Liability insurance (aansprakelijkheidsverzekering, often called AVP) pays when you, your partner or your children accidentally damage someone else’s property or injure someone. Think of a phone knocked off a table, a bicycle scratching a parked car, or water leaking from your washing machine into the downstairs neighbour’s home.
It is not required, but it is one of the cheapest insurances in the Netherlands – usually a few euros a month – and one claim can cost thousands. For newcomers it is one of the first policies to arrange.
Usually covered
- Damage to other people’s things or injury to others, caused by accident
- Damage caused by your children or your pet
- Legal costs to defend you against a claim
Usually not covered
- Damage you cause on purpose
- Damage with a motor vehicle
- Damage to your own things
- Damage in your work or business
What to check
Insured amount
Policies usually cover €1.25 or €2.5 million per claim. Choose the higher amount.
Own risk
Some policies have an own risk for damage to property. Lower is easier.
Rented things
Damage to the home you rent or a borrowed item is often limited. Check it.
Combine
Insurers often give a discount when you combine liability with contents insurance.
Questions
Is liability insurance required?
No, it is not required by law. But under Dutch law you pay for damage you cause to others – and that can be very expensive. That is why most households in the Netherlands have it.
Does it cover damage to my rented home?
Often only partly. Many policies exclude damage to things you rent or borrow, or cover it with a limit. Read the conditions on “huurdersaansprakelijkheid” if this matters to you.
Who is covered?
With a family policy: you, your partner and your children living at home. A single policy is cheaper if you live alone.
Does it cover my car or my work?
No. Damage with a car is covered by your car insurance. Damage you cause in your work is for your employer’s insurance or, if you are self-employed, a business liability insurance.
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.