Policy conditions: how to read them and find them again
The policy conditions determine what happens when there is a claim. On this page you can read how such a document is put together, where the exclusions are and how to find the right version.
- Several insurers compared objectively
- 9.5 customer rating for a new policy
- AFM licence 12016589
- Personal 072 - 509 24 56, weekdays 9–17
This page in another language: Nederlands · Deutsch · Українська · 中文
The calculator and the quote form below are in Dutch. Prefer to do this in English? Email info@finassverzekert.nl or call 072 - 509 24 56 and we will take it from there.
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
Every set of conditions has a code and a date, and these appear on your policy schedule. Only that version applies to your insurance. A newer version on the insurer's website does not automatically apply to existing policies. So keep the policy schedule and the conditions together. Alongside the conditions there is the insurance card (verzekeringskaart): a standardised two-page summary. That card is a reading aid and not a contract; where they differ, the conditions prevail.
The structure is the same at virtually every company. First the definitions, where terms such as insured, event, market value and replacement value as new are defined. Then the cover clause, which states positively what is insured. Next the exclusions, which narrow the cover again. Finally the obligations in the event of a claim, premium payment, the term and the cancellation arrangements. Always read those four parts together: the cover clause alone gives too favourable a picture.
Above everything else stand the clauses on the policy schedule. A clause can limit cover, such as a prevention requirement for locks or an inspection obligation, or in fact extend it. In the usual order of precedence, the policy schedule and clauses take priority over the specific conditions, and those in turn over the general conditions; check the precedence provision in your own documents, because the wording differs. You can read about our own terms of service under general terms and conditions.
This page deals with one situation. The full overview is on Compare personal liability insurance (AVP).
Personal advice, not a call centre
Finass Verzekert is a licensed, independent firm. You get one advisor who knows your situation — including the moment a claim actually happens and it matters most.
Advice
Personal
ClaimsWhy 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.
What to look for in the document
Four passages that make the difference at claim time and that are often skipped.
The exclusions at the back
Almost every policy excludes intent and recklessness out, which Article 7:952 of the Dutch Civil Code expressly permits. Alongside that, war risks and nuclear reactions recur, as does damage caused by earthquake and flood. A fourth category is wear and tear, inherent defect and deferred maintenance: that is not a sudden, unforeseen event and therefore falls outside cover.
How the loss is valued
Look up the provision on the extent of the loss. Does the insurer reimburse replacement value as new, market value or repair costs, and at what age of the item does that switch over? Here Article 7:960 of the Dutch Civil Codealso comes into play: the payout may not put you in a clearly better position. A sum insured that is too low leads to a proportionately lower payout.
Your obligations when there is a claim
The conditions prescribe within what period and in what way you must report a claim, which documents you must supply and that you must limit the damage. Article 7:941 of the Dutch Civil Code requires notification as soon as you are reasonably aware of it. If you do not cooperate, or report so late that the insurer is prejudiced as a result, the payout can be reduced.
Changes to premium and conditions
Almost every policy contains an en bloc clause with which the insurer can adjust the premium and conditions for a whole group of policyholders, usually as at the renewal date. You are informed in advance and can cancel the insurance if you do not accept the change. Check what period applies for that. It is stated in the same chapter.
What does your premium depend on?
- Type of cover chosen: wider cover means a higher premium
- Sum insured: the maximum payout per event or per year
- Excess: a higher excess lowers the premium
- Clauses on the policy schedule: prevention requirements can lower the premium
- Risk profile: address, use, age or sector
- Claims history: previous claims count towards acceptance and premium
Insurers weigh these details differently. That is where your saving is.
What is covered
| Situation | Basic | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| Your four-year-old daughter throws a stone through the neighbours' window | Yes | Yes |
| Your dog bites a passer-by in the park | Yes | Yes |
| You drop your neighbour's borrowed drill off the scaffolding | No | Provided that |
| You help an acquaintance move house and damage his parquet floor in the process | Provided that | Yes |
| Your son rides his moped into a parked car | No | No |
| You forget to turn off the tap and the neighbour below has water damage | Yes | Yes |
Which of these two forms applies to you is set out in the cover clause and in the clauses on your policy schedule.
Frequently asked questions
This is what people ask us most.
Where do I find the conditions that apply to my policy?
Your policy schedule states a conditions code with a date or version number. With that code you can find the right document at the insurer. If you are unsure, give us your policy number. We will look up the applicable version and send it to you. Keep the document together with the policy schedule, including after the policy has been renewed.
Which prevails: the insurance card or the conditions?
The conditions. The insurance card (verzekeringskaart) is a standardised summary that gives a quick insight into what is and is not insured, but it does not contain the full exclusions and definitions. Where the card and the conditions differ, the conditions document is decisive, together with the policy schedule and the clauses stated on it.
May the insurer change the conditions during the term?
For a group of policyholders it may, under the en bloc provision, usually as at the renewal date and after notice. For your individual policy, a change can follow from a change of risk you have reported. In both cases you have the right to cancel if you do not accept the new conditions; the period is stated in the conditions.
What happens if I forget to declare something on the application?
The duty of disclosure under Article 7:928 of the Dutch Civil Code requires complete and correct answers to the questions asked. If it turns out afterwards that something is missing, the insurer can, under Article 7:930 of the Dutch Civil Code reduce or refuse payment and terminate the insurance. So report changes during the term as well, such as building work, letting or a different use.
Every situation is different. For these situations we have a separate page.
- About Finass VerzekertThe main page
- Websites and registers you can useRegisters, comparison sites, reliability
- Sitemap: how this website is organisedStructure, audiences, findability
- Useful insurance resources
- Thank you for your applicationConfirmation, acceptance, when cover starts
- How do you know which insurance you have?Policy overview, duplicate cover, gaps in cover
- General terms and conditions Finass Advies B.V.Definitions · liability · complaints route
- Comparing insurance with an independent adviserIndependent advice, conditions, claims support
- Logging in to your insurance filePolicy file, changes, logging in safely