Does home contents insurance (inboedelverzekering) have an excess?

How it works

The excess applies per event. Two separate claims in a year means bearing that amount twice.

Some policies have a different amount per section, for instance higher for storm or water damage.

Where it sometimes falls away

With glass damage there is often no excess. It can also fall away where a third party is liable and the cost is successfully recovered.

That is stated on your policy schedule. It differs greatly from insurer to insurer.

How to choose

A higher excess brings the premium down noticeably. Choose an amount you can can do without any difficulty at the moment something happens.

Do the sums: if a five hundred euro excess saves you thirty euros of premium a year, you only get that back after a good fifteen claim-free years.

For small claims

If the damage is just above your excess, claiming gains you little. Always report it, but work out whether pursuing the claim is worth it.