Insurance coverages
Selecting the right car insurance coverage depends on the value of your car, its age, and the risks you want to cover. Understanding the key differences between these coverages is essential in making an informed decision.
Third-Party Liability - Mandatory minimum coverage
By law, every car in the Netherlands must be insured with at least a Third-Party Liability (WA) insurance. This coverage only pays for damages caused to other people, vehicles, or property. However, it does not cover any damages to your own car. This type of insurance is generally recommended for older cars with low market value.
What is covered?
- Damage to other vehicles
- Injury to third parties (medical costs, compensation claims)
- Damage to property caused by your car
What is not covered?
- Damage to your own vehicle
- Theft, vandalism, or natural disasters affecting your car
Third-Party Liability + Limited cover
This insurance includes Third-Party Liability coverage and provides additional protection for specific damages that are not your fault. It is often chosen for cars that are a few years old and still have a reasonable market value.
What is covered?
- Everything covered under Third-Party Liability
- Theft or attempted theft
- Fire damage
- Storm and natural disaster damage (e.g., hail, flooding)
- Broken windows and windshield replacement
- Collisions with animals
What is not covered?
- Damage to your own car due to an accident caused by yourself
- Vandalism (unless related to theft)
Third-Party Liability + Comprehensive cover
This is the most extensive coverage available and is typically recommended for new or relatively new cars. It includes everything covered by WA Beperkt Casco, along with coverage for almost all damages to your own car, regardless of who is at fault.
What is covered?
- Everything included in Limited Cover
- Damage to your own car due to an accident (even if you are at fault)
- Vandalism
- Damage caused by unknown third parties (hit-and-run cases)
What is not covered?
- Intentional damage
- Mechanical breakdown or wear and tear
Choosing the right coverage
With the two extended coverages, you can also choose your excess or deductible. This is the amount you need to pay yourself with any claim that you make to the insurance. Most insurance companies offer you a specific amount for excess, but in most cases you can adapt this amount to lower your premium.
The insurance coverage that's best for your situation depends on your car and the damages that you want to cover. The best coverage in general depends on the age and value of your car, but of course your preference can vary depending on your own situation:
- Cars older than 10 years - Third-party liability only
- Cars between 5 and 10 years of age - Limited cover
- New or fairly new cars (0-5 years of age) - Comprehensive cover