
Fundamental Protection: Understanding the Core Tasks of VBG Accident Insurance
The VBG accident insurance is a legally established protective umbrella for a multitude of professions. Its main task is the prevention of occupational accidents and diseases. Should an insurance claim occur, a comprehensive package of benefits comes into effect. This ranges from medical treatment and rehabilitation measures to financial compensation such as injury benefits or pensions. The VBG is non-profit and is funded by the contributions of member companies. As such, it represents a form of solidarity-based protection that can secure the existence of those affected in the event of damage. The legal basis is provided by the Seventh Book of the Social Code (SGB VII). This framework ensures reliable protection for millions of insured individuals. Understanding these principles is crucial for entrepreneurs and the insured.
Beiträge zur VBG-Unfallversicherung: Transparently calculate costs
The financing of accident insurance VBG is carried out through contributions from companies. The amount of these contributions is not set at a flat rate, but is calculated individually. Key factors are the salaries of employees, the specific risk class of the company, and the VBG contribution rate. Companies receive an annual contribution notice that shows the costs for the past year as well as advances for the current year. A correct classification in the risk class can significantly influence the amount of the contribution. For the year 2024, the contribution rate was set at 4.40 euros, for instance. It is important to understand the calculation bases to be able to comprehend the costs. An overview of costs for accident insurance can provide some initial pointers here. The VBG also imposes a minimum contribution, even if the calculated contribution amount would be below that.
Mandatory and Optional: Who is insured with the accident insurance VBG?
VBG accident insurance covers a broad range of individuals. In principle, all employees are compulsorily insured, regardless of their income or nationality. This also includes apprentices, part-time workers, and interns. Entrepreneurs and self-employed individuals are generally not required to be insured, but they can opt for voluntary insurance with the VBG. This voluntary insurance offers important protection in the event of occupational accidents and diseases. Volunteers can also enjoy insurance coverage under certain conditions. The exact regulations regarding mandatory membership in accident insurance are stipulated in SGB VII. It is crucial to know your own insurance status. VBG offers comprehensive information and advice on this topic.
Act correctly in case of an emergency: Secure accident reporting and entitlement to benefits with the VBG
After a workplace or commuting accident, quick and correct action is required. Employers are obliged to report workplace accidents that result in more than three days' work incapacity to the VBG within three days. For serious accidents or fatalities, the report must be made immediately. The report can be filed online through the VBG portal. Early notification ensures optimal medical care and rehabilitation. After the report, the VBG assesses the entitlement to benefits. The benefits of accident insurance include medical treatment, injury benefit, and possibly an injury pension. Seeing an appointed accident doctor is often an important step. This specialist with particular expertise in accident medicine guides further treatment.
Expert knowledge on accident insurance VBG: Utilize paragraphs, judgments, and design tips
For a deeper understanding of VBG accident insurance, consulting the legal foundations is essential. The Seventh Book of the Social Code (SGB VII) forms the central legal basis here. It details the insured groups, the incident cases covered, and the types of benefits. Recent court rulings continually refine the interpretation of these regulations. For instance, the Federal Social Court has repeatedly ruled on questions related to work accidents at company events or on the way to work. Our expert tip: Regularly keep yourself updated about changes in SGB VII and relevant judgments to understand your rights and obligations. The DGUV regulations also provide important guidance. For self-employed individuals, voluntary insurance with VBG can be a useful complement to private coverage, as it often includes benefits that private accident insurance does not offer.
Important aspects for businesses and insured individuals include:
Knowledge of the exact definition of a workplace and commuting accident according to § 8 SGB VII.
Understanding the conditions for recognizing an occupational disease.
Timely reporting of accidents to avoid disadvantages.
Opportunities for contribution optimization through correct hazard classification.
Utilising VBG's prevention offers to reduce accident risks.
These points help actively shape your insurance coverage and utilize it optimally when needed.
Prevention and Rehabilitation: Make full use of VBG's proactive measures
VBG's accident insurance places a strong emphasis on the prevention of workplace accidents and occupational diseases. It offers businesses numerous consultation services, training sessions, and informational materials to improve workplace safety. This includes seminars on risk assessment or the correct handling of hazardous substances. Participating in prevention measures can not only prevent accidents but also lead to lower contributions. In the event of an accident, comprehensive rehabilitation management is available. The goal is to restore the health of the insured as effectively as possible and enable a quick return to work. This includes medical, vocational, and social rehabilitation services. The importance of accident insurance is particularly evident here. VBG even operates its own rehabilitation clinics to ensure optimal care.
Special case for self-employed and freelancers: Review options for accident insurance at VBG
For self-employed individuals and freelancers, special regulations apply to accident insurance with the VBG. They are generally not required to have insurance, but they have the option to take out voluntary business owner insurance. This insurance provides protection against workplace accidents and occupational diseases, similar to the protection for employees. The contribution amount depends on the chosen insurance sum and the risk class. Voluntary insurance with the VBG can fill a significant gap in coverage, especially if there is no private accident insurance with comparable benefits. VBG benefits include, for example, injury benefits paid during extended inability to work, and survivor's pensions. It is advisable to individually assess the need for accident insurance. Contributions to the voluntary business owner insurance are also tax-deductible as business expenses.
Advantages of voluntary insurance for the self-employed with the VBG:
Comprehensive protection against workplace and commuting accidents as well as occupational diseases.
Benefits often exceed those of private accident insurance (e.g., injury benefits, rehabilitation management).
Contributions are tax-deductible.
No health check required.
Protection for dependents in the event of death.
These aspects make voluntary VBG insurance an attractive option for many self-employed individuals.
Your path to optimal protection: Take advantage of personalized advice from nextsure
More useful links
The Deutsche Gesetzliche Unfallversicherung (DGUV) is the umbrella association of commercial employers' liability insurance associations and accident insurance funds, offering comprehensive information on statutory accident insurance coverage in Germany.
Wikipedia provides a detailed overview of statutory accident insurance in Germany, its principles, and benefits.
FAQ
What are the deadlines for reporting an accident to the VBG?
Employers must report occupational or commuting accidents that result in more than three days of incapacity for work to the VBG within three days of becoming aware of them. Fatal accidents, mass accidents, and accidents with serious health damages must be reported immediately.
Can freelancers also insure themselves with the VBG?
Yes, freelancers and self-employed individuals who are not legally required to have insurance can generally opt for voluntary insurance with the VBG against occupational accidents and diseases.
How are the contributions to the VBG calculated?
The contributions are calculated based on the wages paid to the insured employees, the company's risk class, and the contribution rate set annually by the VBG.
What are the main benefits provided by the VBG in the event of damage?
The VBG covers the costs for medical treatment and rehabilitation, pays injury benefits during incapacity to work, and possibly a disability pension in case of permanent reduction in earning capacity, as well as benefits to surviving dependents.
Does the VBG accident insurance also cover accidents on the way to work?
Yes, the statutory accident insurance of the VBG also covers commuting accidents, that is, accidents occurring on the direct route to or from work.
Does the VBG also offer preventive measures?
Yes, an important part of the VBG's tasks is prevention. It offers companies and insured individuals advice, training, and informational materials to prevent workplace accidents and occupational diseases.
