Compare accident insurance: How to optimise your cover and save on premiums
31.03.25
8
Minutes
Katrin Straub
Managing Director at nextsure
Every year, more than eight million accidents occur in Germany, many of them during leisure time, where statutory protection often does not apply. A careful accident insurance comparison is therefore crucial to offset financial risks. This article shows you how to find the ideal policy for your needs in three steps.
The topic in brief and concise terms
A comparison of accident insurance is crucial, as statutory insurance usually only applies to workplace accidents and around 70 per cent of accidents happen in people’s free time.
When comparing, don’t just look at the price, but above all at high disability benefit amounts, a good loss-of-limb scale and progression of at least 225 per cent.
Important clauses concerning pre-existing conditions, exclusions and deadlines can significantly affect entitlement to benefits and require careful review.
Quick Facts: Understanding the essentials of accident insurance at a glance
Private personal accident insurance steps in if an accident leads to disability and pays an agreed lump sum or pension. More than eight million Germans suffer an accident every year, while statutory accident insurance only applies to accidents at work, commuting accidents and occupational diseases. Private cover protects against accidents worldwide in leisure time, at home and in sport, 24 hours a day. A cost comparison for accident insurance shows that basic policies are available from just a few euros per month, for example from €2.44. Benefits typically include disability benefits, accident pensions, daily hospital allowance and death benefits. A detailed accident insurance comparison is crucial, as tariffs can differ greatly in price and benefits. This lays the foundation for cover tailored to your needs.
Practical Perspective: Why Comparing Accident Insurance Is Essential
The benefit of a detailed accident insurance comparison is clear: you not only secure the best price, but above all cover that is tailored to your needs. Bear in mind that around 70 per cent of all accidents happen at home or during leisure time, areas not covered by statutory accident insurance. A lack of, or inadequate, cover can quickly lead to financial shortfalls if, for example, modifications to the home costing €15,000 become necessary or monthly support of €500 is required. By comparing policies, you can save up to 65 per cent on premiums without sacrificing important benefits. Many insurers also offer discounts, for example a 10 per cent customer bonus or 25 per cent off for young people under 30. [5] An accident insurance comparison helps identify these savings opportunities and tailor cover to your individual circumstances. A careful analysis of the contract terms is just as important as the price.
Analysing the Scope of Benefits: These Components Matter When Comparing Accident Insurance
When comparing accident insurance policies, you should examine the various benefit components carefully to ensure optimum protection. The most important benefit is the disability benefit, a lump-sum payment in the event of permanent impairment. [4.] A basic sum of at least 100,000 euros is often recommended. [4.] Pay attention to a high progression in accident insurance; a progression of 225 to 500 per cent is advisable in order to receive a significantly higher sum in the event of serious accidents. [5]
Other important components are:
Accident pension: A monthly payment from a certain degree of disability, often from 50 per cent.
Death benefit: A sum for dependants if the accident is fatal.
Daily hospital allowance: A fixed amount for each day in hospital.
Convalescence benefit: Support after the hospital stay.
Recovery costs: Coverage of costs for search, rescue or recovery operations. [4.]
Cosmetic surgery: Coverage of costs for accident-related cosmetic surgery. [4.]
The limb scale is a decisive factor that determines which degree of disability is applied in the event of loss or loss of function of body parts. [1] Compare the limb scales of different providers carefully, as there can be significant differences here. [1] For example, the loss of a thumb is assessed differently depending on the tariff, which has a major impact on the benefit. Careful review of these details ensures you receive the financial support you need in an emergency.
Limb tariff and progression: How they affect your benefit
The body-part schedule and progression are two key factors when comparing accident insurance policies, as they significantly influence the amount you receive in the event of a claim. The body-part schedule specifies what percentage of the sum insured is paid out in the event of the loss or loss of function of certain body parts or sensory organs. [1] For example, the loss of an arm above the elbow may be rated at 70 per cent, a thumb at 20 per cent. [1] Improved body-part schedules, often referred to as "Gliedertaxe Plus", can provide higher disability ratings for the same impairment, for example 60 rather than 50 per cent for the loss of an eye. [1]
Progression, in turn, ensures that higher disability ratings attract disproportionately higher benefits. With a base disability sum insured of 100,000 euros and a progression of 350 per cent, you would receive 350,000 euros in the event of total disability (100 per cent). If the degree of disability is, for example, 50 per cent, the benefit under a 350 per cent progression could already be 100,000 euros or more, depending on the tariff's progression scale. A tariff without progression would pay only 50,000 euros here. A close look at these details in the accident insurance comparison is therefore essential for adequate cover.
Expert depth: Important clauses and legal aspects when comparing accident insurance
When comparing personal accident insurance, you should also pay attention to important contractual clauses and legal framework conditions in addition to the price. Pay attention to the area of cover: the insurance should provide worldwide, round-the-clock protection. [4.] The contribution clause regulates how pre-existing conditions affect benefits; a contributory share of 25 per cent or more can lead to a reduction in benefits. Our expert tip: Look for plans that waive the offsetting of pre-existing conditions up to a high percentage, or only reduce benefits once contributory responsibility reaches 50 per cent.
Other important points are:
Deadlines: Report an accident to the insurer immediately. The medical assessment of the disability must often be carried out and asserted within 15 to 18 months.
Exclusions: Typical exclusions concern accidents caused by drugs, alcohol intoxication (often from 1.1 per mille), deliberate offences or acts of war. [224] Psychological reactions to an accident are also often not covered, or only to a limited extent.
