How to Choose the Best Car Insurance for an Older Car?

Sep 12, 2024 | Insurance

Choosing the right car insurance for an older car requires a different approach than for a new car. While new cars often benefit from comprehensive cover such as All-Risk insurance, for older cars this is not always the best or most cost-effective choice. Compare car insurance is therefore always advisable. But first, in this article, we discuss how to arrive at the best car insurance for an older car so that you are properly insured without paying unnecessarily much.

1. Assess the Value of your Car

The first step in choosing the best insurance for an older car is to assess the current market value of your vehicle. The daily value of your car - the value your car would fetch on the market - is an important factor. For cars older than about 10 years, the daily value is often less than the cost of full All-Risk insurance. In that case, the question is whether it is worth maintaining comprehensive cover. If the repair costs in case of damage exceed the value of the car, you might consider opting for less comprehensive insurance.

2. Choose between WA, WA Plus or All-risk

When insuring an older car, there are three main options: WA, WA Plus and All-risk.

• Third-party liability (TPL) insurance: This is the minimum insurance required by law. It only covers damage you cause to others with your car. For older cars with a low daily value, third-party insurance is often the best choice as it is cheaper and matches the value of the car.
• WA Plus (Limited Casco): This insurance provides additional cover beyond legal liability. It also covers damage caused by theft, fire, storm or windscreen damage, for example. If your car is still in good condition and you want a little more protection without the cost of All-Risk insurance, TPL Plus insurance could be a good middle ground.
• All-risk insurance (Fully comprehensive): This insurance provides the most comprehensive cover, including damage to your own car, even if you are at fault for the accident. For an older car, All-Risk insurance is often not the most cost-effective choice, unless your car still has significant value and you are willing to pay for that extra cover.

3. Consider your Driving and Use of the Car

When choosing the right insurance, it is important to think about how often and what you use your car for. If you only use your older car sporadically, for example only for errands or short trips, third-party insurance is often sufficient. On the other hand, if you regularly take longer trips or if you still use the car frequently for commuting, third-party liability insurance may provide more security.

4. Check your claim-free years

Claim-free years have a big impact on your car insurance premium. The more claim-free years you have accumulated, the higher the no-claim discount you receive. This can make the premium of WA Plus or even All-Risk insurance more affordable, even for an older car. Check your claim-free years and consider how they can contribute to your decision for the type of insurance.

5. Compare Insurers and Policies

It pays to compare different insurers and policies. Use online comparison sites to get a quick overview of the premiums and conditions offered by different insurers. Pay attention not only to price, but also to conditions and coverages. For example, some insurers offer extra benefits for older cars, such as roadside assistance or discounts on the premium if your car has low mileage.

6. Take into account Own Risk

The deductible is the amount you have to pay yourself in case of damage before the insurer pays the rest. For older cars, increasing the excess can be a way to reduce the monthly premium. This can be especially attractive if you see little likelihood of having to claim on the insurance, or if the value of the car is so low that you are willing to take the risk.

7. Consider Extras such as Roadside Assistance or Passenger Insurance

While you may want to cut costs, it may be worth thinking about extras such as roadside assistance or occupant insurance. For example, roadside assistance can be useful if your older car is more prone to mechanical problems. Occupant insurance provides extra cover for occupant injury, which can give peace of mind if you regularly transport passengers.

8. Review your Insurance Annually

It is wise to review your car insurance annually. The value of your car decreases over time, and your needs may change. By evaluating annually whether your current insurance is still the best choice, you can make sure you don't overpay unnecessarily. If the value of your car drops further, you may want to consider switching from third-party plus to third-party insurance, or even renegotiate with your insurer for a better deal.

Conclusion

The best car insurance for an older car is often not the most comprehensive, but the one that suits the value of your car and your personal driving habits. By looking critically at the daily value of your vehicle, your own use and claim-free years, and by comparing different insurers, you can make an informed choice. This will ensure that you are properly insured without paying unnecessarily much, so you can hit the road with your older car worry-free.

Damage caused by car wash

Feb 8, 2024 | Insurance

Imagine, you drive your car through the car wash and after your car is all shiny again, you notice there is a scratch in your car. Who is liable for this damage, the car wash or you? And what should you do to get the settlement right? When is the...

When is the car wash responsible?

If damage occurs to your car at the car wash and it is not your fault, the owner of the car wash often has to fix it. This happens, for example, if the car wash is not working properly or if you are given wrong instructions. The owner has to make sure everything works safely. Also, if an employee accidentally damages your car, for example when drying it, the car wash is responsible. If this happens, you can ask the car wash to pay for the damage. If you get into trouble with this, legal expenses insurance can help.

