An accident insurance is a type of insurance policy that provides payment when a person is injured or dies as a result of an accident.
This type of insurance typically does not cover negligence, force majeure, or natural disasters, and the policy may contain restrictions such as total payout caps and payout limits for activities deemed dangerous.
An accident policy can protect you and your family from loss of income, help with bills payment and other expenses. This insurance will not cover you if you are unable to work for other reasons, such as illness or mental health reasons.
The types of accidents this type of cover can protect you from include:
- Injury or death caused by a road traffic accident
- An accident or injury at work
- Injury caused by violence
- Total and permanent disability
- Injury caused by a slip or spillages
- Loss of (or loss of use of) body parts
Accident insurance pays different amounts depending on the severity of the injury. For example, some have very specific wording about how much you’ll be paid if you lose a particular limb.
Payments are intended to cover medical care and pain and suffering. If the accident leaves a permanent aftermath, the payments can be structured to support the livelihood of the accident victim. In the event of death, benefits are paid to the beneficiary named on the policy.
Types of accident insurance:
Motor vehicle accident insurance:
This policy is usually purchased by drivers to protect themselves and others in the event of an accident.
Travel accident insurance:
This policy is usually required to be purchased prior to travel
Customizable insurance plans for individuals working in specific industries:
This insurance may be costly as it reflects increased risk to insurers.
Who should think about personal accident insurance?
An accident insurance policy can be a good idea for people who:
- Their families would suffer financially if the sole breadwinner died as it offers more financial security
- Lack adequate health care coverage as it ensures that they will be able to access medical treatment after an accident.
When considering an insurance policy, it is best to consult a knowledgeable and trusted insurance agent before making a decision about underwriting accident insurance, so you should know what your policy will cover and what it will not cover.