Dutch Auto Insurance: Understanding Non-European Driver Coverage

If you're a non-European driver planning to drive in the Netherlands, it's important to understand the country's car insurance requirements. In the Netherlands, car insurance is mandatory for all drivers and the vehicle must be insured, not the driver. This means that as long as the car is insured, anyone with a valid driving license can legally drive it. However, the person whose name is on the insurance policy is legally responsible for any damage caused.

The minimum requirement for car insurance in the Netherlands is third-party liability insurance, often referred to as WA-verzekering or WA. This type of insurance covers damages inflicted on third parties, including their vehicles and property. It is important to note that WA insurance does not cover any other costs like the repair of your own vehicle.

If you are a citizen of a non-EU country and plan to stay in the Netherlands for an extended period, you will need to obtain a new Dutch car insurance policy. On the other hand, if you are an EU citizen, you may be able to use your existing insurance in the Netherlands, provided that it offers equivalent coverage to Dutch insurance and your insurer allows it.

When choosing car insurance in the Netherlands, it is recommended to consider factors such as the no-claim scheme of the insurer, the policy coverage, excess and deductible options, and the reputation of the company. Additionally, it is worth noting that the insurance premium may vary based on factors such as the age of the driver, damage history, type of vehicle, and place of residence.

Third-party liability insurance (WA) is mandatory in the Netherlands

In the Netherlands, car insurance is a legal requirement for all drivers. The minimum level of cover is third-party liability insurance, known as 'WA' (short for 'Wettelijke Aansprakelijkheid', which translates as 'legal liability'). This type of insurance is mandatory and covers damage inflicted on other people and their property. It does not, however, cover any other costs like the reparation of your own vehicle.

Third-party liability insurance is a sensible option if you have an older, inexpensive vehicle or if you don't drive very often. It is the cheapest form of car insurance available in the Netherlands.

If you want to drive in the Netherlands, you must have a car with a Dutch license plate and a valid driving license. The insurance policy covers the car, not the driver, so anyone with a valid driving license can drive your car. However, the person whose name is on the insurance remains legally responsible for any damage.

If you are moving to the Netherlands from another EU country, you can use an existing valid insurance policy, as long as it provides equivalent coverage to Dutch insurance and your insurer allows it. If you are from a non-EU country, you will usually need to take out a new Dutch car insurance policy.

EU citizens can use their existing insurance in the Netherlands

If you're moving to the Netherlands from another EU country, you can use your existing car insurance policy, as long as the coverage provided is equivalent to Dutch insurance coverage and your insurer allows it.

In the Netherlands, car insurance policies cover the car rather than the driver. This means that anyone with a valid driving licence can drive your car, but the person whose name is on the insurance remains legally responsible for any damage.

To take out car insurance in the Netherlands, you will need:

• A Dutch car or an imported foreign car with a registered Dutch licence plate
• A valid driving licence
• Proof of residence (i.e. residence permit or BSN)
• Dutch bank account details
• Customs paperwork if you imported your car

There are three main types of car insurance in the Netherlands:

• Third-party liability insurance (WA-verzekering): This is the mandatory minimum level of vehicle insurance in the Netherlands. It covers damage caused by your car to other parties, including damage to vehicles, property, and injuries to others.
• Extended liability insurance (WA-beperkt casco): Also known as WA-plus, this type of insurance covers third parties for damage caused by your car and also covers damage to your own vehicle in certain circumstances beyond your control, such as collisions with animals, fire, and theft.
• All-risk insurance (allriskverzekering): Also known as comprehensive insurance, this covers all damage to your own vehicle and damage inflicted on third parties. There are some exceptions, usually concerning intentional damage.

In addition to these main types of car insurance, there are also several additional forms of car insurance available in the Netherlands, including breakdown insurance, no-claim protection, equipment and luggage insurance, personal accident insurance, and legal expenses insurance.

Non-EU citizens need a new Dutch insurance policy

If you are a non-EU citizen moving to the Netherlands, you will need to take out a new Dutch car insurance policy. This is because, in the Netherlands, car insurance policies cover the car rather than the driver.

To take out car insurance in the Netherlands, you will need:

• A Dutch car or an imported foreign car with a registered Dutch license plate.
• A valid driving license.
• Proof of residence (i.e., residence permit or BSN).
• Dutch bank account details.
• Customs paperwork if you imported your car.

There are three main types of car insurance in the Netherlands: third-party liability insurance (known as WA-verzekering), extended liability insurance (WA-beperkt casco), and all-risk insurance (allriskverzekering). Third-party liability insurance is mandatory and covers damage caused by your car to other parties. Extended liability insurance covers third parties and damage to your own vehicle in certain circumstances beyond your control, such as collisions with animals, fire, and storms. All-risk insurance covers all damage to your own vehicle and damage inflicted on third parties, except for intentional damage.

In addition to the three main types of car insurance, there are several additional types of car insurance you can purchase in the Netherlands, including breakdown insurance, no-claim protection, equipment and luggage insurance, and personal accident insurance.

When choosing a car insurance policy in the Netherlands, consider factors such as the no-claims bonus, policy coverage, excess/deductible options, company reputation, and the claims process. You can use comparison websites like Independer and United Consumers to find the best deal for your needs.

Additional insurance plans are possible, such as breakdown assistance

In the Netherlands, car insurance is mandatory for all drivers. The insurance policy covers the car rather than the driver, meaning anyone with a valid driving license can drive an insured car. However, the person whose name is on the insurance is legally responsible for any damage.

There are three main types of car insurance in the Netherlands: third-party liability insurance (WA-verzekering), extended liability insurance (WA-beperkt casco or WA+), and all-risk insurance (allriskverzekering or volledig casco). In addition to these standard policies, there are several additional insurance plans available.

Breakdown Assistance

Breakdown assistance is one of the most common additional insurance plans in the Netherlands. This type of insurance covers the costs of getting your car repaired and towed in the event of a breakdown, as well as providing a replacement vehicle. Some policies also include emergency repairs up to a certain amount, a chauffeur service if the driver is unable to drive, and assistance if you use the wrong type of fuel or run out of fuel.

You can purchase breakdown assistance for the Netherlands only or opt for international roadside assistance if you travel outside the country. The premium for worldwide roadside assistance is higher, but the difference is usually relatively small, and it may be worth considering if you travel abroad frequently.

Other Additional Insurance Plans

Other additional insurance plans available in the Netherlands include:

• Passenger cover – insures passengers for personal injury and losses during an accident.
• Legal assistance/expenses – covers legal expenses and assistance related to your car, such as conflicts with a car seller or repairer, or support for conflicts after a collision.
• Personal accident insurance – covers medical costs and provides compensation in the event of disability or death for the driver and passengers.
• Equipment and luggage insurance – covers damage to luggage and personal belongings of the driver and passengers.
• No-claim protection – insures against the first incident in any policy year that might affect your no-claims bonus.

Insurance premiums are influenced by factors like age and vehicle type

In the Netherlands, car insurance premiums are influenced by factors such as the age and health of the vehicle owner, as well as the type of vehicle being insured.

The cost of car insurance is generally higher for younger people and seniors, as insurers consider them to be more prone to accidents. This is particularly true for drivers under 25 and over 75. The type of vehicle being insured also plays a role, with luxury vehicles, newer cars, and cars with advanced features costing more to insure due to higher repair or replacement costs.

Other factors that can influence car insurance premiums in the Netherlands include driving history, vehicle usage, and the chosen insurance coverage. Safe drivers with a clean record and those who drive fewer miles per year are often rewarded with lower premiums. Additionally, opting for higher deductibles can result in lower insurance rates.

Frequently asked questions