Insurances

When commuting to work, carpoolers benefit from two mandatory insurances that also provide coverage to individuals driving alone: liability insurance and workplace accident insurance. Therefore, no additional insurance measures are needed specifically for carpooling.

For drivers, insurance coverage includes:

• Liability insurance: In the event of an accident caused by the driver, this insurance covers physical and material damages to third parties, including carpool passengers.
• Workplace accident insurance: If the driver is injured in an accident while commuting to work, this insurance provides coverage.

As passengers, insurance coverage includes:

• Workplace accident insurance: If a passenger is injured during the commute to work, this insurance is the primary coverage.
• Driver's liability insurance: In case of physical injury to passengers, even if the driver is not at fault, their insurance will cover the damages, as car occupants are considered vulnerable road users.

While additional insurance options may offer added comfort, they are not legally required. Family insurance is a common example. For instance, if a passenger accidentally damages the driver's vehicle, they may utilize their family insurance.

Workplace accident insurance

Workplace accident insurance applies first for carpoolers involved in accidents during their commute. This insurance covers the claimant's physical injuries, regardless of fault.  Even if you carpool (to and from work) with a company car, you are insured. Medical examinations have not been required since 2008.

Additional covered scenarios include:

• Pick-up and drop-off points for passengers, such as residences and workplaces, as part of shared commuting. A detour to pick up a carpool partner is included.
• Childcare or school drop-offs/pick-ups.
• Brief detours for essential purchases (e.g: bakery, butcher, supermarket, etc., not for furniture, electrical, etc.).
• Road interruptions or diversions.

Liability insurance

In cases where workplace accident insurance doesn't apply, the vehicle owner's liability insurance comes into play. However, the driver cannot make profit from compensation received from passengers.

A compensation of €0.10 per kilometer is recommended for carpooling, considering that the average cost per kilometer for a family car is €0.43, covering fuel, insurance, taxes, etc. This calculation assumes an average capacity of four people per car, including the driver. 0.43 divided by 4 is more or less €0.10.

If the carpool driver is at fault in an accident, third-party liability insurance compensates for physical and material damages to third parties, including carpool passengers.