Buildings insurance (opstalverzekering) in English

The Dutch text is the legally valid text

If you receive an English summary or translation, that is an explanation. In a dispute, what is looked at is the Dutch policy conditions and the Dutch policy schedule. So have it explained to you in advance what it says about the sum insured, the form of cover and the exclusions. An English term that means something else in the United Kingdom does not change the Dutch cover.

Subsidence is precisely what is not covered in the Netherlands

British buildings insurance often does cover subsidence, subsidence. Dutch buildings policies exclude it structurally: subsidence, foundation damage and pile rot are not covered, not even after a dry summer. The same applies to damage caused by deferred maintenance, wear and design faults and by vermin, mould and slowly penetrating damp. This is the difference that surprises expats most often.

Sum insured here means rebuild value

In the Netherlands the sum insured is based on the rebuild value, set with a rebuild value calculator or a valuation, not on the purchase price or the WOZ value. If that sum has been set correctly, the insurer usually gives a guarantee against underinsurance. For an unusual property, a valuation under Article 7:960 of the Dutch Civil Code the value for a fixed period.

Article 7:960 of the Dutch Civil Code

The duty of disclosure applies here too

When taking out the insurance you must answer the insurer's questions truthfully: the duty of disclosure under Article 7:928 of the Dutch Civil Code. Think of letting, room occupancy, a business at home, vacancy and claims history. A breach can reduce the payment or cause it to lapse (Article 7:930 of the Dutch Civil Code). You report a claim as soon as reasonably possible, as set out in Article 7:941 of the Dutch Civil Code requires.