What is a Personal accident cover (owner-driver)?
Owner-driver personal accident (PA) cover pays a benefit if the vehicle's owner-driver dies or is disabled in an accident involving the insured vehicle. It is a compulsory component for the registered owner who drives, and can often be extended to cover passengers or a paid driver as add-ons.
What owner-driver PA covers
This benefit pays a defined amount for death or specified disabilities of the owner-driver arising from an accident with the insured vehicle. It is protection for the person, separate from the vehicle-damage cover.
It applies to the registered owner who holds a valid licence and is driving. Cover for passengers or an employed driver is usually available as separate add-ons.
Example
The owner-driver is injured in a covered accident. The PA cover pays the applicable disability benefit to them, independent of any own-damage claim for the car's repairs.
Common mistakes
- Assuming owner-driver PA also covers all passengers — passenger cover is typically a separate add-on.
- Overlooking that a valid driving licence and eligible use are conditions for the benefit.
Frequently asked questions
Is owner-driver personal accident cover mandatory?
A personal accident cover for the owner-driver is a required component for the registered owner who drives. Those who do not own or drive may hold it through other means; check current rules and your policy.
Can I cover my passengers and driver too?
Yes, usually via add-ons — passenger PA cover and paid-driver cover extend accident benefits beyond the owner-driver.