By switching to another home insurance policy it is sometimes possible to save several tens of euros a year, although this of course differs from case to case. Switching to another home insurance policy is particularly worthwhile when major changes take place to the home or to the family situation. At that point it may well be possible to save a considerable amount on home insurance. Still, there can also be other reasons behind it. This page describes the situation in the Netherlands.
Switching home insurance
Some people think about it, others do not: switching home insurance. By switching you can, for example, save money on home insurance. Switching home insurance is not complex, but it is important that you do it in a well-considered way. After all, you still need to have good home insurance.
Reasons to switch home insurance
It is of course possible that the insurer terminates the agreement because claims are submitted too often, but people usually switch home insurance for financial reasons. The costs of home insurance are lower with another home insurer and then the choice is quickly made. Perhaps you once had the cheapest home insurance, but another option is now more favourable. Sometimes the situation has changed over the years, so that another home insurer has become more favourable. This may be the case, for example, in the situations below:
- A move
- A change in family composition
- A change in net monthly income
- Renovations to the home
- Changed wishes (for example a higher excess)
- Policy conditions changed by the insurer
In all the situations shown above, comparing home insurance policies is advisable. This may show that another home insurance policy is more favourable. Switching is then of course logical. There can of course also be other reasons to switch home insurance. For example, you may be dissatisfied with the insurer's service. In that case, too, switching home insurance is a good idea.
When to switch home insurance
A policy often has a term of one year, after which the term is tacitly renewed. During the first year it is then not possible to cancel the home insurance and switch home insurance. You can switch on the expiry date. Once the home insurance has been renewed, it is possible to cancel the home insurance on any day, with a notice period of one month. There are, however, a number of exceptions in which it is always possible to end the home insurance. We list them and summarise them for you.
General rule when switching home insurance
The general rule when switching home insurance is that this is possible on the first anniversary of the policy or, if this date has already passed, after a notice period of one month. This means that if you decide to switch on the expiry date of your policy, you can do so without any problems. But if, for example, you want to switch a few months after the expiry date, you must first observe the notice period of one month before you can switch. It is therefore wise to think in good time about possibly switching your home insurance.
Exceptions to the general rule
In addition to the general rule, there are also a few exceptions in which it is possible to end the home insurance. In these cases you can cancel or stop the insurance at any time and switch to another insurer. For example, it is possible at any time to decide by mutual agreement, together with the insurer, to end the policy. Even if the insurance agreement states otherwise. After all, you can always mutually depart from earlier agreements.
In addition, the insurance can be ended at the moment the home is sold. The insured object then no longer exists and the insurance loses its purpose. This of course only applies to the buildings insurance, not to the home contents insurance. After all, only the building disappears; the contents will simply move to another location.
Many insurance agreements contain a so-called amendment clause (wijzigingsbeding), a clause that gives the insurer the right to change the conditions or the premium. If there is a premium increase or major and unfavourable changes to the policy conditions, the insurance that is being changed can be cancelled. You do have to do this in time.
| Situation | Possibility of ending the home insurance |
|---|---|
| Within the first year after taking out the home insurance | No |
| First anniversary of the policy | Yes |
| After the expiry date of the policy | Yes (notice period of 1 month) |
| Sale of the house | Buildings insurance can be ended at the moment of the sale |
| Moving in together (both partners already have insurance) | Check with the insurer |
| Premium increase or changes to the policy conditions | Yes (notice period of 1 month) |
Termination by the court
In some cases a conflict can arise between the insured person and the insurer. If this disagreement cannot be resolved, the matter can be brought before the court. In that case the court can decide to terminate or annul the insurance agreement, for example if there was deception. It is important to know that the court will only take this decision by way of exception. If you find yourself in a conflict with your insurer, it is wise to consult an expert in insurance law. This person can inform you about your rights and obligations and can help you find a solution to the dispute. Legal expenses insurance offers legal support in many conflicts, but a disagreement with your own insurer is rarely covered by the legal expenses insurance.
More information about legal expenses insuranceHow does switching home insurance work?
Switching to another home insurance policy is no more difficult than switching other insurance policies. The only thing is that here it is of course important that the home is not uninsured for a single second. Imagine lightning striking just then … That is why there must already be a new home insurance policy in place before the old one expires.
- Compare home insurance policies
First you need to check whether it is worthwhile switching to another insurer at all. Thoroughly comparing home insurance policies is central to this.
More about comparing home insurance policies - Determine the cancellation date
During the first one-year period it is not possible to stop the home insurance before the anniversary of the contract. After that, it is always possible to cancel the home insurance, with a notice period of 1 month.
- Take out new insurance
Arrange the home insurance with the new insurer. Make sure that it starts at the moment the previous home insurance expires. That way the home is insured at all times.
- Cancel the old home insurance
Cancelling the old home insurance is preferably done by registered letter. State clearly when the agreement ends and which agreement it concerns.
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Frequently asked questions about switching home insurance
If you are considering switching home insurance, many questions may come to mind. When does the notice period start? Is the notice period always one month? And how exactly should you cancel the home insurance? These are not unimportant questions. In addition, another home insurer may refuse you as a customer. That can also raise questions. We answer the most frequently asked questions about switching home insurance, so that you are well prepared if you decide to switch.
How does the one-month notice period work?
A cancellation only takes effect once it has reached the insurer (Article 3:37(3) of the Dutch Civil Code, Burgerlijk Wetboek or BW). The notice period therefore starts on the day the cancellation reaches the insurer, not on the day the insured person sends it. The period of one month is a calendar month. So if the cancellation reaches the insurer on 1 February, the home insurance ends on 1 March.
Is the notice period always one month?
No. When cancelling before the expiry date, the policy may sometimes require a longer notice period, for example two months before the expiry date. After that, the one-month rule does apply.
How should I cancel the home insurance?
In principle the insured person is free to choose how, and it can be done, for example, by ordinary letter, by phone or by email. The problem, however, is that the burden of proof lies with the insured person. This is of course only a problem if the insurer disputes the cancellation, for example because the cancellation was not registered. A lazy employee, an administrative error, a letter that has been lost: there can be many causes. So avoid problems and cancel the home insurance by registered letter.
Can another home insurer refuse me?
Yes. A home insurer may have good reasons for doing so. Think, for example, of an insured person who lied in previous applications. Some insurers also do not insure old buildings or homes with a thatched roof. They can then refuse the application. That is why it is important to find a new home insurer first before the old insurance is cancelled.
The insurer is offering provisional cover. What is that?
Sometimes an insurer cannot approve a file straight away, for example because the insured person has had a lot of damage in the past. The file is then submitted to experts who make a decision. If in such a case there is a risk that the home remains uninsured, provisional cover can be offered. Pending the final decision, the home is then already insured.