Car insurance in the Netherlands
Car insurance is mandatory in the Netherlands. You can choose between WA, WA+, and all-risk. We dive into all the specifics on this page and show you the best and most affordable car insurers.
We explore in this section
Which types of Car insurance coverage are there?
WA coverage (Wettelijke aansprakelijkheid)
WA insurance (third party liability) is mandatory in The Netherlands and the most basic kind of car insurance. WA insurance covers the damage you caused to another car. This is a polpular insurance for older cars.
WA coverage limited Casco
This insurance covers the damage you caused to another car. Damage caused by yourself on your own car, is not reimbursed. You will get a reimbursement for damage to your own car caused by theft, collision with animals, storm or window damage. This insurance is mostly chosen for 5- 10 year-old cars.
All-risk insurance
An all-risk insurance is optional, it covers theft, damage to your vehicle and personal injury. This insurance covers damage to other cars and almost all damage to your own car. All-risk insurance is recommended when you have a car younger then 4 years or when you don't like to take the financial risk replacing your car when you are responsible for an accident.
Car insurance costs in the Netherlands
The cost of car insurance in the Netherlands can vary based on several factors, including:
- the type of coverage
- the driver's age
- driving history (no claim)
- the make and model of the car (for example weight)
- where you life in the Netherlands.
It's important to obtain personalized quotes from insurance providers listed below, as individual circumstances can significantly impact the cost of car insurance. Additionally, insurance rates may have changed since my last update, so checking with local insurers or using online comparison tools is advisable for the most up-to-date information.
Additional forms of Car insurance in the Netherlands
Most insurance companies in the Netherlands offer additional coverage when you chooseyour car insurance in the Netherlands. The most common include:
- Breakdown insurance
When your car breaks down, breakdown insurance covers the costs of getting towed and repaired. Additional this will also supply replacement transport costs. - No-claim protection
This will insure against the first incident in any policy year that might affect your no-claims bonus. - Equipment and luggage insurance
This covers damage to your luggage and that of others in your car. - Personal accident insurance
This covers your medical costs and provides compensation in the event of disability or death. - Legal expenses insurance
This covers your costs in the event of legal proceedings related to an incident. Read more in our legal insurance section.
Applying for Car insurance in the Netherlands
Applying for car insurance in the Netherlands is a straightforward process.
Gather information
- Have your information ready, including your personal details, address, date of birth, and contact information.
- Information about the car, such as its make, model, year of manufacture, vehicle identification number (VIN), and any modifications.
Determine coverage needs
Decide on the type of coverage you need. This could include third-party liability insurance, limited casco, or full casco (comprehensive coverage). The level of coverage will affect the cost of your insurance premium.
Get quotes
Contact various insurance providers to get quotes. You can do this by visiting their websites listed below.
Submit the necessary documents
You may need to submit certain documents, such as proof of identity, proof of car ownership, and, in some cases, proof of no-claims bonus if applicable.
Payment
After completing the application process, you'll need to make the initial payment for the insurance premium. This can usually be done through ideal, bank transfer or direct debit.
Policy documents
Once the payment is processed, you will receive the official insurance policy documents. Review these documents carefully to understand the terms and conditions of your coverage.
Univé’s Car insurance for Expats
At Univé, you can customize your car insurance with a basic coverage and an option for additional coverage (Aanvullende dekkingen). With additional coverage, you are insured for damages or assistance that are not covered by the basic car insurance. There are options for additional coverages, such as passenger insurance and legal assistance. In case of an emergency while on the road, you can call the Univé Alarmcentrale.
Veilig op Weg is a free feature in the Univé App that provides insights into your driving behavior and phone usage while driving. Do you have a safe driving style? Then you can earn up to a maximum of 10% discount on your total car insurance premium per quarter.
FAQ about Car Insurance in the Netherlands
Is car insurance mandatory in the Netherlands?
Yes, in the Netherlands having a car insurance that has at least a third party liability car insurance, which is called WA (Wettelijke Aansprakelijkheid) is mandatory.
How much is car insurance in Netherlands?
If you choose a basic WA (Wettelijke Aansprakelijkheid) which means you are only insured for third part liability, you pay around 30-50 euro per month. Do you want more like All-risk insurance this can go up to 100 euro per month. On average people in the Netherlands pay around 75 euro per month.
What does third-party liability insurance cover
Third-party liability insurance covers damages and injuries caused to third parties, including passengers, pedestrians, and other vehicles, in the event of an accident.
What additional coverage options are available?
Additional coverage options include comprehensive insurance, which covers damage to your own vehicle, theft, and vandalism, as well as partial casco coverage that protects against specific risks.
How are car insurance premiums determined?
Premiums are influenced by factors such as the driver's age, driving experience, type of vehicle, and coverage options. Insurers may also consider the driver's claims history.
Can I switch car insurance providers in the Netherlands?
Yes, it is possible to switch insurance providers. Many people compare different policies and premiums to find the best deal for their needs. You can select different providers below.
Can I drive my friend's car in Netherlands?
Car insurance in the Netherlands is not personally but for your car, relatives and family can drive it without having their names added to the policy.
What is an approved child seat in the Netherlands?
In the Netherlands child seats include baby car seats (0 to 13 kg), child car seats (13 to 18 kg) and booster seats (18 to 36 kg) that are approved. A child seat must comply with the EU safety standards. They have a label indicating ECE R44/03, R44/04 or i-Size compliance.
What steps should I take in case of an accident?
In the event of an accident, it's important to exchange information with the other party involved and report the incident to the police. Contacting your insurance provider promptly is crucial for filing a claim.
Are there discounts available on car insurance in the Netherlands?
Most insurers offer discounts for no-claims history, installation of safety features like an app to record your driving, or bundling insurance policies.
How does the no-claims discount work?
A no-claims discount is a reward for not making any claims during a policy year. It can lead to a reduction in the annual premium when renewing the policy.
What documents do I need for car insurance in the Netherlands?
You will need your vehicle registration documents, driver's license and personal identification. The insurer may also request additional information depending on your circumstances.
Car insurance providers
FBTO
FBTO is a highly-rated Dutch insurance provider where you can adjust coverage to your needs. They offer insurance for your car, house, legal matters, and much more. Visit the website to get a direct quote.
Univé
Univé is a cooperative insurance company in the Netherlands. Univé presents itself as a nonprofit insurer, to express that making profit is not important and therefore has cheaper products.
ABN AMRO
ABN AMRO Bank N.V. is the third-largest bank in the Netherlands. They also have highly rated insurances and mortgages. If you already have an bank account with ABN AMRO, this is the easiest option to get Car Insurance. Check the website for more information.
Inshared
InShared was founded in 2009 as an online insurer and became one of the most successful insurers in the online market. The go-to market strategy of online differs a lot from the traditional channels, and within this InShared made some clear choices.
Centraal Beheer
Centraal Beheer is one of the biggest insurance companies in the Netherlands with insurances for home, car, your bike and much more.