What is the difference between third-party, limited and comprehensive cover?
| What is covered? | Third-party (WA) | Limited (beperkt casco) | Comprehensive (allrisk) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Damage to others and their property | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Theft and break-in | No | Yes | Yes |
| Fire, storm, hail and flooding | No | Yes | Yes |
| Window damage | No | Yes | Yes |
| Collision with an animal | No | Usually | Yes |
| Vandalism | No | Usually not | Yes |
| Damage to your own car that you cause yourself | No | No | Yes |
Limited cover is also called WA+ or WA extra; comprehensive cover is also called volledig casco. The exact cover differs per insurer, so always check the policy terms.
Third-party: the legal minimum
Every car with a Dutch licence plate must have at least third-party cover, even when it is parked on a public road. Third-party cover pays for damage you cause to others with your car, such as a collision with another car, a cyclist or a fence. You pay for damage to your own car yourself, even if it is stolen or burns out.
Third-party cover suits an older car with a low value: the extra premium for comprehensive cover then does not outweigh what you would get back after a claim.
Limited cover: protection against bad luck from outside
Limited comprehensive cover pays for damage to your own car that you did not cause yourself, such as theft, fire, storm, hail and window damage. A collision with an animal is usually covered too. A collision you cause, or a dent from parking, is not covered.
Limited cover often suits a middle-aged car that is still worth enough to insure against theft and fire.
Comprehensive: also when you cause the damage yourself
Comprehensive cover pays for almost all damage to your own car, even if you cause it yourself: a bollard while parking, a collision that is your fault or vandalism. If you choose comprehensive cover, also look at the new-value or purchase-value scheme: if the car is written off in the first years, you receive the new price or purchase price instead of the lower current value.
If you lease or finance your car, the lease or finance company often requires comprehensive cover. For an electric car from a new brand, comprehensive cover is usually wise too, because repairs and the battery can be expensive.
When do you switch to lighter cover?
There is no fixed age at which you have to switch. A common rule of thumb:
- New up to about 5 years old: comprehensive, especially with a new-value scheme.
- About 5 to 8 years old: limited cover, or comprehensive if the car is still worth a lot.
- Older than about 8 years or a low value: third-party, possibly with limited cover against theft and fire.
Look mainly at the value of the car and what you can afford to lose. Compare the extra premium for comprehensive cover with what you would get back after a claim. If you could pay for serious damage to your own car yourself, you can switch sooner.
How does a claim affect your no-claims years?
Your premium discount depends on your claim-free years (no-claims). If the insurer pays for damage you caused, you usually lose a number of claim-free years and your premium goes up. For damage you did not cause, such as theft, fire, storm or window damage, most insurers do not deduct claim-free years. For small damage, it can be cheaper to pay it yourself.
Excess and additional cover
A higher excess lowers your premium, but you pay more yourself for damage to your own car. Choose an amount you can easily afford.
On top of the basic cover, you can often add extras such as passenger accident cover, legal expenses for traffic matters and breakdown assistance. The premium calculator shows the options per insurer.
Calculate what the difference costs you
In the premium calculator on the private car insurance page, enter your licence plate to see third-party, limited and comprehensive premiums side by side, from several insurers. The calculator is in Dutch; we are happy to help in English or Chinese. Driving for business? See commercial car insurance.
Frequently asked questions
Is third-party car insurance compulsory in the Netherlands?
Yes. Every car with a Dutch licence plate must have at least third-party cover (WA), even when it is parked on a public road.
When can I switch from comprehensive to limited cover?
A common rule of thumb is after about 5 years, but it mainly depends on the value of the car and what you can afford to lose. Compare the extra premium with what you would get back after a claim.
Does window damage cost me claim-free years?
Not with most insurers. Window damage falls under limited and comprehensive cover and usually has no effect on your claim-free years. Check your policy terms to be sure.
Is vandalism covered by limited cover?
Usually not. With most insurers, vandalism is only covered by comprehensive cover.
Read also
This page is general information, not personal advice. Terms and premiums differ by insurer and situation.