In The Netherlands, it is mandatory to insure vehicles (autoverzekering) at least for third party liability. The owner of the car insures the vehicle and is held responsible, irrespective of the driver.

There are three options for insuring a vehicle in The Netherlands. The most comprehensive car insurance is the All Risk insurance. This essentially covers most things that could happen to your car, subject to certain general exclusions.

• Third party/liability (Wettelijke Aansprakelijkheidsverzekering/WA): obligatory insurance covering damage to third parties, which means everybody and everything involved in an accident except for you, your car, and your possessions.
• Restricted comprehensive cover (WA + mini casco): covers damages such as fire, explosions, lightning, theft, storm and broken windscreens
• Comprehensive cover (Casco/Volledig casco): contains restricted comprehensive cover and claims on damage by collision and damage caused by violence.

The Dutch car insurances work with a no-claim premium discount, which means that the more years you drive without claiming damage the higher discount you get to the premium contributions. This often amounts to a 70% discount.
In the event of an accident, each person involved must fill in a claim report and send it to their respective insurance company. The form available is the same for each insurance company and drivers are advised to keep a form in the vehicle at all times. The insurance documents must be carried in the car.

  Print this page