Personal liability insurance
Liability insurance is not mandatory in the Netherlands but over 90% of the Dutch have one. Why do you need one? It protects you from financial loss in the event that you are found legally responsible for causing harm to someone else or their property.
We explore in this section
What is Personal liability insurance
In short
Personal liability insurance (Aansprakelijkheidsverzekering in Dutch), is a type of insurance that covers the individual in case they unintentionally cause damage or injury to another person or their property. It is not mandatory but is highly recommended for residents of the Netherlands, 90% of the Dutch own one, as it provides financial protection in a variety of everyday situations.
What is covered
- Damage to property
If you accidentally damage someone else’s belongings, this insurance covers the repair or replacement costs. For example, if you break a neighbor’s window while playing sports or knock over an expensive item at a friend’s house. - Injury to other people
If you unintentionally cause physical harm to another person (e.g., if someone trips over your bike and gets injured), the insurance will cover medical bills and compensation. - Your children and pets
If your child or dog accidentally causes damage, the insurance will cover it. - Accidental damage
It typically covers accidents caused at home, in public, or during leisure activities.
What is not covered
- Intentional damage
Damage caused deliberately will not be covered. This can sometimes be debatable. - Your own property
It does not cover damage to your own property (for that, home or contents insurance would be needed). - High-risk professions
If you are involved in a profession that carries a high risk of liability (like construction), personal liability insurance may not cover incidents related to your work. Check with below providers to be sure. - Motor vehicles
Incidents involving motor vehicles are not covered (this is handled by car insurance).
What does it cost?
The cost of this insurance is relatively cheap, normally between €3 to €5 per month, depending on the level of coverage chosen. Check the providers below.
FAQ about Personal liability insurance
In this section we answer the most frequently asked questions regarding Personal liability insurance.
What is personal liability insurance?
Personal liability insurance, known as "aansprakelijkheidsverzekering" in Dutch, provides coverage for damages you may accidentally cause to someone else's property or for injuries you may accidentally inflict on someone else.
Is personal liability insurance mandatory in the Netherlands?
No, personal liability insurance is not legally required in the Netherlands, but it is highly recommended to have coverage to protect yourself from potential financial liabilities.
What does personal liability insurance cover?
Personal liability insurance typically covers third-party bodily injury or property damage caused by you, your family members, or even your pets. It may also cover legal expenses in case of a lawsuit.
Are family members covered under my personal liability insurance?
Yes, most personal liability insurance policies in the Netherlands extend coverage to include family members living in the same household.
Does personal liability insurance cover damage to my own property?
No, personal liability insurance is designed to cover damages to others and their property. It does not provide coverage for your personal belongings or property. Check home insurance for coverage.
What is the coverage limit of personal liability insurance?
Coverage limits vary among insurance providers. It's important to choose a coverage limit that adequately protects your assets. Common limits are €1 million or €2.5 million.
Can personal liability insurance be used for professional liability?
No, personal liability insurance is not designed to cover professional liability. A separate professional liability insurance policy is needed for coverage related to your work or business activities.
Can I get personal liability insurance for my pet?
Yes, some personal liability insurance policies in the Netherlands like may offer coverage for damages caused by your pets. It's essential to check the policy details for specific inclusions and exclusions. Univé has an insurance designed for your pets.
How do I file a claim with my personal liability insurance?
In the event of a claim, you should contact your insurance provider as soon as possible. They will guide you through the claims process, which usually involves providing documentation and details about the incident.
How much does personal liability insurance cost?
The cost of personal liability insurance varies depending on factors such as coverage limits, your personal history, and the insurance provider. It's recommended to compare quotes from different insurers to find the best coverage at a reasonable price. We have listed some examples below.
Unive’s Liability insurance for Expats
The personal liability insurance from Univé covers injury to others or damage to their stuff caused by you up to €2,5 million. A personal liability insurance is not mandatory in The Netherlands. But a very popular insurance nonetheless. Why? Because accidents happen. This could be from accidentally dropping your friends phone to the expensive drill that you borrowed breaking down. Replacing or repairing these items is expensive. A personal liability insurance covers these expenses. You can secure a Univé liability insurance starting from € 3,63 per month. Another benefit of the Univé personal liability insurance? It offers worldwide coverage. Taking a trip home? Univé has got you covered. Visit the Univé website for more information.
Recommended insurers
FBTO
FBTO is a highly-rated Dutch insurance provider where you can adjust coverage to your needs. They offer insurance for personal liability, your car, house, legal matters, and much more. Visit the website to get a direct quote.
Centraal Beheer
Centraal Beheer is one of the biggest insurance companies in the Netherlands with insurances for personal liability, home, car, your bike and much more.
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 them, this is the easiest option to get Personal liability insurance. Check the website for more information.
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.
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.