This is how you choose the best car insurance in the Netherlands in 5 steps

1. Car insurance

Car insurance may sound like a formality, but it is mandatory in the Netherlands. And not without reason. It protects you from financial misery for example, if you cause an accident. Imagine you accidentally bump into someone and then have to pay all the costs yourself. Not really a nice idea, right?

There are different types of car insurance you can consider. The basis is third party liability insurance, which covers the damage you cause to others with your car. But be careful, your own car is not insured. If you want a little more security, the WA Plus is an option. In addition to damage to others, this also covers things such as theft or window damage. And if you really want to cover everything, then go for All-risk insurance. This also covers damage to your own car, even if it is your own fault.

So, whether you have a brand new car or have been driving around in the same old car for years, good car insurance is important essential. It gives you the peace of mind that you are well covered, no matter what happens. Take the time to see which insurance suits you and your car best. Because honestly, you don't want to be faced with any surprises, do you?

2. Third Party Insurance

Third-party liability insurance, or Third Party Liability Insurance, is mandatory in the Netherlands for everyone who owns a car. It's the most basic form of car insurance and only covers the damage you cause to others with your car. So imagine you accidentally bump into someone's nice new car. With third party liability insurance you don't have to worry about the costs of repairing that other car. However, your own damage is not covered.

Why would you choose only third party insurance? Well, it's often the cheapest option. If you have an old car that is not worth much anymore, it may be smart to only have this coverage. This way you save on your monthly costs. But be careful, if you damage yourself, you will be responsible for the costs. So it's a bit of a trade-off between risk and costs.

Think carefully about whether third-party liability insurance suits your situation. Do you have an older car and don't want to pay too much? Then this might be the right choice for you.

3 . WA Plus

The WA Plus insurance, also known as Limited Casco, is a step further than the standard third party insurance. While third party liability insurance only covers damage you cause to others, third party liability insurance offers extra protection for your own car. This means that you are covered for damage caused by theft, fire and window damage, for example.

Imagine you get to your car in the morning and see that a heavy hailstorm has cracked the window. With WA Plus insurance you don't have to worry about that. Or what if your car is stolen? This insurance also comes in handy then. It is a kind of middle ground between basic third-party liability coverage and comprehensive All-risk insurance.

The nice thing about WA Plus insurance is that it gives you that little bit of extra peace of mind without having to pay the main price right away. Especially for cars that are no longer brand new but still have a decent value, this can be a smart choice. You get more coverage than with a simple third party insurance policy, but you pay less than with an Allrisk policy.

Keep in mind that exact coverage may vary from insurer to insurer, so it's always a good idea to read the fine print before making a decision. But all in all, if you want that little bit of extra security without the full All-risk price, WA Plus is definitely worth considering.

4. All-risk Insurance

All-risk insurance, also known as complete airframe, is the most comprehensive coverage you can get for your car. Imagine: you accidentally hit a post or a shopping cart rolls into your car. With All-risk insurance you are not only insured against damage to others, but also against damage to your own car. That's a nice feeling, isn't it? It is good to know that this coverage is often more expensive than other options. But for many people, that extra peace of mind is completely worth it.

This insurance is especially advisable if you have a new or expensive car. Because let's be honest, a scratch on your new car is annoying enough without having to worry about the costs. Of course, you should always read the fine print. Sometimes there are exceptions, such as damage caused intentionally or driving under the influence. So, if you want the certainty that you are well covered, comprehensive insurance is definitely worth considering.

5. Premium comparison

Comparing premiums is a bit like looking for the best deal on a holiday. You don't want to pay too much, but you also don't want your insurance to let you down when you really need it. Premiums can vary enormously between different insurers, and that is why it is smart to regularly make a comparison. It's not just the price that counts, but also what you get in return. Consider the coverage and conditions. Sometimes a cheap premium seems attractive, but if you look at what is not covered, it can become expensive if something happens.

It is also important to look at your deductible. A higher deductible usually means a lower premium, but that also means that you will have to pay more yourself if something happens. And don't forget to look for any discounts, such as a no-claim discount. The more claim-free years you have, the higher the discount you can receive.

So, take the time to compare carefully and make sure you pay attention not only to the price, but also to the quality of the insurance. It can save you a lot of hassle and money.

6. Coverage

When choosing car insurance, it's all about the right coverage. But what exactly does that mean? Well, simply put, coverage is what your insurance does for you when something goes wrong. And trust me, you don't want to be without it when the time comes.

You have different types of coverage. The most well-known is third party liability insurance, which is required by law. This covers damage you cause to others, but not to your own car. Do you have an older car and don't want to pay too much? Then this might be the one best choice.

