There are two separate home insurances in the Netherlands. Contents insurance (inboedelverzekering) covers your belongings: furniture, clothes, electronics, bicycles at home. Building insurance (opstalverzekering) covers the building itself: walls, roof, floors, fixed kitchen and bathroom.
Tenants need contents insurance only. Home owners need both – and a mortgage lender will require the building insurance.
Typical events that are covered
- Fire, smoke, lightning and explosion
- Storm damage and water damage from a burst pipe
- Burglary and vandalism
- With extended cover (all risks): accidental damage, for example a dropped laptop
Usually not covered
- Wear and tear, and slow damage like damp
- Theft without signs of break-in, depending on the policy
- Expensive items above the policy limit – jewellery, cameras, bikes away from home
Tenant or owner?
Tenant
Contents insurance + liability insurance. That is usually all you need for your home.
Owner of a house
Building + contents insurance. Your lender asks for proof of building insurance.
Owner of an apartment
The VvE insures the building. You insure contents and your own improvements.
Furnished rental
The furniture belongs to the landlord – you insure only your own belongings.
Questions
I rent. Do I need building insurance?
No. The owner insures the building. As a tenant you only need contents insurance for your own belongings.
I bought an apartment. Who insures the building?
Usually the owners’ association (VvE) insures the whole building. You insure your own contents and, if you changed the kitchen or bathroom, check whether those improvements are covered.
Does my mortgage lender require building insurance?
Yes – Dutch mortgage lenders require that the house is insured against fire and other damage.
What is “underinsurance”?
If your contents are worth more than the insured amount, the insurer may pay only part of a claim. Many insurers offer a guarantee against underinsurance when you use their value calculator.
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.