A pedestrian was injured by my car. Does my insurance cover their medical costs?

What the Law Says

The EU Motor Insurance Directive sets binding minimum coverage requirements for all vehicle owners. It ensures victims — including pedestrians — can recover medical and other injury-related costs from the driver’s insurer, regardless of fault.

All EU Member States must require compulsory third-party motor insurance that covers personal injury and property damage caused by vehicles to others.

The Directive mandates minimum financial coverage: at least €1 million per injured person and €6 million per accident for personal injury (including medical costs), or a single limit of €6 million per accident covering all victims.

This coverage applies automatically — the injured pedestrian does not need to prove the driver was at fault to claim medical expenses, though national rules may affect how claims are processed.

Statutory Text

Member States shall ensure that civil liability in respect of the use of vehicles normally based in their territory is covered by insurance which shall cover personal injuries and damage to property.

— Directive 2009/103/EC, Art. 3 — Compulsory insurance

Statutory Text

The minimum amounts of cover… shall be… EUR 1 000 000 per victim or EUR 5 000 000 per claim where several victims are involved… or a single amount of EUR 5 000 000 per claim covering all the victims.

— Directive 2009/103/EC, Art. 4(1) — Minimum amounts of cover

Sources