How Dutch car insurance works
It is mandatory by law to have at least Third Party Liability (Wettelijke Aansprakelijkheid, WA) insurance in the Netherlands. The insurance is applied to the vehicle itself, not to the policyholder. This means that anyone with a valid license can drive the vehicle without needing to be added to the policy.
Keep in mind that the person who has insured the car is legally responsible for any damage caused. In most cases, the insurance company doesn't cover claims made by other people using the car.
Different insurance options in the Netherlands
Third Party Liability insurance - Wettelijke Aansprakelijkheidsverzekering
Third Party insurance protects the policyholder against the risk of liability. With a few exceptions, it covers for all injury and property damage caused by the policyholder. Exceptions can include intentional damage or damage to rented property.
Vehicle Protection - Wettelijke Aansprakelijkheidsverzekering Plus
Vehicle Protection insurance is not mandatory but it is highly recommended as it provides more coverage than Third Party Liability insurance. The specifics of the policy differ by insurance company, but here are some examples of what could be covered:
- Fire and explosion
- Theft
- Storm and natural disasters
- Collision with animals
- Vandalism
All-risk insurance - All-risk verzekering
All-risk insurance combines Third Party Liability insurance with Vehicle Protection and provides some extras. It covers you for almost any eventuality and its specifics differ by insurer but here are a few examples of what may be included:
- Accidental collision (that you caused)
- Capsizing
- Going offroad
- Landing in water
How much does car insurance cost in the Netherlands?
What do insurance companies cover?
Insurance companies should outline what your policy includes. Keep in mind is that you always have to pay for part of the repairs yourself, known as ‘excess’. How much your ‘excess’ is depends on your level of risk coverage but differs by insurer (page in Dutch). You’ll pay less for your car insurance each month if you’re perceived to be a lower-risk driver, based on your age and experience.
No-claims discount
The cost of your car insurance depends on the number of claims you've made in previous years. The lower your number of claims, the lower the cost of your car insurance. The discount on your premium costs could save you up to 70%.
What to do if you have an accident
If you have an accident in the Netherlands, make sure that you take pictures of the damage and get the contact details of any drivers involved and possible witnesses. In some cases, you have to be able to provide witness statements as there are a lot of fake claims made in the Netherlands.
Make sure that you fill out a European Damage Form and send a copy to your insurance company via e-mail. Alternatively, call them or fill out a form using your company’s mobile app.