Dutch Home Insurance Policies
Expats in the Netherlands are often confused by the various Dutch home insurance policies offered. The most common types are ‘inboedelverzekering’ (contents insurance), ‘opstalverzekering’ (house insurance) and ‘woonverzekering’ (premium home insurance)…
DUTCH CONTENTS INSURANCE
When expats move to the Netherlands, they will typically want to insure their possessions against the potential of robbery, fire, water damage and similar misfortunes. Whether they rent their living space or own it, the Dutch insurance policy that provides this kind of coverage is called ‘inboedelverzekering‘.
Inboedelverzekering covers the replacement cost of such things as computers, furniture, jewelry, televisions, artwork, carpeting and broken windows. This type of policy is also the equivalent of renter’s insurance.
DUTCH HOUSE INSURANCE
Opstalverzekering, on the other hand, is only for property owners. It covers the permanent building structure and non-moveable elements such as pipes, plumbing lines, roof, beams, affixed floors and chimney.
With condominium buildings, a master insurance policy covers the permanent structure and is held by the home owner’s association. The policy premium is collected from unit owners as part of their monthly maintenance fees.
Dutch banks require mortgage (hypotheek) customers to take out an opstalverzekering policy on the property being financed. In the case of condominiums, the borrower must provide proof of a valid ‘master’ opstalverzekering policy with the bank or mortgage company listed as a beneficiary.
DUTCH HOME INSURANCE
Woonverzekering is a premium, all-risk home coverage policy that combines multiple insurances. These include opstalverzekering (structure insurance), inboedelverzekering (contents insurance) and aansprakelijkheidsverzekering (personal liability insurance).
The package can sometimes be expanded further to include kostbaarheden buitenshuisverzekering (outdoor valuables insurance).
DUTCH HOME INSURANCE COMPANIES
These companies offer one or more of the above home insurance policies…
ABN AMRO
AEGON
ALLIANZ DIRECT
FBTO
CENTRAAL BEHEER
INSHARED
NATIONALE NEDERLANDEN
Related information…