Legal liability

Legal liability applies when damage is caused by a person to another person or their property. To cover you against legal liability, there are different types of insurance policies, depending on your situation.

More about liability ➜Types of insurance ➜
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Hold someone liable for damage

Has someone caused damage to you or your property? To gain compensation from that person to cover the costs of the damage, you need to hold that person accountable and this is completed through liability. How do you hold a person accountable for an accident or injury that you have suffered? Does there need to be a registered letter? Do you need to hire a lawyer? Read more here about how to hold someone liable.

Hold someone liable →Download example letter →
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If you have caused damage to someone else, then you can be held liable for it. This can happen whether you are a private individual or a business owner. No matter the reason behind the damage, or the type of damage caused, you need to know what comes next. If you admit liability you must compensate for the damage. Your first stop should be to seek legal advice or speak with your liability insurer.

When am I liable? →
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Third-party liability insurance (WA)

WA third-party liability insurance is mandatory in the Netherlands, the minimum level of vehicle insurance that is required for any person who owns a vehicle. This type of insurance covers any damage caused by your car to other parties, including damage to other vehicles, other property, and injuries caused to other people.

Third party liability insurance (WA) →
woman calling her third-party liability insurance (WA)

Liability insurance (AVP)

There are many different ways in which damage and injury can occur and that you are at fault and liable to cover the costs. For example, if someone is injured and it is your fault, or if you accidentally knock over an expensive item in a store and damage it beyond repair, both of these things could be covered by private liability insurance (AVP).

Liability insurance (AVP) →

Business liability insurance (AVB)

Coverage for those people who cause damage whilst working for a company in a professional capacity. Liability for private individuals (AVP) only covers damage caused as a private individual, during free time, and away from professional activities. Business liability covers damage caused to other people and property by business.

Business liability insurance →

Professional indemnity/liability insurance (BAV)

It is natural for mistakes to be made, in all walks of life. Sometimes it can’t be helped. In some professions though, a small mistake can have massive consequences. A customer can hold you liable for damage and it could be very expensive. To find a solution for such a problem you should take out professional liability insurance.

Professional liability insurance →

Liability insurance for self-employed people (zzp)

This insurance for entrepreneurs covers against damage caused during work or an assignment. Professional liability insurance is also a necessity for a self-employed person, especially for those working in an advisory role, such as an engineer or an architect. It insures against financial damage caused by professional errors.

Liability insurance for self-employed people →

Accident insurance

An accident is something that you shouldn't have to worry about happening to you or someone in your family. Yet every year about a high number of people are involved in a traffic accident, and another set of people have to deal with a (fatal) accident at work. These are times when accident insurance is a good insurance to have, helping you to cover often high costs.

Accident insurance →
man sitting before his car after accident

Motorcycle insurance

Do you like to get the leathers on and head out onto the open road on your motorbike? The freedom you feel when out on your bike needs the balance of coverage should you be involved in, or cause an, accident when you’re out on the road. Motorcycle insurance is mandatory in the Netherlands, with different coverage levels available to choose from.

Motorcycle insurance →
Woman touring her insured motorcycle

Disability Insurance (AOV)

Disability insurance (AOV insurance) is an insurance policy that covers the risk of disability. In the event of incapacity for work due to illness, accident or disability, a benefit is granted for a certain period. The occupational disability insurance is strongly aimed at the self-employed, independent professionals and director-major shareholders, but people in employment are also eligible within occupational disability insurance. 

Disability Insurance →
Woman signing her disability insurance contract (AOV)

Car insurance

Do you own a car or are you thinking of buying one? If yes, you are obliged to take out car insurance. What exactly does car insurance entail? What is covered by a car insurance policy? And what other insurance policies could you take out alongside it. The answers to these and other questions can be found on this car insurance page.

Car insurance →
Broken car that is covered by the car insurance

Home insurance

Home insurance is an umbrella term that covers a range of insurance policies that relate to your home, whether you are a homeowner or you rent. A homeowner can take out buildings and contents insurance separately, but in some cases, it makes more sense to opt for home insurance to cover all areas and potentially gain a discount from the insurer.

Home insurance →

Building Insurance

Buildings insurance covers the structure of the home, including walls, floors, roof, and permanent fixtures. Fortunately, most Dutch owners take out home insurance. Yet it often goes wrong. For example, many homeowners pay too much for their home insurance or do not report renovations.

Building Insurance →

Household contents Insurance

This covers damage to contents in your home as a result of a number of unexpected events. It covers everything that isn’t nailed down in the home. Some items, such as business contents, garden furniture, motor vehicles, and fitted fixtures are not included.

Household contents Insurance →

Articles about liability and damages

death and liability

Death and Liability

There is a lot to consider when a death occurs. Read more about different aspects of death and liability, including liability of a perpetrator to those who have made mistakes leading to death.

Read more

owner that is held liable for it's pets

Legal liability for damage caused by pets

There is a lot to consider when a death occurs. Read more about different aspects of death and liability, including liability of a perpetrator to those who have made mistakes leading to death.

