Which insurance policies to take out?
Insurance protects you against (often unpleasant) unforeseen situations that can cost a lot of money. You can insure anything, but what are the necessary (often mandatory) insurances and what options do you have? Do you opt for individual insurance or package insurance?
Which insurances are mandatory?
These insurances are mandatory:
Health insurance (link to the Money Wise website) is mandatory for everyone who is 18 years or older, lives in the Netherlands and works here or receives benefits. Children under the age of 18 are co-insured with their parent(s).
You must have third party liability insurance for your car, motorcycle, moped or other motorized vehicle (link to the Wijzer in geldzaken website).
When you buy a house, the mortgage provider often requires that you take out home insurance (link to the Money Wise website).
Think about these insurance policies
These insurances are not mandatory, but it is smart to have them:
Liability insurance for private individuals (link to the Money Wise website). This insurance reimburses the damage you accidentally cause to someone else.
Insure the items in your home with home contents insurance (link to the Money Wise website). They are often worth more than you think. Take out home contents insurance with the same insurer where you took out your home insurance.
Do you regularly travel abroad? Then consider taking out travel and/or cancellation insurance (link to the Money Wise website). Also do this because of the healthcare costs abroad (link to the Money Wise website).
As of January 1, 2018, term life insurance ( link to the Money Wise website) is no longer mandatory if you buy a house. But it may still be wise to take out one. For example, if you live together. Then consider whether one of the partners will also be able to pay the fixed costs if the other dies.
You can also choose to take out funeral insurance so that your relatives can pay for the funeral.
Only insure yourself for risks that you cannot bear
You can insure all kinds of things: from roadside assistance at home to your mobile phone, from extra warranty on your new laptop to your pet's medical expenses. You often only receive a limited compensation or you receive nothing because this part is just out of warranty.The following applies to every insurance policy: first ask yourself whether you cannot pay the costs yourself. And then look carefully at the conditions. Tip! Save an amount every month for unforeseen expenses!
All individual insurance or package insurance?
It is often more beneficial to take out separate insurance policies because one insurer has the best home insurance and the other, for example, has the best travel insurance. That does mean a bit more administration. You can also opt for package insurance. Then you have all your insurance with the same insurer and you get a discount on the premium. More insurance means more discounts. Another advantage is that you do not have to think about which insurer you should claim any damage from.
If you opt for separate insurance
Keep in mind that it is better to combine some insurance policies. This prevents a lot of discussion in the event of damage. Take out home contents insurance with the building insurer. Insure your caravan with your car insurer.
More information about insurance
Customer-oriented insurance quality mark
Link to the website keurmerkverzekeraars.nl (Insurers Assessment Foundation)
All necessary insurances at a glance
Link to the Nibud website
Everything about insurance
Link to the website VanAtotZekerheid.nl (Association of Insurers)