Then you also have WA Plus, also called limited airframe. This one offers just a little more. Imagine your car is stolen or damaged in a storm. With WA Plus you are insured against this. And if you want to go one step further, there is comprehensive insurance. It covers almost everything, even if you make a mistake yourself. Handy, right?

It is important to think carefully about which coverage suits you. Choose coverage that suits your situation and the value of your car. After all, you do not want to pay more than necessary, but you do want to be well insured. So, take a good look at what you need and make a smart choice!

7. Deductible

The deductible for car insurance is an amount that you pay yourself in the event of damage before the insurer reimburses the rest. It may sound a bit like a gamble, but it can significantly reduce your monthly premium. Imagine you have a minor accident and there is some damage to the interior. Your deductible is 300 euros. This means that you pay the 300 euros yourself and the insurance company pays the rest. Sounds simple, right? But here's the catch: the higher your deductible, the lower your premium. So if you think you are a good driver and do not have damage that often, it may be smart to opt for a higher deductible. But be careful, if you do have damage, it can be tough to swallow if you have to cough up that amount yourself. So it's a matter of weighing things up and seeing what works best for you. You may or may not be a risk taker. It just depends on what you like.

8. Claim-free years

What are claim-free years?

Claim-free years are a kind of reward for safe driving. The more years you drive without damage, the higher your car insurance discount can be. This is also called a no-claim discount. The idea is simple: if you don't claim damage, you are probably a safe driver, and insurers want to reward that.

How do you build up claim-free years?

Every time you drive a year without damage, you get an additional damage-free year. But be careful, if you do claim damage, that number can drop significantly. So it is sometimes smarter to pay for minor damages yourself instead of making a claim. This way you keep your accrued years and therefore your discount.

Why are claim-free years important?

Claim-free years can save you a lot of money on your premium. The more years you have, the higher the discount. It can even be up to 80% discount with some insurers. This can result in significant savings, especially if you drive without any damage for years.

What happens in the event of a damage claim?

With a claim for damages you often lose several claim-free years. The exact number varies per insurer, but you could easily fall back six years. This not only means that your discount will be lower, but also that your premium will increase. That is why it is always good to consider whether it is worth making a claim.

Transfer claim-free years to a new insurer

If you switch to another insurer, you can take your claim-free years with you. That's nice, because you worked hard for it. Make sure you have a cancellation certificate, which is a document in which your claim-free years are officially recorded. You can request this from your current insurer and give it to your new insurer.

9. Customer reviews

Ever thought you could just take out insurance without first checking what others think? Well, that's not so smart. Customer reviews are truly a gold mine when you're looking for the best car insurance. It's like getting a behind-the-scenes look at customer service and the reliability of the insurer. Customer reviews can really help you make an informed choice.

Of course, you not only want to know how good the insurance is when you take out it, but especially how they will deal with you if you have damage. Because let's be honest, that's what it's all about in the end. An insurer can say that they are the best, but the real test only comes when you need them. And that's where those assessments come into play again. They tell you exactly how an insurer handles claims, how quickly they respond and whether they are really as helpful as they claim.

So, before you sign that deal and spend your hard-earned money on a premium, take a quick look at those customer reviews. It can save you a lot of frustration when it comes down to it. Real, take those few minutes to read what others have to say. It's like asking a friend for advice, but with hundreds of friends at the same time.

10. Additional Coverage

Imagine you are standing along the highway with a flat tire or you have just had a collision. At times like these you are happy if you have extra insurance. That's where additional coverage comes into play. In addition to the standard WA, WA Plus, or Allrisk insurance, you can opt for additional options that make driving even more carefree.

A popular choice is the roadside assistance cover. This will provide you with assistance if you have a breakdown along the road. Whether you have a flat tire or your car simply won't start, help is quickly on its way. And then there is the passenger insurance. This not only covers damage to items in your car, but also any personal injury to you and your passengers. A comforting thought, right?

Legal expenses insurance is also useful. Imagine that you find yourself in a legal conflict after an accident. With this coverage you are not alone and you will receive the necessary legal support. Finally, if you often go on holiday by car, travel insurance with car cover can be smart. This way you are also well protected abroad.

So, look carefully at what you need and what suits your driving style. Extra coverage can make a world of difference when push comes to shove.

When choosing insurance it is important to think about additional coverage. This can help you be better protected against unexpected costs. Would you like to know more about what we can do for you? Then visit our website quickly!

Conclusion

Choosing the right car insurance in the Netherlands can be a challenge, but with the right steps it becomes a lot easier. By comparing carefully, looking critically at the coverage and taking your own situation into account, you can find an insurance policy that suits you. Remember to review your policy regularly as your car and your needs change over time. Whether you choose a WA, WA Plus or Allrisk, make sure you make a well-considered choice. This way you can drive on the road with peace of mind, knowing that you are properly insured.