Read more

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)about insurance

To be able to provide everyone with a correct answer we have listed the most frequently asked questions. Unfortunately, WA.nl cannot provide personal advice. That is why we limit ourselves to general, public information about insurance.

What is insurance?

Insurance allows policyholders to cover a certain risk. The most important feature of insurance is risk spreading. This means that the insured person chooses to pay a premium so that several people bear the risk and if something happens, the insurer will absorb the damage. Insurance is a valid option in many scenarios. There are a lot of people who would like to be insured against fire or theft, for example. The same applies to driving: a car is often expensive and it is too expensive to replace the car yourself in the event of a total loss. That's why we take out car insurance. Most people also insure themselves because they do not have the financial resources at their disposal to finance risks themselves.

What is an insurance company?

When we talk about an insurance company or an insurer, we mean a company that covers risks for consumers or business users. This is a financial service that commits itself to paying out claims for a monthly premium. The insurer has money in cash because many people take out insurance, but not everyone has a claim. An insurance company must have a license from the Dutch Central Bank (DNB) and maintain licenses from the Netherlands Authority for the Financial Markets (AFM). License registers can be found on the DNB and AFM websites.

How can you save money on insurance?

Saving money on insurance can be straightforward. Many people double insure or over-insure. That gives a safety net of coverage, but it is often a waste of money. If you want to save money, it is better to take another look at your insurance policies and find out which insurance is too expensive or unnecessary. Too expensive insurance can be replaced by cheaper insurance. In some cases, the policy conditions and coverage are virtually the same, so always compare for the best price. Alongside this, there is often overlap in different insurance policies. As a result, the insured person pays twice for the same risk. That is why it is wise to read the coverage carefully and make sure you are not paying too much.

Why compare insurance?

Comparing insurance policies could save you money. Comparing is the best way to see which insurance policies are actually too expensive or unnecessary. In addition, it provides insight into insurance premiums. It is important to first look carefully at your own situation and take out the necessary insurance. You can compare several insurance policies online, such as car insurance, liability insurance and travel insurance.

Why do I have to pay policy costs?

Premium and policy costs are not the same thing. The policy costs are the costs for drawing up the policy. These costs are always in addition to the premium. Almost all consumers have insurance where the premium must be paid monthly. It may also be the case that policy costs have to be paid every month. Anyone who chooses to pay the entire premium per year will pay a one-off policy charge which the insurer often gives a discount for. The costs may differ between insurers, so always include the policy costs, in addition to the premium and coverage, in the comparison.

Is expensive insurance better than cheap insurance?

The most expensive insurance is not always the best option, but neither is the cheapest insurance. Anyone who wants to save would do well not only to look at the monthly premium. Look at what you really need and then determine whether or not the premium is too high. Make a selection from the insurance policies you come across that suit you the best. Once you have made an overview, start comparing the cheapest insurance policies, but please pay attention to the policy conditions. Sometimes a slightly more expensive insurance policy is the best (and cheaper in the long-term) option for your specific situation.

What does over- or underinsurance mean?

Underinsurance is the amount by which someone is insured below the actual value of the object. This is where less compensation will be paid than the value of the actual damage. With overinsurance, the insured amount is higher than the actual value of the object. This is not a good idea, because a higher amount than the actual damage is never paid out, as you will then pay a higher premium for the insured object.

Which insurance is best to for me?

Insurance websites often get asked the same question: 'What is the best insurance?' This is a difficult question to answer, because the best insurance is relative. It depends on your own wishes and preferences. For example, pay attention to what insurance you need specifically, what/how much should be covered, what the maximum premium is and whether you have a preference for a particular insurer (for example because the service is better reimbursed here). Choosing insurance is therefore a personal choice. Calculate the premium for different insurance policies and use online comparison tools.

Which insurances are mandatory?

In the Netherlands it is mandatory to have health insurance and to take out third party liability insurance if the driver is the owner of a car. There are also importance insurance policies to consider. For example, many people opt for liability insurance, home contents insurance or legal expenses insurance is. Funeral insurance is another common insurance policy. These types of insurance policies are a personal choice.

What should I pay attention to when comparing insurance policies?

It is a good idea to identify which insurance policies are already in place. It is useful to know which coverage is included. This allows you to begin the comparison with all the relevant information to hand. Look at what you currently pay for insurance and try to find insurance with the same coverage, but at a (lower) price. Comparing is the best option to start saving. View insurance coverage and policy costs as these vary among insurers. An insurer may determine the monthly premium itself. Once you know what the best insurance is, you can look for an affordable insurer.

Do I have a cooling-off period after taking out insurance?

The cooling-off period starts immediately after taking out insurance. The law stipulates that the consumer has at least 14 days where they can change their mind. This applies to products and insurance. The period starts after the first policy has been received (usually by post or email), but this varies per insurance company. You can often indicate how you want to receive the policy. Still not satisfied with your choice? Then the insurance can be cancelled within the 14 day period and can be done without giving any reason and completely free of charge. Cancellation is done by contacting the insurer and indicating that you are invoking your cooling-off period.

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