As a driver, when are you responsible?

Sometimes, as a driver, you are responsible for damage yourself. This is the case if you don't do what the car wash says, or if you don't prepare your car properly. For example, if you don't fold the mirrors. Then you have to pay for the damage yourself. It is important that you do what is required and pay attention to what is not allowed. So always pay close attention to the instructions and signs in the car wash. This helps to avoid problems.

What does your car insurance cover?

Do you have damage to your car due to the car wash, but it is your own fault? Then your car insurance will only reimburse the cost if you have all-risk insurance. All-risk insurance, the most comprehensive insurance, covers damage to other vehicles as well as your own car. However, it is important to read your policy terms carefully to be sure of the coverage. Moreover, you may have to deal with deductibles.

Claim damage or pay for it yourself?

In case of car wash damage, it is not always smart to claim damages. According to www.geld.nl claiming damage affects your claim-free years and no-claim discount, leading to a higher premium. If you have many claim-free years and a high no-claim discount, it may be more financially advantageous to pay for small claims yourself. This prevents an increase in the insurance premium. So, especially for small claims, consider whether to claim the damage or pay for it yourself.

All-risk car insurance with the best price

Feb 7, 2024 | Insurance

Are you looking for all-risk car insurance with the best price? Then we recommend looking at the car insurance from OHRA. An affordable premium and fully insure your car without unnecessary hassle; do you have a claim? Then report it simply and quickly via the app.

Differences between car insurance policies

Taking out a new car insurance policy starts with finding the type of cover, which best suits your situation. Do you use the car daily, or only sporadically? Do you drive your car in big cities, or mainly on quiet roads? Do you drive the car to holiday destinations outside the Netherlands, or only in your own country? These are questions you can ask yourself, to determine whether third-party insurance is sufficient for you.

Here is a brief explanation of the differences between car insurance policies!

• The Third-party insurance is the most basic car insurance and is compulsory for everyone if you take your car on the road. The Third-party insurance Compensates damage you cause to persons or property with your car. Additional cover varies by insurer.
• WA+ (limited casco) covers more damage. Besides the compulsory Civil Liability, WA Plus car insurance covers a large number of items. An excellent choice if it is not an immediate problem for you to pay the repair costs yourself.
• The name all risk says it all, all the risk will be covered. With All-Risk car insurance (WA full casco), you have the most comprehensive car insurance. Almost all damages to your own car will be covered, even if you are at fault. And you are insured for damage you cause to others. Breakdown abroad? No worries. You get immediate help. Without fuss.

And what about the extras?

Would you like more security? Then one of our additional covers might be for you. You can choose one or more additional covers for your car, your passengers and yourself. You decide what you insure.

There are also several additional coverages you can select, such as:

• accidents occupants, whoever is liable for the damage, thanks to this additional cover the insurer pays a fixed amount.
• damage occupants, damages can go a long way for the driver and occupants. Suppose you are unable to ply your trade after an accident. The additional Occupant Damage cover will then compensate the actual damages of the driver and passengers if you have a car accident, even if you yourself are liable for the damage. This cover is especially interesting for drivers, as passengers are often also compensated for their damages on the third-party cover.
• legal aid, who is at fault in a road accident? Often that is not clear. And then try to get compensation for damages if you had no insurance. For all these tricky cases, you can count on professional legal help with this additional cover.
• breakdown assistance so you are back on the road as soon as possible.

Other discounts?

If you take out car insurance with OHRA, there are also various discounts available. There is the no-claim discount; the more damage-free years, the more no-claim discount. Fair enough! And do you have a second car (or motorbike) that you want to insure? Then you will benefit from the same no-claim discount as for your first car. Keep reading on the OHRA website to learn more about the possible discounts and additional options.

When do you choose which insurance?

In the first place, everyone has to decide this for themselves, but there are of course guidelines. Usually, you insure a new car all-risk for the first 0-5 years. This is because the purchase value and daily value are high and repairing or replacing a damage or vehicle is expensive. After five years, it becomes a different story, because cars depreciate quickly. So suppose your car is still worth 5000 euros after five years, it is probably not wise to insure it for a few thousand euros a year. Of course, make sure you have a buffer to be able to replace or repair the car in case of an accident. In fact, the same goes for third-party and third-party insurance; if your car is really getting on in age (15 years +) and is not a real exotic, third-party insurance is often the wisest choice. If you do cause damage then, the other party's damage is covered and you can buy yourself another car for a few thousand euros.

Good luck picking the right insurance for your car!

The Invisible Wounds: A Personal Injury Lawyer on Intangible Damages

Nov 6, 2023 | Insurance | 0 comments

In this article, a personal injury lawyer speaks on the subject of immaterial damages. A topic that can come up in a traffic accident, read on quickly to find out how a personal injury lawyer can be of service to you. Intangible damages...

