Your Car Insurance Abroad

Your auto insurance coverage abroad

Your Dutch auto insurance is valid in most EU countries. Check your auto insurance’s green card to make sure which countries are covered. Also, check with your insurer in advance to find out what conditions apply when traveling abroad.

In many cases, there is a maximum length of stay during which your car is insured. For example, many insurers will not cover you if your car is abroad for more than half the year.

No Need for Temporary Car Insurance for Vacation

It’s usually not necessary to purchase temporary car insurance in the Netherlands before your vacation. Is your Dutch insurance not valid in a particular country? In that case, you can often purchase temporary car insurance at the border of that country. The cost of such temporary car insurance varies by country.

Damage During Your Stay Abroad

An accident can always happen while you're abroad. Your auto insurance will likely cover the damage, but the insurer does have a few requirements. For example, you'll need to fill out an accident report form together with the other party. This is described in detail in the policy terms.

The green card lists an international phone number you can call for assistance after an accident. In that case, a Dutch-speaking representative from the insurer's emergency call center will assist you.

You will then receive instructions over the phone on what to do at the scene. For example, they can arrange for the car to be towed to a repair shop or for you to receive a rental car.

A European Accident Report Form

To reduce the language barrier, the accident reports look the same everywhere. This makes filling them out much easier. This allows the insurer to determine who is responsible for the accident and to obtain the other party’s information.

That’s why you should always keep a European accident report form in your car. You can easily report a claim online through Alpina.

Additional coverage while traveling abroad

Want to be extra well-prepared for your trip? Then consider roadside assistance insurance. If you break down on the road, you can’t call on your auto insurance provider. With this supplemental insurance, you can count on fast and professional assistance wherever you are, all year round.

Is a Green Card required when traveling abroad?

In most countries, you don't need to carry your green card with you, but in some countries , a green card is required. Before you travel abroad, it's therefore a good idea to check which countries you'll be driving through.

Be sure to check not only whether your auto insurance is valid in these countries, but also what requirements each country has for your car. For example, in some countries, you must always carry a warning triangle and a safety vest.

Don't have one? Then you could be fined. Your green card also lists phone numbers you can call in the event of damage or an accident. That's why it's a good idea to bring your green card with you when you travel.

Temporary car insurance with coverage in Europe

Are you planning to export a car within Europe, and does your car not (yet) have insurance? If so, you can purchase temporary car insurance. With the 14-day temporary insurance policy, you’re covered throughout Europe.

Importing a Car from Abroad

Did you buy a car abroad and want to import it into the Netherlands? This car must always be inspected by the RDW first. During the inspection, the inspector checks whether the car meets all safety and environmental requirements.

The information required for the BPM tax return is also determined. After that, you will receive a Dutch license plate and can purchase auto insurance.

Car Insurance When You Live Abroad Permanently

Are you moving abroad permanently? If so, you cannot purchase Dutch auto insurance. This is because you must be registered as a resident in the Netherlands to purchase auto insurance. When you deregister in the Netherlands and emigrate abroad, you must cancel your auto insurance. You will then need to purchase a new auto insurance policy in the country where you will be living.