Buying a used car
Insuring a used car in the Netherlands: when and which cover
From the moment the car is in your name, it must have third-party (WA) insurance. So take it out before the transfer. The RDW checks this at least once a year; the fine without insurance is € 500.
Three kinds of cover
| Cover | What it covers | Often chosen for |
|---|---|---|
| WA | Damage you cause to others with the car. Required by law. | Every car (the minimum) |
| WA+ (limited casco) | WA plus, among other things, theft and break-in, window damage, storm and fire damage to your own car. | An older car that is still worth something |
| All-risk (full casco) | Also damage to your own car that you cause yourself, and vandalism. | A newer or more expensive car |
What no insurance covers
Car insurance covers damage from an event, such as a collision, theft or a storm. Wear and mechanical faults are not covered. The weak spots CarXray shows per model, such as suspension, brakes or exhaust, are therefore at your own cost. That is why the plate check before buying matters more than the choice between WA+ and all-risk.
How to choose without overpaying
- The older and cheaper the car, the less extra cover gives back against the extra premium.
- Check what value the insurer pays out: market value, replacement value or purchase value.
- Claim-free years give a discount; after a claim it usually drops.
- Coming from abroad? Ask whether the insurer counts your claim-free years with a foreign insurer; this differs per insurer.
- Legal assistance through the car insurance is often cheaper than separately; make sure you are not insured twice.
- Not using the car for a while? You can suspend the registration; while it is suspended, no WA insurance is needed.
CarXray.nl sells no insurance and receives nothing from insurers. That is why there are no names or comparison sites here.
All steps in the right order, for your situation: make your buying plan
Looking at a used car? Check that car
Enter the plate and see the APK history, open recalls and how the car compares with the same model at the same age.
Frequently asked questions
Must I insure the car before the transfer?
Yes. The car must have third-party insurance from the moment it is in your name. The RDW checks it and the fine is € 500.
Does all-risk insurance cover wear?
No. Car insurance covers damage from an event, not wear or mechanical faults.
More on buying: Transferring the car · Purchase agreement · Dealer or private seller · Pre-purchase inspection · Costs
Sources
- RDW: Transfer registration number to a person’s name
- Ondernemersplein (overheid): Motor insurance act (WAM, Dutch)
- RDW: Fine amounts (Dutch)
Checked on 19 October 2026. General information, not legal or insurance advice; the official source always prevails. Something out of date? Let us know.