Intangible damage

As a personal injury lawyer, I assist clients every day who have been injured not only physically but also emotionally and psychologically in an accident or incident. This form of suffering, known as intangible damages, is often less visible than physical injuries, but can have at least as profound an impact on the victim's well-being.

Intangible damage, also known as 'compensation for damages', is compensation for pain, sorrow and loss of enjoyment of life that a person suffers as a result of an accident or crime. It is compensation for non-financial losses and can cover both psychological and emotional damages.

The challenge with intangible damages is quantifying them. How do you determine the value of nightmares, feelings of anxiety, depression, or loss of the ability to enjoy hobbies and time with loved ones? Unlike material damage, such as medical expenses or loss of income, there is no direct financial measure of this harm.

In legal practice, immaterial damages are determined using case law and guidelines from the Personal Injury Council. It looks at the nature and severity of the injury, the duration of recovery, the impact on daily life, and the degree of fault of the perpetrator.

Making invisible wounds visible

An important aspect of my work is making these invisible wounds visible. This requires a careful and empathetic approach. It is essential to build a trusting relationship with my clients so that they feel comfortable sharing their experiences and feelings. This information is crucial to claiming real compensation.

I also work with medical experts and psychologists to assess the extent of intangible damages. They can provide a professional and objective assessment of the psychological consequences of the injury.

Obtaining just compensation for immaterial damages is a complex process, but it is an essential step in healing the victim. It not only acknowledges the harm done to them, but also offers a form of justice.

As a personal injury lawyer, I strive to be my clients' voice in a system that can often feel overwhelming and impersonal. It is my job to ensure that their intangible loss taken seriously and that they receive the compensation they deserve for the invisible wounds they suffered.

It is important that personal injury victims are aware of their right to compensation for immaterial damages. It is an acknowledgement of their pain and suffering, and a crucial step towards recovery. As your lawyer, I am committed to fighting for your right to this essential form of reparation.

Taking out motorbike insurance? Everything you need to know

Sep 27, 2023 | Insurance | 0 comments

Whether you are a passionate motorcyclist or considering buying a motorbike, it is obviously important to have the right insurance to protect yourself and others on the road. Motorbike insurance can be different from car insurance. In this article, we will take a closer look at motorbike insurance and discuss the differences between motorbike and car insurance.

What is motorbike insurance?

Motorbike insurance is a specific type of insurance designed to protect motorcyclists from financial consequences that may arise from accidents or damage to their motorbike. Like car insurance, motorbike insurance is required by law in most countries and states.

As with car insurance, the following policies are available:

Types of motorbike insurance

1. Third-party insurance (third-party liability): This is the basic form of motorbike insurance required by law in most countries. It covers damages and injuries you cause to others in an accident for which you are responsible.
2. WA + Limited Casco: In addition to legal liability, this insurance also covers damage to your own bike due to certain events such as theft, fire, or natural disasters. This may vary from one insurer to another.
3. WA + Full Casco (All-risk): This is the most comprehensive form of motorbike insurance. It covers damage to your motorbike regardless of who is at fault for the accident. It also covers other damages due to vandalism and collisions with animals, for example.

Factors affecting premium

Your motorbike insurance premium can vary depending on several factors, including your age, type of motorbike, your driving record, coverage options and your location. The riskier you are considered, the higher your premium will be.

Additional coverage options

As with car insurance, you can add additional coverage options to your motorbike insurance policy. Consider additional insurance for other passengers so that damage to your fellow passenger is also covered. You can also think about breakdown assistance, damage to clothing and helmet, damage to luggage, legal assistance, and replacement vehicle rental.

Different supplementary insurance policies are available from each insurer. Do you go for a take out motorbike insurance, then look carefully at what supplementary packages are available and which ones you really need. For example, take a look at the website of KNMV insurances, they have various insurance policies available for motorcyclists.

Differences between motorbike and car insurance

While motorbike and car insurance are similar in terms of basics, there are some key differences that motorcyclists need to understand:

1. Price: Motorbike insurance is often more expensive than car insurance, especially for younger drivers and powerful motorbikes, due to the higher risk of injury in motorbike accidents.
2. Coverage options: Motorbike insurance policies offer specific cover options tailored to the needs of motorcyclists, such as helmet and motorbike clothing cover.
3. Number of Directors: Motorbike insurance policies can offer more flexibility when it comes to the number of drivers covered, as many motorcyclists share their bikes with friends or family members.
4. Driving: Motorcyclists' driving behaviour is often judged more intensely than that of motorists, because motorbikes are considered more risky.
5. Seasonal coverage: Some motorcyclists opt for seasonal cover because they use their bikes only during the warmer months, which can be a cost-saving option.

