Insurance & recourse

Third-party liability: nothing moves without it

Motor third-party liability insurance is compulsory: without proof of cover you get neither the vehicle registration document nor the plates.

It covers the damage you cause to others: people, vehicles and property. It is what guarantees that a victim is compensated even if the person at fault could not pay.

What third-party liability does not pay

Damage to your own vehicle is not the business of the compulsory policy. That is what optional cover is for:

• Partial comprehensive: theft, fire, hail, glass breakage, collision with an animal, damage from natural forces.
• Fully comprehensive: additionally covers damage to your own vehicle that you caused yourself.

Injured occupants are covered by accident insurance: employed persons through their employer, everyone else through their health insurer.

Recourse: when the insurer demands repayment

The third-party liability insurer first compensates the victim – that is the purpose of compulsory insurance. But where the driver has committed a grave fault, the insurer can then turn to them and demand repayment of all or part of the amount. This is recourse.

Typical grounds:

• driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs,
• driving without a valid licence or despite a withdrawal,
• massive speeding, extreme speeding offences,
• failing to stop after an accident,
• a vehicle clearly not roadworthy.

Remember: recourse can involve very large sums – an accident with serious injuries quickly exceeds what a private individual can bear. It is the most tangible financial reason not to take certain risks.

After the accident: how to proceed

1. Secure the scene and give assistance.
2. Note those involved and the registration numbers; fill in the European accident statement.
3. Call the police if there are personal injuries or the injured party cannot be reached.
4. Report the claim to your insurer without delay.