Insuring Your First Car
Have you bought your first car? Before you can register the car in your name, you’ll need to get car insurance. The best car insurance depends on your budget, the type of car you drive, and the coverage you choose. Even without a claims-free history, you can still get affordable car insurance.
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Car insurance is required
Many people think that you don't need to insure the car until you bring it home because it's still insured while it's at the garage. That's not true. As soon as the car's license plate is transferred to your name, you, as the registered owner, are required to purchase auto insurance.
At the very least, get third-party liability insurance. This covers damage you cause to others. Driving without insurance can result in a hefty fine and serious problems in the event of an accident.
Coverage
Depending on the value and age of the car, you should select the most appropriate coverage. The most comprehensive coverage is comprehensive insurance. The downside of this type of insurance is that the premium is based on the car’s new value. As a result, this coverage may no longer be cost-effective for older cars.
Third-Party Liability (Mandatory)
- Damage to others
- Theft, joyriding, and missing persons
- Window damage
- Damage caused by fire or natural disasters
- Damage to one's own vehicle caused by a collision
Limited casco
- Damage to others
- Theft, joyriding, and missing persons
- Window damage
- Damage caused by fire or natural disasters
- Damage to one's own vehicle caused by a collision
All Risk (Liability + Comprehensive)
- Damage to others
- Theft, joyriding, and missing persons
- Window damage
- Damage caused by fire or natural disasters
- Damage to one's own vehicle caused by a collision
Top 5 Cheapest Liability Insurance Policies in 2026
| Insurance Company | Price per month | Own risk |
|---|---|---|
| Allianz Direct | €141,15 | N/A |
| Bovemij | €216,90 | N/A |
| Avéro Achmea | €254,47 | N/A |
| Nationale-Nederlanden | €321,14 | N/A |
| Rhion | €366,69 | N/A |
Top 5 Most Affordable Third-Party Liability + Limited Comprehensive Auto Insurance Policies in 2026
| Insurance Company | Price per month | Own risk |
|---|---|---|
| Allianz Direct | €145,28 | N/A |
| Bovemij | €221,28 | €150 |
| a.s.r. | €250,71 | €150 |
| Avéro Achmea | €280,89 | €150 |
| Nationale-Nederlanden | €344,46 | €150 |
Top 5 Most Affordable Comprehensive Insurance Policies in 2026
| Insurance Company | Price per month | Own risk |
|---|---|---|
| Allianz Direct | €216,92 | N/A |
| Bovemij | €302,33 | €150 |
| Avéro Achmea | €307,91 | €150 |
| a.s.r. | €320,81 | €150 |
| Nationale-Nederlanden | €392,60 | €150 |
Choose coverage that fits your first car
For young drivers with an inexpensive used car, third-party liability insurance or limited comprehensive insurance is often sufficient. Comprehensive (all-risk) auto insurance is only worthwhile for a relatively new or expensive car.
Third-party liability insurance is suitable for cars older than 10 years.
Limited Comprehensive Insurance is suitable for cars between 6 and 10 years old.
Comprehensive insurance is suitable for a new car or a car up to about 6 years old. Do you have an older car but can’t afford to buy an equivalent car after a claim? Then you should still opt for comprehensive insurance.
Additional Coverage
In addition to standard auto insurance, as a new driver you can opt for supplemental coverage. These additional options provide protection against specific risks not covered by the basic policy. Examples include breakdowns while on the road, damage caused by vandalism, or coverage for accessories in your car.
More comprehensive coverage isn't always necessary. Take an honest look at your driving style, how often you drive, and what matters most to you.
Occupant accidents
Passenger accident insurance pays out fixed amounts in the event of the death or permanent disability of the driver and/or passengers.
Occupant damage
This insurance covers property damage sustained by the driver and passengers as a result of an accident.
Legal Aid
Insured of legal help in traffic disputes. At home and abroad. With the vehicle insured on the policy.
Roadside Assistance Netherlands
Roadside assistance after an accident is covered as standard under your insurance policy. As a supplement to your insurance, you can also purchase roadside assistance coverage for the Netherlands.
Roadside assistance Europe
Roadside assistance after an accident is covered as standard under your insurance policy. As a supplement to your insurance, you can also purchase roadside assistance coverage for Europe.
How to Get Your First Car Insurance Policy in 5 Steps
Just bought your first car? You can get car insurance online 24/7. Make sure you have your license plate number, registration code, and driver’s license handy. You can’t get insurance without this information. Here’s how to get insurance:
Temporary coverage
Once you’ve taken out the insurance, you’ll often receive provisional coverage right away, so you can hit the road fully insured immediately. However, the insurer will still need the registration code to register the license plate with the RDW. This code is listed on the vehicle registration certificate.