Conclusion

Having the right motorbike insurance is essential for every motorcyclist. Understanding the differences between motorbike and car insurance is important to ensure you have the right cover and are well prepared for unexpected events on the road. Take the time to compare options and choose an insurance policy that suits your specific needs and riding habits. That way, you can fully enjoy your rides on two wheels. Ride safely!

Insuring my vintage car, what should I consider?

Sep 1, 2023 | Insurance | 0 comments

Do you own a vintage car and want to insure it? And is this different from insurance for a new car?

Indeed, vintage car insurance differs from insurance for a new car in several ways because of the specific characteristics of vintage cars. First, let us look at what a vintage car is:

What is an oldtimer?

What is a vintage car? A vintage car is generally a vehicle that meets certain criteria to be considered an "oldtimer". These criteria may vary from country to country and insurer to insurer, but in the Netherlands the following applies:

An oldtimer is a vehicle that has reached a certain age, until 2014 this was so if a car was 25 years old or older. However, this has been changed, you can now only speak of an oldtimer when the car is older than 40 years.

This is the date of 1st admission on the registration certificate.

Vintage cars are often cars with limited use that are brought out for special events, exhibitions or on a nice summer day for a nice drive. Cars for the real enthusiast, in other words. They are often gems in excellent condition, lovingly maintained, restored and kept in original condition. Of course, there are exceptions to this 😉

Insurance for vintage cars

Now, regarding insurance for vintage cars:

Oldtimer Insurance vs. Insurance for a New Car:

1. Possible lower premium: One of the potential advantages of insuring a vintage car is that premiums are usually lower than those for regular car insurance. This is because vintage cars are often used less and are usually well maintained, which reduces the risk of damage.
2. Agreed value: Unlike most car insurance policies, where the value of the car is determined based on its current market value, vintage car insurance often allows you to agree on an agreed value. This means that you and the insurer agree how much the car is worth in case of a total loss, and you get paid that amount in case of a claim.
3. Restrictions on use: Vintage car insurance policies may impose restrictions on the use of the car, such as a maximum mileage per year and requiring a second vehicle for daily use.
4. Required membership: Some insurers may require you to be a member of a recognised vintage car club to qualify for vintage car insurance.
5. Valuation report: When taking out vintage car insurance, you may have to provide a valuation report to establish the value of the car.

Where to buy vintage car insurance?

It is important to note that the exact terms and coverage of vintage car insurance policies can vary, so it is wise to talk to several insurers and compare quotes before making a decision. Also, the definition of a vintage car and the requirements for vintage car insurance can vary by region, so make sure you understand the local laws and regulations.

In any case, what comes highly recommended is to look at Univé's website. They have a good oldtimer insurance at a competitive premium. Univé has three variants of classic car insurance: WA, WA+ and All-risk. You can also choose various additional cover such as legal aid and damage for passengers/occupants.

In addition to car insurance, Univé also various other insurances.

Advantages of vintage car driving?

Driving a vintage car can provide certain (tax) benefits in some cases, but these benefits can vary greatly depending on location and specific legislation. Here are some potential benefits that can be associated with owning a vintage car:

1. Vintage cars are also exempt from road tax, this only applies if the car is in your private name. This exemption does not apply to companies.
2. If you want to import an oldtimer, you do not have to pay BPM. However, you will have to go through the BPM declaration procedure to get the vehicle registered in the Netherlands.
3. Possible lower insurance premiums: As mentioned earlier, vintage cars sometimes have lower insurance premiums because they are considered hobby vehicles and are usually used less. This can result in savings on insurance costs.
4. Reduced depreciation: In some cases, the depreciation (drop in value) of a vintage car can be slower than that of a regular car. This means you have less capital loss, which can be beneficial if you want to sell the car.
5. Last but not least, everyone will look at you admiringly as you drive by in your beautiful car. Not wrong!

However, it is important to note that these benefits are not universal and can vary greatly depending on your location and the specific laws and regulations that apply there. Moreover, some benefits may only apply to vintage cars that meet certain criteria, such as a minimum age or rarity.

Here's how to save on your car insurance costs every month

Jun 29, 2023 | Insurance | 0 comments

When was the last time you compared the premium of your current car insurance with the premiums of policies with other insurers? The ones taken out in the past compare car insurance with the current offer can yield substantial savings. This does not only apply to your car insurance, by the way; compare other insurance policies once a year to see if they can be taken out cheaper elsewhere.

