If you own a car with a Dutch registration, third-party insurance (WA) is required by law. It pays for damage you cause to other people and their property with your car. It does not pay for damage to your own car.
On top of WA you can choose more cover. Which level makes sense depends mainly on the value and age of your car.
Three levels
- WA (third party): required minimum – damage to others.
- WA+ / limited casco: also theft, fire, storm, hail, window damage and collisions with animals.
- All risk / full casco: also damage to your own car when you cause an accident. Usually for new or valuable cars.
What sets your premium
- Your age and how long you have had your licence
- Your claim-free years (no-claim)
- The car, where you live and how many kilometres you drive
Source: the RDW checks insurance for every registered vehicle – rdw.nl.
Before you buy a car
Check the premium first
A cheap car can be expensive to insure. Ask a quote before you buy.
Insure on day one
The insurance must start the moment the car is in your name.
Lease car?
With private lease, insurance is often included. Read what the own risk is.
Bring your history
A letter from your previous insurer about claim-free years can lower your premium.
Questions
Is car insurance required in the Netherlands?
Yes. Every car registered in the Netherlands must have at least third-party (WA) insurance – also when it is only parked on a public road. The only exception is a car that is officially suspended (geschorst) at the RDW.
What if my car is not insured?
The RDW checks every day. An uninsured car gets a fine of €509 (2026), up to twice a year. After an accident without insurance you pay all damage to others yourself.
Do my claim-free years from abroad count?
Sometimes. Some insurers accept a claims history statement from your previous insurer abroad. Ask for one in English before you leave your home country.
Can I drive here with my foreign licence?
That depends on your licence and residence. Check this before you insure the car – insurers may ask which licence you hold.
123 Insurance gives general information and refers you to licensed insurers and advisers. We are not an insurer, we do not sell policies and we do not give personal insurance advice. Amounts are for 2026 unless stated otherwise – always check the official source and your policy conditions.