Switching to another insurer for your personal liability insurance is relatively easy. First, you apply for the new insurance. Once it has been approved, you can cancel the old insurance. That is how switching works in broad terms. This page explains exactly how the process works, and why switching can be a sensible option. This page describes the situation in the Netherlands.
How do you switch to another personal liability insurer?
Switching to another insurer is relatively simple. First of all, it is a good idea to compare the different providers of personal liability insurance. WA.nl offers plenty of tips to make comparing and switching easier.
Has the policyholder decided to switch to another insurance company? Then it is useful to apply to the new insurer first. Wait for the agreement to come through.
In the Netherlands, insurers are not obliged to accept applicants for personal liability insurance. An insurer may therefore refuse an application. This can mean that an applicant is temporarily uninsured. That is why it is wise to wait before cancelling until the final confirmation of the application has been received.
Cancelling a personal liability insurance policy
These days you can cancel online, via the insurer's website. Often you have to fill in a form. In most cases the form is self-explanatory. Anyone who would still like help is best off cancelling by phone. An employee of the insurer will then end the insurance. Bear in mind that some insurers only allow cancellation in writing. In that case, a registered letter must be sent.
Why switch personal liability insurance?
Policyholders can switch for several reasons. The most common reason is price. Another insurer may be able to offer the same cover, while the costs of the personal liability insurance are lower. The premium can differ from one policy to another.
Other reasons to switch:
- No longer satisfied with the current insurer: perhaps the service at the current insurer is not ideal. Another insurer may come up with a better offer;
- Package discount: most insurers offer a package discount. If other insurance policies have already been taken out with an insurer, it is often cheaper to place the personal liability insurance there as well. This can save as much as 10 to 15 percent of the costs. It also keeps things clear, because the policyholder only has to deal with one party;
- More extensive cover: the current cover may no longer be sufficient. In essence, the policyholder is covered for damage that he or she causes unintentionally. That is the same with every insurer. What does differ is exactly when a claim is paid out.
When to switch personal liability insurance?
In most cases, personal liability insurance has a contract term of one year. The exact contract term can be found on the policy schedule. Once the contract has run its course, the policyholder is free to switch to another insurer.
There is often a notice period of one month. This means that the insurer must be informed one month in advance that the insurance is being ended. There is an exception: if the insurer suddenly raises the premium, or changes the terms and conditions. Anyone who is still insured within the contract term is then free to switch. Even if the contract term has not yet ended.
Switching to a collective personal liability insurance policy
Anyone who joins a group may also be able to take out collective insurance. Associations and organisations often have agreements with insurers. Think, for example, of a student association, a sports club, or a collective scheme through your employer. By taking out insurance as a group, the collective often receives a discount on the premium.
First apply for the insurance with the insurer that the collective has an agreement with. State that you want to use the collective's insurance. Wait for confirmation from the insurer and then cancel the insurance with the old insurer.
Step-by-step plan for switching to another AVP insurer
Switching to another personal liability insurer can be a smart choice if you are looking for better terms, more extensive cover or a lower premium. Switching to another personal liability insurer is generally not difficult either; you only need to go through a few steps.
- Compare different insurers
Before you switch to a new personal liability insurer, it is wise to compare different insurers with each other. Do not just look at the premium, but also at the cover and the terms and conditions. Comparison websites make it easy to compare insurers with each other.
Compare personal liability insurers - Apply for the new insurance
Have you found a suitable insurer? Then you can apply for a new personal liability insurance policy with this insurer. Make sure you have all the necessary information to hand, such as your personal details and the details of your current personal liability insurance.
- Wait for the application to be approved
After you submit the application, the insurer will assess it and approve or reject it. This can take anywhere from a few days to a few weeks, depending on the insurer and the situation. It is important to wait for the final confirmation before you take further steps and cancel the old insurance.
- Cancel the old insurance
Once the application for the new personal liability insurance has been definitively approved, you can cancel your old insurance. This can often be done online via the insurer's website or in writing by registered letter. When cancelling, take any notice periods into account. There is often a notice period of one month, so make sure you cancel in time to avoid double cover and unnecessary costs.
Switching service of AVP insurers
Some personal liability insurers offer a switching service. With this service, you can switch to another personal liability insurer very easily and without any hassle. The switching service takes care of cancelling the old insurance when you move to the new insurer. In addition, the switching service makes sure that you do not have double cover and that you are not uninsured during the switch. Ask about this service if you want to switch to another AVP insurer.
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Frequently asked questions about switching AVP insurer
Are you planning to switch to another personal liability insurer, but do you still have questions? Then it is important to get them answered first. That way you will not face any unpleasant surprises afterwards. This FAQ about switching AVP insurer answers a number of frequently asked questions.
Can I switch to another personal liability insurer at any time?
After the first contract year, personal liability insurance (AVP) can usually be cancelled at any time with a notice period of one month. In the first year, you are usually still bound to the agreed term. Your new insurer will often arrange the cancellation with your old insurer for you. Always check the exact terms and conditions in your policy, though, because they differ from one insurer to another.
Can I only apply for my new insurance once my old insurance has been cancelled?
No, you can apply for your new insurance before your old insurance has been cancelled. Do make sure that you only make the final switch when your old insurance ends. Avoid periods without cover and periods of double cover.
Am I temporarily uninsured when I switch to a new personal liability insurer?
Not if you arrange it properly. Make sure your new personal liability insurance starts on exactly the same day that your old insurance stops, so that there is no gap in your cover. So take out the new insurance first and match its start date to the end date of your old policy before you cancel it.
Can I cancel my old AVP insurance if I have not yet taken out a new policy?
Yes, you can cancel your old insurance before you have taken out a new one. It is wise, however, to take out new insurance as soon as possible. We also recommend always waiting for the final approval of the new insurance before you cancel the old one. That way you avoid problems.
Can I still use my old insurance during the switch?
Yes, as long as your old insurance is still running, you can still use it. Once the old insurance has ended and the new AVP insurance has started, claims must be reported to the new insurer.