When comparing car insurance, there are several factors to consider. You can read more about them in this article. You don't have to compare insurance manually; there are several online tools to help you do this. With these tools, you can determine within minutes which insurer offers the best insurance for you. You can take out the insurance directly from such a tool. 

Factors determining car insurance premium 

The premium of a car insurance calculation means that an online tool assesses your risk based on several factors when they offer you car insurance. Examples of these factors include where you live, your age and the number of claim-free years you have already accumulated. For a younger driver, the risk of damage is assessed higher than for an experienced driver; it results in a higher premium for the younger driver's car insurance. In the case of where you live, a distinction is made between urban and rural areas, for example. In rural areas, the risk of accidents and damage is assessed lower, than in the city. 

Look carefully at the cover required for your car 

When you bought a car, you wanted to protect it optimally from damage. After all, you paid a lot of money for it. Where you opted for third-party insurance with full bodywork back then, now third-party insurance with limited bodywork or no bodywork is sufficient. It leads to considerable savings on your car insurance premium. Especially if you intend to replace your car in the next few years, it is advisable to consider third-party insurance. That way, you will save a little extra every month for the purchase of your new car.

Additional insurance not always necessary 

Besides the basic insurance for your car, you can take out several additional policies. Consider, for example, passenger insurance and legal expenses insurance for traffic situations. Such additional insurances are not always necessary. It is possible that you almost always drive the vehicle alone; in such a case, occupant insurance will cause unnecessarily high monthly costs. 

Van insurance?

Apr 14, 2023 | Insurance | 0 comments

Do you have a van and want to insure it? Then keep in mind that it is not the same as a normal car. Looking at what the tax authorities mean by a van, the van must meet the following requirements:

• The van is mainly equipped for transporting goods.
• The cargo area should have a fixed, flat loading floor across the entire width and length of the cargo area.
• No seats may be present in the cargo area.
• The maximum authorised mass is a maximum of 3,500 kilograms. The permissible maximum mass is the weight of the van plus the permissible weight of passengers and cargo combined. If you exceed this 3,500 kilos, it is no longer a van but a truck.

Do you meet these requirements? Then you can look for a suitable van insurance policy!

Points of attention for van insurance

If you search online you will soon find out that there are many providers for van insurance. Do you go for basic insurance or do you want additional insurances as well? In any case, take the following into account with a van insurance.

1. Decide what exactly you want to insure and how much you want to spend per month on insurance. If budget is low, you may decide to disregard supplementary insurance and go for the basic insurance only. If you have more budget, you can of course choose additional packages such as breakdown cover, cargo insurance (for the stuff in your van), legal expenses insurance (for legal help) or passenger accident insurance. Of course, the more additional insurances you take out, the higher the premium. So weigh up carefully what you need and what you really cannot do without.
2. Compare the price for basic insurance. As with a passenger car, you can choose between WA, WA + Limited Casco and WA + full casco. With WA, the basic package is the simplest and covers the least, if you want full security, you should go for WA+ full body. So decide carefully what you want and compare the prices of different insurers.
3. Take a good look at the general terms and conditions and what is covered; this can vary considerably from one insurer to another. So look carefully at the small print and decide what is important to you, so you may need additional insurance.
4. Other services such as replacement transport, for example, can also vary from provider to provider, look carefully at these too.
5. Do you travel abroad a lot? Then also take into account the coverage abroad, suppose you are stranded in France with a breakdown it is nice to know where you stand. These are important points to think about.

Not getting anywhere and still want more advice? Then approach an independent insurance adviser in your area who can do the work for you!

What's the difference? WA/ WA+ difference

We also have the various insurance policies in this blog explained but roughly speaking, the differences are as follows:

• WA: the legally required insurance, this applies to all cars and is meant to cover damage you cause to others with your van.
• WA+ limited casco: With this, you also insure damage to the car itself in certain cases. For example, damage due to theft, fire and storm and windscreen damage. Damage to your van due to a collision is not covered.
• WA+ full casco: This is the most comprehensive insurance and here you also get compensation for damage to your van due to a collision, even if the collision is your own fault.

Want to make sure your car is a van? Then use this tool from the tax authority.

Good luck with your choice!

Frequently asked questions about car insurance

Mar 3, 2023 | Insurance | 0 comments

We have already dedicated several articles in our blog to car insurance. You generally have a choice of 3 different coverages:

• WA (third-party liability)
• WA+ (limited casco)
• All-risk (extended hull)

The exact name depends on the insurer and so do the conditions. However, there are similarities between different providers.

