It is obligatory for all cars in the Netherlands to have at least third party liability auto insurance (wettelijke aansprakelijkheid). Other motor insurance: fire, theft, vandalism is optional.

Insurance companies follow a system of bonus/malus (no claims bonus), which means that those with fewer claims pay less than those who have made more claims. Foreign cars may be insured with Dutch insurers/banks if they are registered or in the process of being registered in the Netherlands.

In the event of an accident each person involved must fill in a claim report and send it to their respective insurance company. The form available is the same for each insurance company and it is advised to keep a form in the vehicle at all times. The insurance documents must be carried in the car. 

Insuring a Vehicle

In the Netherlands, the weight of a car will be taken into account when the premium is calculated. Discounts for "no claims" apply, although proof of this will be required in the form of a previous insurance document. Unlike in some other EU states, a person must be a resident of the Netherlands to purchase auto insurance.

Drivers are free to choose their own insurer.

• For a list of members (leden) of the Dutch Association of Insurers (Verbond van Verzekeraars): Click here

In the Netherlands it is mandatory to insure vehicles at least for third party liability. The owner of the car insures the vehicle and is held responsible, irrespective of the driver. There are three options for insuring a vehicle in the Netherlands.

1. Third party/liability (Wettelijke Aansprakelijkheidsverzekering/WA): obligatory insurance covering damage to third parties
2. Restricted comprehensive cover (WA + mini casco): covers damages such as fire, explosions, lightning, theft, storm and broken windscreens
3. Comprehensive cover (Casco/Volledig casco): contains restricted comprehensive cover and claims on damage by collision and damage caused by violence

Documents needed by insurer

• driving licence
• passport
• the car’s registration documents
• any relevant customs paperwork, should the car come from outside the EU

What the insurer should provide

• policy
• European accident statement form
• green card

How to make a claim

Contact the broker's claim call centre. When calling it is important to have the policy number to hand as well as details of the event (damage or accident and contact details of any other drivers and cars involved). Submit the completed claim form; in the Netherlands there is no time deadline.

The Green Card and its Uses

Any car on Dutch roads registered outside the Netherlands must display the Green Card showing adherence to the Green Card insurance system.

A Green Card is not obligatory when travelling in the Netherlands but it serves as internationally recognised proof of insurance and it makes it easier to claim compensation should an accident occur. If a Green Card is not displayed, the certificate of insurance should be carried at all times. 

EU rules make it easier for road accident victims outside their own country to get compensation. This applies not only to accidents that happen in the EU but also those between two EU parties in a country outside the EU belonging to the green card system. Further improvements were agreed in 2005 to make it easier for drivers to take out and claim on insurance and to improve the protection of accident victims by setting higher minimum amounts for personal injury and damage to property.

The green card system currently covers 44 countries and is managed by an association of insurers. The Council of Bureaux website gives further details about the green card system and its objectives.

• For further information on motor insurance within the EU: Click here

Further Information

• The Dutch Department of Road Transport (RDW)  provides useful information, in English, for those wishing to bring a car into the Netherlands 
• AngloINFO INFOrmation page on Accidents in the Netherlands
• AngloINFO INFOrmation page on the Green Card System
• AngloINFO INFOrmation page on Driving in the Netherlands
• AngloINFO INFOrmation page on Vehicle Roadworthiness in the Netherlands

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