Valuation in advance
- A report from a recognised valuer
- Valid for an agreed period
- Name any accessories fitted
- Send photographs of the condition
Insuring an American car
American cars rarely fit an insurer's standard box. The year of manufacture, import status and the question of how easily parts can be obtained determine what is possible.
- several insurers compared objectively
- 9.5 customer rating for a new policy
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- Personal 072 - 509 24 56, weekdays 9–17
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Work out for yourself what it would cost.
Enter your details; you will receive a proposal within one working day.
- We compare the offerings of several insurers
- An adviser checks whether the cover suits your situation
- We arrange the switch, including cancellation
A premium indication, not personal advice. Prefer to talk it through? Call 072 - 509 24 56.
- Independent advice
- Several insurers
- Switching arranged
- Help with claims
In brief
Whether it is a pick-up, a muscle car or a modern SUV from the United States, the Third-party liability cover is compulsory as soon as the registration is in your name, under Article 2 of the Dutch Motor Insurance Liability Act (WAM). Above that you choose third-party, fire and theft or comprehensive cover. The sticking point is rarely liability, but own-damage cover: on what basis is the car settled after damage or theft?
For an imported or rare car the usual market value rule is unsuitable. There is no Dutch price list showing a realistic value, and the insurer will then work with a figure you do not recognise. The answer is a valuation report by a recognised valuer. Under Article 7:960 of the Dutch Civil Code the value is then fixed for an agreed period, so that within that period the insurer cannot fall back on a lower figure.
Also note the parts. Repairing an American car often takes longer because parts have to come from the US, and not every repairer works with them. Some policies only pay for repairs at an approved bodyshop. Ask in advance, therefore, whether free choice of garage is allowed. See also why a standard policy falls short on an unusual car.
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Three points that shape your policy
With an American car it comes down to how the value is set, how the car is used and who drives it.
Mileage and where it is kept
Limited use and secure storage lower the risk.
- Often a mileage band per year
- Locked storage as a condition
- Sometimes no cover in winter
- Commuting must be declared separately
Parts and garage
Delivery times and free choice of garage matter more here than usual.
- Check for free choice of repairer
- Longer delivery times from the US
- Arrange a replacement vehicle separately
- Used parts sometimes permitted
What is covered
| Situation | Without a valuation | With a valuation report |
|---|---|---|
| Settlement on the basis of a figure agreed in advance | No | Yes |
| Argument about the market value after a theft | Yes | No |
| Including accessories that have been fitted | Provided that | Yes |
| Acceptance of an imported car with no Dutch history | Provided that | Provided that |
| Damage during a speed event or drag race | No | No |
| Wear, rust and deferred maintenance | No | No |
What is actually covered, including exclusions, limits and the excess, is set out in the policy conditions and the insurance card (verzekeringskaart) that you receive before you take out cover.
What does your premium depend on?
- Insured value: market value or valued amount
- Year of manufacture and model type: youngtimer, classic or modern
- Engine size and power: large engines count against you
- Annual mileage and storage: limited use lowers the premium
- No-claims years: from Roy-data, and they move with you when you switch
- Type of cover and excess: third-party liability, third-party, fire and theft, or comprehensive
Insurers weigh these details differently. That is where your saving is.
How we arrange it
- You request a quoteWe take stock of your situation, risk and wishes.
- We compareseveral insurers, on premium as well as conditions.
- You receive a proposalWith an explanation of the differences and the exclusions.
- We arrange the switchIncluding cancellation, so there is no gap in cover.
Why arrange it through Finass Verzekert?
We look at the terms as well as the premium, and stay your point of contact when there is a claim.
Independent
We are not tied to one insurer and compare on the basis of an objective analysis of several companies.
One fixed adviser
You call or email someone who knows your file. No menu options, no changing call centres.
Switching without hassle
We cancel your old policy and align the start date, so you are never a day without cover.
Help with claims
We report the claim and monitor how it is handled. In urgent cases you can reach us on the emergency line.
9.5New policy
9.8Claims handling
Customers rate our service on four aspects: personal service, service delivery, availability and the outcome. The reviews are collected and published by NH1816 and come from customers who have actually taken out a policy with Finass Advies B.V. or reported a claim.
What to watch for when importing
Two points that most often lead to a refusal or a low payout on American cars.
Declare that it is an import
A car of American origin, with converted lighting or an altered odometer, differs from the standard model in an insurer's systems. When the policy is taken out, the duty of disclosure under Article 7:928 of the Dutch Civil Code: you pass on what you know about origin, modifications and use. If it turns out afterwards that the car is not as described, the insurer may reduce or refuse the payout under Article 7:930 of the Dutch Civil Code. Also mention engine swaps, LPG installations and modified suspension.
What no car policy covers
Even with wide own-damage cover, standard exclusions remain. Not covered are damage from wear, rust, or faults in construction or materials, damage during speed and manoeuvring events or training for them, and damage where the driver no valid driving licence or was under the influence. Intent and recklessness are excluded under Article 7:952 of the Dutch Civil Code. Damage that arises because a repair was left too long and the fault worsened is likewise at your own expense.
Frequently asked questions
This is what people ask us most.
Is an American car more expensive to insure?
Often, but not always. Large engines, high repair costs and scarce parts push up the risk. Set against that, many American cars cover few kilometres and are kept in locked storage, which brings the premium down. What decides it is which insurer accepts this type of car and on what basis the value is set. A comparison on your particular car gives the answer.
What is a valuation report and how long is it valid?
A recognised valuer describes the car and sets its value. If the insurer adopts that report, then under Article 7:960 of the Dutch Civil Code the value is fixed for an agreed period. Within that period the insurer cannot fall back on a lower figure. Once it expires, you fall back on market value, so have the valuation renewed in good time.
Can I insure a car on American plates in the Netherlands?
For use on Dutch roads you generally need a Dutch registration, and with it Dutch insurance. As long as the car is not yet registered, cover is limited to transport and storage and does not extend to driving on public roads. Arrange the registration and third-party cover before the first journey; driving uninsured brings a fine and personal liability.
Are modifications and accessories included in the cover?
Only if you declare them and they appear on the policy or in the valuation. Think of wheels, audio, chrome work, a modified exhaust or a lift kit. As standard, a limited amount often applies to accessories. Modifications that change the power or handling may also affect acceptance; put them forward beforehand rather than after a claim.
Every situation is different. For these situations we have a separate page.
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Read more
Within Autoverzekering
An American car on the policy?
Request a quote without obligation. We will look for the insurers that accept this type of car.
Prefer to call? 072 - 509 24 56, weekdays 09:00–17:00.
Claim on the road? Emergency line 06 - 55 20 40 72.
About our service
Finass Verzekert is a trading name of Finass Advies B.V. We advise on and arrange non-life insurance on the basis of an objective analysis of several insurers, and receive commission for this from the insurer, which is included in the premium. You pay no separate advice fee. Before you take out cover, we establish your wishes and needs.
You will find our licence, KvK and Kifid details and our complaints procedure at the foot of every page.
This page was compiled by Finass Verzekert (LinkedIn). Last updated on .
The information on this page is general in nature and is not personal advice.