Differences car insurance policies

• The Third-party insurance is the most basic car insurance. This insurance covers damage to others and provides assistance in case of damage. Additional cover varies by insurer.
• WA+ (limited casco) covers more damage. In addition to damage to others, consider fire and storm damage, burglary and theft, animal damage and window damage, for example.
• The name all risk says it all, all the risk will be covered. The main difference between all-risk car insurance and limited casco is that an insurer will also cover collision damage in case you are at fault in an accident. Vandalism will also be covered which is not the case with limited casco. But to be sure if this is also the case with your insurer of choice, we always refer you to the insurer for more info!

Frequently asked questions about car insurance

The differences between the insurances is in itself clear but still many people have additional questions. Below is a list of the most frequently asked questions. Remember that there are differences between insurers, so always contact the insurer of your choice for the current conditions and coverage. Being well informed is half the battle.

• What about claim-free years?
  Generally speaking, for every year you are insured and have not had a claim you get a claim-free year. The more claim-free years you build up, the lower the premium will be. If you do get a claim, you can lose the claim-free years.
• If I have damage, can I have it repaired at any garage?
  This varies by insurer; with some insurers, you have free choice. Other insurers require you to go to an affiliated garage. So be well informed about this! There are also additional insurances where you are free to choose the repair company so you can still choose which garage you go to. So find out more about this before you take out insurance.
• How much is the deductible?
  This too varies from one insurer to another. How high the excess is has to do with several factors such as the driver's age and which insurance you choose. So get this straight before buying insurance.
• Is my car insured even if someone else drives my car?
  Yes, car insurance actually applies to the car and not a person. If it happens that someone else is behind the wheel, the car is insured as usual. The owner of the car does remain liable for everything that happens to the car.
• I want to sell my car, what do I do about insurance?
  Very simple, cancel your insurance! Report this to your insurer so that the insurance stops or is transferred to your new car.

What about travel insurance and the car?

Taking out travel insurance is a smart choice, after all, you never know what could happen during your road trip. Soon you'll be stuck with your car in the Pyrenees and need replacement transport. Of course, travel insurance (or car insurance) very many things that are not just about your car. But since we are a car blog, we are now just looking at what travel insurance can do for your vehicle.

Imagine you are cruising on holiday and suddenly you are hit from behind by an inattentive driver. It is not serious, you are not hurt yourself, but your car has to go to the garage. Especially if you drive a not so common make and model, this can take a long time in some countries. For example, if parts have to be ordered. Until the car is ready again, you have to arrange an overnight stay. That means: extra, unexpected costs. Or if it's even more serious: you do get injured and you can no longer drive and your car is totaled. In that case, you cannot travel back to the Netherlands yourself.

Let's not dwell on it too much, but of course this can happen to anyone. So if you want to go on holiday relaxed, it is definitely advisable to take out travel insurance. There are different packages and options per insurer, for instance choose extra coverage so that you and your car get back to the Netherlands safely. That return is called "repatriation". You can then simply go home and not pay for the costs. Especially when travelling far away, this is quite a relief. Be well informed by your insurer before you travel!

Which car insurance policy?

Mar 3, 2023 | Insurance | 0 comments

Insure your car all-risk, limited-casualty or third-party? When you buy a car, you need to think about this carefully and weigh up the risks. In this article, we explain the general differences, we write "general" on purpose because different conditions apply between providers. There are also various additional coverages you can choose. In the end, of course, it is also a matter of feeling, if you don't want to run any risk then all-risk car insurance is obviously better for your peace of mind. In this article, a brief explanation of the car insurance and additional covers.

All-risk, limited casco or third-party

The exact name depends on the insurer and so do the conditions. However, there are similarities between different providers.

• The Third-party insurance is the most basic insurance and covers damage to others and provides assistance in case of damage.
• Limited casco covers more damage, besides damage to others, consider fire and explosion damage, burglary and theft, storm/hail and flood damage, animal damage and windscreen damage. This is a frequently chosen insurance policy.
• The name all risk says it, all risk will be covered. The main difference between all risk car insurance and limited casco is that an insurer will also cover collision damage in case you are at fault in an accident. Vandalism will also be covered which is not the case with limited casco. But to be sure if this is also the case with your insurer of choice, we always refer you to the insurer for more info!

What about additional coverages?

Most insaas also offer supplementary packages. coverages. Consider the following options:

• Roadside assistance insurance so you get replacement transport or a repair arranged in case of a breakdown. This is often valid throughout Europe.
• Passenger insurance that also covers your fellow passengers and belongings in case of injury and damage.
• Traffic legal assistance where you get legal and expert help in traffic disputes.
• Renewal of, for example, the new-value or purchase value. This is especially important when buying a new car, for example, if your new car is stolen in the first 3 years then the insurance will cover the purchase of a new equivalent car.

When do you choose which insurance?

