Car Insurance in the Netherlands: A Complete Guide for Drivers
Whether you're an expat moving to the Netherlands, a student staying long-term, or a Dutch resident buying a car for the first time, understanding car insurance in the Netherlands is essential. The country has strict traffic laws, and car insurance is mandatory for all vehicles. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about car insurance in the Netherlands—types of coverage, how to apply, what it costs, and how to choose the right provider.
1. Is Car Insurance Mandatory in the Netherlands?
Yes, car insurance is mandatory in the Netherlands. By law, all vehicles must be insured with at least a WA (Wettelijke Aansprakelijkheid) policy, which is the Dutch equivalent of third-party liability insurance. This coverage ensures that if you cause an accident, any damage or injury to the other party is covered.
Driving without car insurance in the Netherlands is illegal and could lead to serious consequences, including fines, impounding of your vehicle, or even a criminal record in severe cases.
2. Types of Car Insurance in the Netherlands
There are three main levels of car insurance in the Netherlands:
a) WA – Third-Party Liability Insurance
This is the minimum required by law. It only covers damage you cause to others—such as injuries or damage to their property. It does not cover damage to your own car or injuries to yourself.
Best for: Older or low-value vehicles.
b) WA+ (Beperkt Casco) – Limited Comprehensive Insurance
This level includes third-party coverage and also covers damage to your car from events outside your control. This may include:
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Fire
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Theft or attempted theft
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Storm damage
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Glass damage
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Hitting an animal
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Vandalism (in some cases)
Best for: Mid-range or newer vehicles that you want to protect from non-collision-related incidents.
c) Allrisk (Volledig Casco) – Full Comprehensive Insurance
This is the most complete coverage. It includes everything in WA and WA+ and also covers:
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Accidental damage to your own car
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Damage caused by yourself (even if you're at fault)
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Vandalism
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Parking accidents
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Damage from unidentified drivers
Best for: New, expensive, or leased vehicles.
3. Additional Cover Options
You can also add optional extras to your policy, such as:
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Legal assistance (rechtsbijstand)
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Roadside assistance (pechhulp)
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No-claim protection (bescherming van schadevrije jaren)
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Passenger insurance (inzittendenverzekering)
These extras come with additional costs but can be worthwhile depending on your needs and how often you drive.
4. How Much Does Car Insurance Cost in the Netherlands?
Car insurance premiums vary depending on several factors:
Factors That Affect Cost:
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Age and driving experience: Young and inexperienced drivers pay more.
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Car value and model: More expensive or powerful cars cost more to insure.
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Location: Urban areas with higher accident risks may result in higher premiums.
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No-claim bonus: The more years you drive without making a claim, the bigger your discount.
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Type of coverage: WA is the cheapest; Allrisk is the most expensive.
Average Monthly Costs (as of 2024):
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WA: €40 – €70/month
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WA+: €60 – €100/month
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Allrisk: €90 – €150+/month
These are approximate figures and can vary widely based on your profile.
5. No-Claim Bonus (Schadevrije Jaren)
In the Netherlands, each year you drive without making a claim earns you a "schadevrij jaar" (no-claim year). These build up and can provide significant discounts—up to 80% off your premium.
However, if you make a claim where you're at fault, you may lose some of these years and your premium can increase.
6. Choosing a Car Insurance Provider
There are many car insurance providers in the Netherlands. Some of the most well-known include:
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Centraal Beheer
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Univé
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ANWB
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FBTO
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InShared
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Allianz
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HEMA
When choosing a provider, consider:
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Premium price
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Customer service reviews
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Claims process
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App or online management
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Flexibility in policy
You can use Dutch comparison websites like Independer.nl or Pricewise.nl to compare offers.
7. How to Apply for Car Insurance
The process of getting car insurance in the Netherlands is straightforward, especially if you're already registered in the Dutch system.
Steps to Apply:
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Have your car registered: The car must be registered in your name at the RDW (the Dutch vehicle authority).
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Have a valid Dutch driving license (or an accepted foreign license).
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Provide your details: Including car registration number (kenteken), your age, address, driving history, and no-claim years.
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Choose your coverage: WA, WA+, or Allrisk.
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Apply online: Most insurers allow fast, easy sign-ups via their website.
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Receive policy and green card: Once approved, you’ll get confirmation and the international insurance certificate (green card) digitally or by post.
8. Driving a Foreign Car in the Netherlands
If you are temporarily staying in the Netherlands and driving a foreign-registered car, you may not need Dutch insurance immediately—but there are rules:
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After 185 days of residency, you are required to register your vehicle in the Netherlands and insure it locally.
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If you're a tourist or short-term visitor, your home insurance may be valid, but check with your provider.
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Foreign-registered cars must still meet Dutch road safety and environmental standards.
9. What to Do in Case of an Accident
If you're involved in an accident:
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Ensure safety first.
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Call emergency services (112) if there are injuries.
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Complete the European Accident Statement (Schadeformulier), which both drivers should sign.
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Take photos and get witness details if possible.
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Report the incident to your insurer as soon as possible—usually within 48 hours.
Most insurers have mobile apps or online portals for submitting claims and documents.
10. Tips for Expats and Internationals
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Many Dutch insurance providers offer services only in Dutch. Some like ANWB and Allianz have English support.
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You may be able to transfer your no-claim bonus from another country—ask your insurer.
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Some expats find it easier to use insurance brokers (verzekeringsadviseurs) to navigate the system.
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Always read the policy’s terms and conditions (polisvoorwaarden) carefully.
Conclusion
Car insurance in the Netherlands is not just a legal requirement—it’s a critical layer of protection for you, your car, and others on the road. With a wide range of providers and policy options, you can tailor your insurance to fit your specific needs and budget. Whether you're driving a used hatchback in Amsterdam or leasing a brand-new EV in Utrecht, having the right insurance gives you peace of mind and helps you navigate Dutch roads safely and legally.