Personal accident cover

Key Takeaways

• Personal accident cover is a car insurance add-on that offers a payout if you sugar serious injuries or die in a car accident, regardless of fault

• The cost can vary, though it’s typically around £20 to £30 a year - be sure to check if your life or health insurance policy already offers similar cover

• Personal accident policies often exclude things like minor injuries, psychological trauma and injuries sustained while not taking safety precautions

What is personal accident cover?

Personal accident cover is a type of car insurance policy that pays out if you suffer serious or fatal injuries as a result of a car accident, regardless of who is to blame. It’s designed to help with the financial strain that can come from unexpected medical expenses, rehabilitation costs or lost income.

How does personal accident cover work?

Your personal accident policy will usually come into play when you can’t claim on another person’s insurance - for example, if you’re at fault or if there isn’t a third party to claim from. It will provide financial support for injuries or fatalities that aren’t covered by other parts of your car insurance policy.

Do I need personal accident cover?

Personal accident cover isn’t mandatory, however it can provide peace of mind knowing you and potentially your family are covered in case of serious injury or death.

It will usually come at an extra cost to your car insurance premiums. Even some fully comprehensive policies don’t include it as standard, so it’s worth checking to be sure. It’s also worth noting that if you have life or health insurance, you might already have some form of personal accident cover.

What’s offered by personal accident cover?

Personal accident cover offers a payout in the event of injury or death resulting from a car accident, which can then be used to help cover:

• Medical costs that may not be fully covered by health insurance

• Compensation for permanent disability

• Lost income during recovery

• Funeral costs in the event of a tragic loss

What types of injuries are covered?

Personal accident cover typically includes a range of serious injuries, such as:

• Permanent blindness

• Limb amputation

• Paralysis

• Total disablement

• Death

These are the types of catastrophic events that can have a long-term impact on your life and finances.

What additional coverage is available

Some personal accident policies will extend to other injuries such as loss of fingers or toes, loss of hearing or speech, burn damage and scarring, meaning they’ll pay out for these injuries too.

What is excluded from personal accident cover?

• You’ll generally find that personal accident cover won’t pay out for:

• Minor injuries that don't result in long-term disability

• Psychological trauma

• Injuries sustained while not taking safety precautions, such as not wearing a seatbelt

• Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol

• Self-inflicted injuries

• Injuries that aren’t a direct result of an accident

How much does personal accident cover cost?

The cost of personal accident cover varies by insurer, but adding it to your car insurance policy will usually cost around £20 to £30 a year if it isn’t included already. Motorcyclists will usually pay more due to the higher risk associated with riding.

How to find the right personal accident cover

To ensure you get the right personal accident cover at the best price possible, keep the following in mind:

• Check exactly what injuries and situations are covered

• Consider the insured amount, which can range significantly from £5,000 to £100,000

• Determine who else is covered under the policy, such as named drivers or family members

• Look for policies that offer international protection if you travel abroad

In some cases, a separate personal accident policy might offer better or more extensive coverage than an add-on to your car insurance. It's always recommended to compare the market to ensure you're getting the best deal and the most suitable coverage for your needs.

Compare car insurance quotes

When it comes to finding the right personal accident cover, tools like MoneySuperMarket can be incredibly helpful. We allow you to see at a glance whether personal injuries are included in your policy and the amount of coverage provided by top UK insurance providers.