No third-party car insurance? Risk of a large fine

In the Netherlands, all motorists and other drivers of a motor vehicle are required to insure their vehicle. Whether it is a motorcycle or a car: the vehicle must at least be insured for third-party liability (WA). Driving around uninsured costs society a lot of money. That is why the Netherlands Vehicle Authority (RDW) carries out strict checks on uninsured driving. Anyone who does not have third-party liability insurance risks a hefty fine. This page describes the situation in the Netherlands.

Severe penalties

Anyone who drives around without insurance and causes damage cannot recover the damage from the insurance. As a result, in some cases society ends up paying for the damage. That is a high cost. That is why the RDW carries out strict checks on uninsured driving. Anyone who drives around without valid third-party liability insurance can expect severe penalties.

If the RDW finds that a car registered in someone’s name is not insured, the registered keeper can expect a fine of €500 (source: RDW, fine amounts). The RDW periodically compares the vehicle register with the insurers' data, so anyone who stays uninsured can be fined again (source: Public Prosecution Service (Openbaar Ministerie), prosecution guideline (Richtlijn voor strafvordering) for articles 30 and 34 of the Motor Insurance Liability Act (WAM), 2025R004).

A fine from the police as well

In addition to an administrative fine from the RDW, the uninsured driver also gets a fine if the police stop him or her. For an adult driver of a car, the fine for a first offence is €700, through a penalty order (strafbeschikking) from the Public Prosecution Service (prosecution guideline for articles 30 and 34 WAM, 2025R004). The driver of a car with a Dutch registration does not have to carry proof of insurance, such as the green card (international motor insurance card) (article 14 of the Motor Insurance Liability Act, Wet aansprakelijkheidsverzekering motorrijtuigen); the insurance is checked via the vehicle register.

A higher fine than the insurance premium

Anyone who drives around uninsured for a year therefore risks one or more fines from the RDW of €500, plus a penalty order of €700 if the police stop the driver. This is much more than the total insurance premium; you can take out insurance for just a few tens of euros a month. You can also save even more by choosing cheap car insurance. You can find this cheap car insurance by comparing car insurance policies.

No insurance, no cover

Also not entirely unimportant: without insurance, you have no cover in the event of an accident. You may then have to pay for the damage personally. Especially with personal injury, that can add up considerably. A death or permanent disability can cause damage running into the millions. Think of doctors’, hospital and rehabilitation costs and any loss of income. In the end, that can result in personal bankruptcy.

This is exactly why driving around uninsured is not allowed in the Netherlands and why the legislator has made at least third-party liability insurance compulsory. You are then at least insured for damage you cause to others.

Received a fine unfairly?

The RDW fine is not justified in all cases. Mistakes can also be made at the RDW. For example, anyone who has sold their car or taken it to the scrapyard is no longer required to insure it. If you think the fine for uninsured driving is unjustified, you can lodge an objection to it.

On the website of the Central Judicial Collection Agency (CJIB) you will find a step-by-step plan for the procedure.