In the first part In the first part of this series of articles, we explained what parents need to bear in mind when taking other children to school in a carpool. In the second part, we will now look at what applies to pupils who are carpoolers. The principle remains the same: Only the direct journey to school counts as a commuting accident.
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The journey to school is generally insured. If something happens, it is considered a commuting accident.
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Carpooling - whether with your own or someone else's vehicle - is included. The statutory accident insurance must pay.
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The accident must be reported by the school to the accident insurance fund as soon as possible.
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In the event of injuries, it is important to visit a general practitioner.
What is insured in the event of an accident on the way to school?
The consequences of an accident on the way to school are covered. In addition to medical costs, this also includes long-term health damage. In principle, there is an unlimited entitlement to comprehensive treatment; in the event of a reduction in earning capacity, children also have a Pension entitlement. Accident insurance also grants subsidies for any necessary house or flat remodelling, for example. In addition, the costs of bedside teaching are covered if necessary. In general, accident insurance does not pay compensation for pain and suffering. This is only paid if the schoolchild has been hit by a car or a fellow pupil has deliberately injured the child.
NoteReport even minor accidents, as the insurance also covers consequential damage. This means that complications can occur later that were not recognisable at first.
What rules apply to car pools in which your child is travelling?
Carpooling on the way to school is covered by statutory accident insurance. This applies in particular to carpooling pupils and also if the carpoolers attend different schools.
Example: Her daughter attends the grammar school in the next larger town. The neighbour's son also attends this school. Your neighbour takes your daughter to school every day, but takes her younger sibling to primary school in her home town on the way. The entire journey to school is covered by statutory accident insurance.
In the event of an accident, the liability insurance of the person responsible for the accident must pay for damages - both for vehicle damage and personal injury. In the event of an Road accidentThe statutory accident insurance can be claimed in the event of an accident on the way to school.
Which of your child's journeys are insured?
In general, pupils are insured on routes that are suitable for reaching school or home as quickly and safely as possible. This does not generally mean the shortest route, but the direct route to or from the school facility.
For example, it is not necessary for there to be a central meeting point or for the members of the carpool to attend the same school. Detours caused by picking up pupils from their homes are also generally covered by statutory accident insurance.
What applies to detours?
However, there are also exceptions: As soon as your child leaves the school route and takes a diversion, the protection of the statutory accident insurance expires. In this specific case, the intention behind the diversions is decisive.
One example: If another child is picked up from home on the way to school, this diversions is covered by statutory accident insurance. A stopover at the supermarket for private reasons is not. This also applies to pupils travelling on foot or by bike - a detour to the shops is not insured.
What are the exceptions?
In the following overview you can see which detours are covered by statutory accident insurance and when the insurance cover for pupils in car pools no longer applies:
| Detours that are covered by statutory accident insurance | Detours that are not covered by statutory accident insurance |
| - Collection of other passengers - Visits to various schools - Diversions - Traffic congestion or better transport connections |
- for private reasons, such as shopping - for interruptions of more than two hours - Accidents in residential buildings |
Is an accident on the way to school reportable?
Any accident that requires medical treatment must be reported in the Student accident insurance must be reported. The school is responsible for this notification. It is therefore essential that you inform the school in the event of an accident travelling to or from the educational institution. The accident report must be written promptly and sent to the responsible Accident insurance be sent. The course of the accident must be described and witnesses will also be asked for.
NotePupil accident insurance is usually free of charge for parents, as it is paid for by the public purse.
Checklist for parents
- Parents: With the child to the Ongoing doctor go and say that it was an accident on the way to school
- School: Write an accident report and send it to the accident insurance company
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Simple steps to fair claims settlement
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The tried and tested process at a glance:
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- Our experienced specialists will examine your case immediately and discuss with you personally the appropriate next steps.
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We can't undo your accident. But we will make the best of it for you, we promise!
