Commuting accident (Wegeunfall)
Also: Wegeunfall
Definition
A commuting accident is an accident on the direct route between home and workplace. Like an occupational accident, it is covered by statutory accident insurance in Germany (Section 8 (2) SGB VII).
The direct route is insured regardless of the means of transport. Detours are only covered in exceptional cases – for example to take children to childcare or for car pools. Private interruptions such as shopping end the cover until the journey is resumed. Since 2021, routes within the home to work in the home office have also been insured.
Like occupational accidents, commuting accidents are reported if someone is unable to work for more than three days.
Legal basis
- Section 8 (2) SGB VII
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Related terms
This glossary entry gives a general overview of German occupational safety law and does not replace legal advice. The regulations in force and the rules of the statutory accident insurance institutions are authoritative.