Cost of Car Insurance
The premium amount depends on various factors, such as your age, the type of car you want to insure, and the coverage you choose. As a new driver, the car insurance premium is often higher than for experienced drivers. Insurers charge this higher premium because, as a new driver, you pose a greater risk of causing damage.
| Age | Car type | Coverage | Average monthly premium |
|---|---|---|---|
| 18 years old | Small city car | WA | €80 – €120 |
| 20 years | Compact hatchback | WA+ | €100 – €160 |
| 22 years | Newer used car | All-Risk | €130 – €200 |
First Car Insurance and Claim-Free Years
When you take out car insurance for the first time, you haven’t yet accumulated any claim-free years. You only accumulate claim-free years if you have car insurance in your own name and drive without making any claims. New drivers usually haven’t accumulated any claim-free years yet. Accumulating claim-free years is important because it ultimately leads to a lower premium. Accumulated claim-free years allow you to move up the no-claims ladder and receive a larger no-claims discount.
That’s why you start with 0 claim-free years. For every year that you don’t file a claim on your auto insurance, you earn 1 claim-free year. This way, you build up claim-free years and receive a larger discount on your premium.
Insuring in your parents' name or in your own name
It might seem like a good idea to insure your car under your parents' name. Your parents have probably accumulated more claim-free years and therefore qualify for a larger insurance discount. However, this isn't a good idea.
If you’re actually the primary driver, that constitutes insurance fraud. In the event of a claim, you could run into problems or even receive no compensation at all from your insurance company. It’s best to put the insurance policy in your own name and start building up your no-claims history as soon as possible.
Chief Executive Officer or Regular Executive?
The primary driver is the person who drives the car most often and covers the most kilometers. The regular driver is someone who drives the car regularly, but not necessarily the most.
So, if you drive to school or work every day in a car registered in your parents’ name but aren’t listed as the primary driver, this could cause problems with insurance claims. Of course, you’re still allowed to drive your parents’ car from time to time.
Compare multiple car insurance policies to find the cheapest one
Compare providers to find the cheapest car insurance for new drivers. You don't need to have your vehicle registration certificate to start comparing car insurance policies and purchase a policy.
When comparing car insurance policies, keep the following factors in mind:
Your driving experience
The type of car
Your age
The region where you live
The number of claim-free years
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Tips for Lowering the Cost of Your First Car Insurance Policy
Choose a car with a low insurance class, such as a small hatchback or a fuel-efficient city car. The lower the horsepower and the lighter the car, the lower your premium will usually be.
Compare insurance policies online—not just by price, but also by coverage terms. For example, check what is and isn't covered in the event of a claim.
Consider choosing a higher deductible to lower your monthly costs. You’ll pay more in the event of a claim, but if you don’t drive much or are a careful driver, this could end up being more cost-effective.
Pay annually instead of monthly. It may seem like a lot of money all at once, but many insurers offer a discount if you pay in a single lump sum.
The sooner you start building up claim-free years, the faster you'll get a discount. So, having liability insurance in your own name is often better than having it in your parents' name.
Frequently Asked Questions About Insuring Your First Car
Is supplemental coverage really necessary?
Insurance companies offer a whole range of additional coverages, but not all of them are really necessary. Especially if you’re just starting to drive, you don’t want to pay for something that won’t be of much use to you. Still, some options can be useful, depending on how and how much you drive:
- Roadside Assistance: Do you drive a lot or find yourself traveling to unfamiliar places often? If so, roadside assistance can save you a lot of stress—especially if you’re not a member of the ANWB or Route Mobiel.
- Legal Assistance: If you’re involved in a traffic dispute or have suffered damage and the other party is being difficult, it’s good to have legal assistance available.
- Passenger Insurance: This covers injuries or property damage to passengers. It's not required, but it gives you peace of mind if you regularly give friends rides.
Can I insure the car in my parents' name or in someone else's name?
That's only allowed if they are actually the ones who drive the car the most. If you're the primary driver but your parents are listed on the policy, the insurer will consider that fraud. In the event of a claim, you won't receive any compensation.
So, insuring yourself isn't just fairer—it's also safer for your wallet and your no-claims record.
What's the cheapest car insurance for your first car?
The most affordable option is usually third-party liability insurance for a small, inexpensive car—such as a Peugeot 107 or a Toyota Aygo. This covers you for damage to others, but not to your own car.
Do you own a somewhat more expensive car? For example, one you bought with a lot of effort or savings? In that case, third-party liability insurance alone is usually not a good idea. If your car is totaled due to your fault, third-party liability insurance won’t cover any of the costs. You’ll then have to pay for a new car out of your own pocket.
So ask yourself honestly: Can I afford it? If the answer is no, then third-party liability plus (WA+) or even comprehensive coverage is often a wiser choice, despite the higher premium.
Is comprehensive insurance a smart choice for a first car?
Only if your car is still relatively new and worth a lot. Think of a car that’s no more than 5 years old, or with a current market value above €10,000. For older cars, comprehensive coverage often isn’t worth it anymore: you pay a high premium, while the payout in the event of damage can sometimes be disappointing. Third-party liability (WA) or third-party liability plus (WA+) is then a safer (and cheaper) choice.
Only once you've built up many claim-free years and your premium is lower might it be a good idea to opt for comprehensive coverage after all.
What happens if I'm involved in an accident without any claim-free years?
You’ll start to feel the impact in your wallet. Your premium will go up, and you’ll even accumulate penalty points instead of earning a discount. In the event of a major claim, that could amount to tens of euros per month. That’s why it pays to start small, drive safely, and gradually build up your claim-free years.
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