First of all, everyone has to decide this for themselves, but there are of course guidelines. Most people insure a new car for the first six years all-risk. This is because the purchase value and daily value are high and repairing or replacing a damage or vehicle is expensive. After 6 years, it becomes a different story, because cars depreciate quickly. In that case, you can opt for limited hull insurance, for instance. Of course, make sure you have a buffer to be able to replace or repair the car in case of an accident due to fault.

As mentioned, all insurance types have different conditions, designations and additional cover. What suits you best can vary from one situation to another. Be well informed and get well insured on the road!

Damage to the car, how does it affect car insurance?

Nov 23, 2022 | Insurance | 0 comments

If you own a car, you naturally take care of it. But sometimes an accident or collision is in a small corner. If you cause damage and claim it from the insurance company, in most cases this will affect the amount of your premium. If you build up claim-free years, you will receive a discount on your premium. This discount can be substantial. Sometimes you can also insure yourself for a reduction in your no-claim discount. Then the consequences will be less if you do have to make a claim with your insurer.

Own fault or not?

When claiming damages, it matters a lot who is at fault for the collision. If you have all-risk insurance and someone else hits you, the situation is obviously different from if you are the guilty party in a collision. In the latter case, the insurance will only pay out the damage to the other party if you are only third-party insured. With all-risk insurance, damage to your own car is also paid for. However, there is often an excess of sometimes several hundred euros. In all cases, you have to pay this amount yourself.

Changing insurance

If you have claimed damages from Alpina or another car insurance policy then this is registered in the CIS, the Central Information System. This system can be consulted by all insurance companies. If you want to switch insurers, the CIS will be consulted. If this shows that you have claimed damage more often than average, you may be refused or a higher premium may be charged. You are also at risk of refusal if you have ever committed fraud or are known to be a defaulter of insurance premiums. You should also be aware that you cannot always take your accrued no-claims discount with you when you switch.

Assessment by an insurance expert

If you have damage to your car and want to claim it from the insurance company, you may have an expert come by. This is a representative of the insurance company. He will take the damage and assess the cost estimate of the garage that will repair the damage. It will also assess the claim form filled in by both parties or a report from the police. Only after the insurance company agrees can the car be repaired. Even in the case of a total loss, the insurer may send an expert to assess whether this conclusion is justified or not.

Damage to a leased car

If you have a leased car, you pay a fixed amount per month for this. This amount includes all-risk insurance. If you have damage, you can therefore often have the car repaired free of charge. It does not matter whether the collision was your fault or not. But again, of course, you are not supposed to report to the garage several times with self-inflicted damage. It is then likely that costs will be charged to you as a user. This is usually stipulated in the lease contract.

Which insurance is right for me?

If you are going to insure your car you will naturally look for a cheap car insurance. Nobody pays a high premium for fun. Always read the insurance conditions carefully, though. Sometimes a slightly more expensive insurance can be a better choice because it provides better cover, for instance. As a young person and as a novice driver, you always pay a higher premium. This is logical because the risk of damage is higher. Studies have shown this. The insurance company always estimates the risk of a claim and bases the amount of the premium on that.

3 handy tips to prevent damage to your car

Sep 19, 2022 | Insurance | 0 comments

A car is an expensive possession for many people. You have worked hard for it and saved for it for a long time, and then of course you want to enjoy it for as long as possible. To achieve this, it is important to take good care of your car. A good start is already if you neatly follow all traffic rules and drive safely.

These 3 tips make all the difference

Have you also noticed that some people need a new car every time after just a few years, while others keep driving the same car endlessly? To a large extent, this is down to the owner and driver of the car. A car can run well for ten to 15 years, but you need to follow the tips below.

Always drive a well-maintained car

With a car that is professionally maintained, you run much less risk of damage. The tyres are inflated, the engine runs smoothly and there are no technical defects that could cause danger. If you then take care to top up fluids like oil and coolant yourself in between servicing, you've got it all together. The next time you reluctantly make that appointment for a check-up, also think that this way you can drive your car longer.

Always obey traffic rules everywhere

A car accident happens quickly and usually involves a lot of damage. Of course, you cannot influence how other drivers behave in traffic, but you can set a good example yourself. Respecting the rules at all times reduces the likelihood of an accident due to your own fault and, consequently, damages you have to pay.

Park your car in a safe place

To park your car, it is good to put some effort into picking a good spot. A spot where there is little chance of damage from a vehicle hitting your car and a spot that is not so dark and secluded that it attracts car thieves. Another good idea is to make use of a protective cover if your car is left outside.

So what if things do go wrong?

