Does gross negligence cover make sense for car insurance?

1. What does gross negligence mean in car insurance?

Have you caused damage by driving carelessly? The car insurance industry refers to this as gross negligence. In this case, the insurer can seek recovery of the damages from you.

Gross negligence in road traffic: examples

• Crossing a solid white line or failing to stop at a stop sign

• Using a mobile phone at the wheel

• Running a red light at an intersection

• Driving too fast

• Drink-driving

• Taking illegal substances or misusing/abusing prescription drugs

There are also pitfalls when it comes to wilful damage by third parties. However, this is covered by partial casco insurance. Did your car get damaged because you parked near a protest? In this case, the insurer may refuse to cover the damage.

2. What is gross negligence cover in car insurance?

Some car insurers offer additional cover for gross negligence at an extra cost. This means that the insurer covers the damage, even if you have acted in gross negligence.

Others don’t offer explicit cover against gross negligence. However, they make a decision on a case-by-case basis. The yardstick is often the decision as to whether the accident results in your licence being suspended or revoked.

Exceptions in gross negligence cover

Even with gross negligence cover, not all acts of gross negligence are covered. The car insurer reserves the right to make the following exceptions:

• Drink-driving

• Drug or medication abuse

• Extreme speeding

Accidents caused by momentarily nodding off can also lead to reductions in coverage. As a rule: if the person driving is unfit to drive at the time of the accident, gross negligence cover does not apply.

3. Waiver of recovery claims in case of gross negligence: what does this mean?

In the event of an accident due to gross negligence, your insurer will demand the recovery of costs. This means that you must repay part of the costs to the insurance company. How high this amount is depends on the case.

Good to know: With gross negligence cover, the insurance company waives this recovery option.