Duty to advise: Before the contract is concluded, insurers must advise you. A waiver of advice should only be made in exceptional cases and deliberately, as this can restrict your claims in the event of incorrect advice.
Currency: Check your personal accident insurance regularly, for example every 3 to 5 years, and adapt it to changed life circumstances.
Knowing these details helps you avoid pitfalls and conclude a truly high-performing policy. The tax deductibility of personal accident insurance as a provision expense is another aspect that can be taken into account. [224]
Avoidable mistakes: What to look out for when taking out your accident insurance
A thorough comparison of accident insurance policies protects you from poor decisions that can become costly in an emergency. A common mistake is setting the sum insured too low; it should be at least three to five times your gross annual income. Many underestimate the capital required after a serious accident, which can quickly exceed 100,000 euros. Another mistake is choosing a tariff with an inadequate limb schedule or too low a progression scale. Compare the limb schedules of different providers, as the differences here can be up to 30 per cent for the same body part. [1]
Also ensure that the accident insurance includes important benefits such as recovery costs and cosmetic surgery. [4.] Not every tariff covers these automatically. Check the deadlines for reporting an accident and asserting disability claims – often only a few days for reporting and 15 months for medical assessment. Missing a deadline can jeopardise your entitlement to benefits. Also clarify whether and how pre-existing conditions are taken into account. A careful comparison of these points ensures that your cover really applies when the worst happens.
To find the personal accident insurance that suits you, a systematic approach in three steps is recommended. First, analyse your individual needs: What risks exist at work and in your free time? How high is your financial protection requirement in the event of disability? Take your income, ongoing costs and any loans into account. A family with children, for example, has different protection needs from a single person; sums of EUR 150,000 and above are often sensible here.
In the second step, carry out a detailed accident insurance comparison. Use comparison portals for this and also consider offers from direct insurers. Pay attention not only to the price, but especially to the following points:
Level of the basic disability sum insured and progression (at least 225 per cent, better 350 per cent or 500 per cent). [5]
Quality of the schedule of benefits for loss of limbs (preferably an improved schedule of benefits).
Inclusion of important additional benefits such as accident annuity, death benefit, hospital daily allowance.
Rules on the effect of pre-existing conditions and exclusions.
The third step is choosing the right tariff and taking out the policy. Read the insurance terms and conditions (AVB) carefully before you sign. If anything is unclear, professional advice, such as that offered by nextsure, can be very helpful. This ensures that you obtain a truly needs-based accident insurance. This structured approach will guide you safely to the best decision.
Next steps: Benefit from personalised advice
An accident insurance comparison provides the basis for a good decision, but the details can be complex. Have you taken all aspects of your personal situation into account? Are the selected sums insured and clauses really suitable for your individual needs, for example with a monthly income of EUR 2,500? Personal advice can help clear up any remaining uncertainties here and ensure that the cover you choose is optimally tailored to your circumstances. Our experts at nextsure will be happy to help you assess the results of your comparison and find the right tariff. We help you understand the finer points of the contractual terms and choose cover that will truly support you in the event of a claim. Use our expertise for your financial security.
Request an individual risk analysis now: Have your insurance situation checked free of charge and receive specific recommendations for improvement.
More useful links
The DGUV provides statistics and facts on workplace accidents and occupational diseases in Germany.
In the forum of the DGUV, the change in perspective on household accidents is highlighted by the increase in working from home.
The Federal Statistical Office (Destatis) provides tables and data on deaths caused by accidents in Germany.
The Safe Home presents statistics and graphics on household safety and domestic accidents.
The Federal Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs (BMAS) explains statutory accident insurance in Germany.
Wikipedia offers a comprehensive article on accident insurance.
The Federal Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (BAuA) provides data, figures and facts on occupational safety and occupational medicine.
The Federal Ministry of Health provides information on rehabilitation measures.
FAQ
How do I find the best accident insurance when comparing?
The "best" accident insurance is always individual. Define your needs (sum insured, progression, additional benefits). Then compare offers specifically in terms of price, disability scale, terms regarding pre-existing conditions and exclusions. Use online comparison calculators and seek specialist advice.
What is the difference between the base sum and progression?
The basic sum is the amount that would be paid at 100 per cent disability without progression. Progression is a factor that increases the benefit disproportionately in the case of severe degrees of disability. With a basic sum of EUR 100,000 and 350 per cent progression, the maximum benefit is EUR 350,000.
Does the accident insurance also pay for minor accidents?
Private accident insurance generally only pays out in the event of lasting health impairment (disability) resulting from an accident. For minor injuries without permanent damage, there is usually no benefit, unless special additional components such as hospital daily benefit have been agreed.
Can I deduct my accident insurance from my taxes?
Yes, contributions to private accident insurance can be claimed in the tax return as other precautionary expenses. However, there are maximum limits, which are often already used up by health and long-term care insurance contributions. [224]
How quickly do I need to report an accident?
Report an accident to your insurer in writing as soon as possible, ideally within a few days. Deadlines of 15 to 18 months after the day of the accident often apply to the medical assessment of permanent disability and the assertion of any claim. Please note the exact deadlines in your policy terms and conditions.
What does the limb tariff mean when comparing accident insurance policies?
The benefits scale is a table in the insurance contract. It defines which percentage of the sum insured is credited as the degree of disability in the event of loss or complete loss of function of certain body parts (e.g. arm, leg, eye). The benefits scales differ significantly between providers. [1]