You can never completely rule out damage. However, you can make sure that in case of a breakdown you can always go to a good garage and that in case of an accident you are covered by a legal expenses insurance and passenger insurance in addition to your basic insurance. Do you have those things taken care of just fine? Then you are already saving yourself a lot of worries.

Transfer your licence plate if you are staying in the Netherlands longer

Aug 29, 2022 | Insurance | 0 comments

If you stay in the Netherlands for more than 4 months, it is important to register in the Basic Registration of Persons (BRP). If you move to the Netherlands from Eastern or Central Europe, for example, and take your car with you, you will no longer be allowed to drive a car with an international registration number from then on. If you go to study or are temporarily seconded to the Netherlands, this may be slightly different. Read below what the rules are for registration in your situation.

Registered in the Netherlands

Are you registered in the Netherlands because you are going to live here permanently? Then you are not allowed to drive a car with international registration plates. In this case, you should immediately transfer the registration plate to a Dutch one, and take out a new car insurance in the Netherlands. This can be done for example at Polisa insurance. Polisa.nl is there especially for Eastern and Central Europeans in the Netherlands. For example, you can count on service in your own language here, and claim-free years from your home country are carried over to insurance in the Netherlands, giving you extra discounts.

Exceptions in this situation are if you use the car for a maximum of two weeks in the Netherlands, or if you drive your employer's car with an employer exemption, for example.

Not registered in the Netherlands

Are you not yet registered in the Netherlands but in the Netherlands for a longer period of time? Then it is necessary to transfer your car to a Dutch number plate and Dutch insurance after six months. A Car insurance at Polisa also offers benefits in this case. For instance, with insurance at Polisa.co.uk, you can count on roadside assistance at home and abroad.

Studying in the Netherlands

If you are studying in the Netherlands from Eastern or Central Europe, this will initially only be temporary. Therefore, when you are a student, you will be allowed to drive your own car with original registration number in the Netherlands for your entire study period. Students automatically have an exemption based on international law. However, it is important that the course is recognised.

If you are going to work in the Netherlands besides studying, you do need to transfer the car's registration number and take out insurance in the Netherlands.

Seconded to the Netherlands

If you are seconded to the Netherlands, this will also be a temporary move. On secondment, you have an exemption based on international law. Throughout the posting period, you are therefore allowed to drive your own car in the Netherlands.

Of course, besides these four general situations, there are a lot of exceptions. Whether and when exactly you should transfer your car's registration plate therefore partly depends on your personal situation. In general; if you stay in the Netherlands for longer than six months, transfer your registration.

All-risk or wa casco car insurance - what are the differences?

Jul 20, 2022 | Insurance | 0 comments

Insuring your car all-risk or third-party is a dilemma many car owners face. In this article, we explain the general differences, we write "general" on purpose because different terms and conditions apply between providers. Next, we give examples of situations in which you can see when all-risk or wa casco is appropriate.In the end, of course, it is also a matter of feeling, if you do not want to run any risk then all-risk car insurance obviously better for your peace of mind.

The differences between All-risk and WA casco

Firstly, everyone who drives with a Dutch license plate is obliged to insure his or her car against third-party liability. In case you cause an accident, the insurance company will compensate the damage you cause. The damage to your own car will not be compensated in case of a WA insurance.

WA Casco, WA plus, Limited Casco

The exact name depends on the insurer and the conditions as well. However, there are similarities between the various providers. The WA casco insurance covers the damage that you cannot do anything about, for example:

• Storm damage
• Fire damage
• Natural disasters
• Theft
• Burglary damage (whether any stolen goods are also compensated depends on the insurer)

All-risk car insurance

The biggest and most important difference between a all risk car insurance The most important thing about WA Casco is that the insurer also compensates the damage to your car. So also in case you are guilty of an accident.

When do you choose which insurance?

In the first place, everyone has to decide this for themselves, but there are of course guidelines. Usually, you insure a new car all-risk for the first 0-5 years. This is because the purchase value and daily value are high and repairing or replacing a damage or vehicle is expensive. After five years, it becomes a different story, because cars depreciate quickly. So suppose your car is still worth 5000 euros after five years, it is probably not wise to insure it for a few thousand euros a year. Of course, make sure you have a buffer to be able to replace or repair the car in case of an accident due to fault.
The same goes for WA and WA Casco, if your car is really getting old (15 years +) and is not a real exotic, then WA insurance is often the wiser choice. If you do cause damage, the damage of the other party is covered and you can buy another car for a few thousand euros.

What do you need to take out one of these car insurance policies?

Whereas in the past it was sometimes a "hassle" to stop or transfer your car insurance, these days it can (usually) be done at the press of a button or a phone call. Some insurers require the reporting code and the certificate of release of the car. So make sure you have it handy at all times.