What do you need to insure a car?
Taking out car insurance isn't difficult. You'll need the car's details, such as the registration code and license plate number. And, of course, the owner's information, such as their name, address, bank details, and the number of claim-free years. You don't need a driver's license to take out insurance.
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Here's what you need to get car insurance
When applying for auto insurance, you will be asked to provide various documents and information, such as your name, various codes, and numbers related to your vehicle and identity. The insurance policy is always issued in a person’s name.
This is usually the owner and does not have to be the primary driver. It is not possible to take out auto insurance in a company’s name. Of course, you can take out a commercial auto insurance policy.
Have you taken out insurance? You're usually covered right away with provisional coverage.
Please have this information ready
Make sure you have all the necessary documents and codes on hand when you apply for car insurance. To purchase car insurance, you'll need the following information:
1. License Plate Number
2. Vehicle registration code: This is the four-digit code on your vehicle registration card.
3. Personal information: name, address, city, and bank account information.
4. Type of coverage: Liability, Limited Comprehensive Liability, or Comprehensive Liability.
5. Claim-free years used to determine whether you are eligible for a no-claim discount.
6. An estimate of the number of kilometers you drive each year.
Answer the acceptance questions provided
When taking out auto insurance, you’ll need to answer a number of underwriting questions. Insurers use these questions to assess the risk and determine whether they want to accept you as a customer.
Always be honest. An insurer can verify the information you provide using external data sources. For example, Roy-data for claim-free years and the CIS registry for previous claims or incidents.
The questions cover topics such as:
Your driving history, such as previous claims or accidents.
Your insurance history. For example, whether you have been declined coverage in the past or had a policy canceled.
Payment behavior, such as late payments.
Any criminal convictions.
This information helps insurers determine whether you pose an increased risk. In some cases, an insurer may reject your application or impose additional conditions, such as a higher deductible or limited coverage.
Number of claim-free years
The more claim-free years you've accumulated, the greater the no-claims discount you'll receive from your insurer. As a result, you'll often pay a lower premium for the same coverage.
Insurance companies use data from the central Roy-data system to verify your claim-free years. However, when applying for auto insurance, you usually have to specify yourself how many claim-free years you have. By entering this information correctly, you’ll receive an accurate premium calculation and avoid corrections or rejection of your application later on.
So make sure you know how many claim-free years you've accumulated. You can find this information on your old insurance policy statement, among other places.
Choose from different types of auto insurance
Insurance companies typically offer three types of coverage. Third-party liability insurance is required by law in the Netherlands. The other types of coverage are optional. You decide which coverage to choose and which additional options to add to your auto insurance policy.
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 |
|---|---|---|
| Avéro Achmea | €32,61 | N/A |
| Bovemij | €34,05 | N/A |
| Allianz Direct | €36,83 | N/A |
| Rhion | €38,80 | N/A |
| ZERO | €47,04 | N/A |
Top 5 Most Affordable Liability + Limited Comprehensive Auto Insurance Policies in 2026
| Insurance Company | Price per month | Own risk |
|---|---|---|
| Bovemij | €37,73 | €150 |
| a.s.r. | €37,82 | €150 |
| Allianz Direct | €38,11 | N/A |
| Avéro Achmea | €38,31 | €150 |
| Rhion | €45,98 | N/A |
Top 5 Most Affordable Comprehensive Insurance Policies in 2026
| Insurance Company | Price per month | Own risk |
|---|---|---|
| a.s.r. | €48,67 | €150 |
| Bovemij | €52,93 | €150 |
| Avéro Achmea | €55,43 | €150 |
| Rhion | €63,06 | N/A |
| Allianz Direct | €65,28 | N/A |
Insuring a New or Used Car
The coverage you choose depends mainly on how old your car is and your personal comfort level with risk. Comprehensive insurance is often purchased for (relatively) new cars or if you don’t have enough money to buy a new car.
For older cars, you can choose between the legally required third-party liability insurance or the slightly more comprehensive third-party liability with limited collision coverage. Third-party liability insurance only covers damage you cause to others. Damage resulting from a collision, as well as damage to windows or replacement-value damage, is usually only covered under a more comprehensive policy such as third-party liability with collision coverage.
Additional Coverage
In addition to the standard coverage, you can expand your auto insurance with supplemental coverage. Examples include passenger insurance, roadside assistance, or legal assistance for traffic-related matters—such as if you encounter legal issues following a collision.
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.
Cancel Your Current Auto Insurance Policy
Do you want to take out a new car insurance policy and cancel your current one? In many cases, you’ll need to cancel your old car insurance policy yourself when you switch to another insurer. You can usually do this easily via email, an online form, or your account with the insurer. Don’t forget to include your policy number and the desired end date.
Make sure the effective date of your new policy aligns with the cancellation date of your current insurance policy, so you don't end up driving without coverage.
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Frequently Asked Questions About What You Need to Take Out Car Insurance
What information is required when applying for auto insurance?
When applying for auto insurance, you'll need to provide some information, such as your license plate number, registration code, date of birth, driver's license details, number of claim-free years, and bank account number for direct debit.
You’ll also often need to specify the number of kilometers driven per year and who the primary driver is. This information helps insurers determine the appropriate coverage and premium.
How do I get car insurance for a used car?
To get car insurance for a used car, enter the license plate number and registration code, along with your personal information. You must have car insurance in place by the time the license plate is registered in your name. You are not allowed to drive on public roads without insurance.
What is the reporting code, and where can I find it?
The registration code is a four-digit code required to purchase auto insurance. This code consists of the last 4 digits of the vehicle identification number (VIN) and can be found on your car’s registration certificate or registration card. Insurers use this code to verify the vehicle with the RDW.
What should I do about my current auto insurance when I switch providers?
If you switch to a different auto insurance provider, you must cancel your current auto insurance policy yourself, unless your new provider handles this for you. Make sure the transition is well-coordinated to avoid any periods without coverage. Your car must always be covered by at least third-party liability insurance.
What documents do I need to provide to insure my car?
Signing up for a different car insurance policy is quick and easy. In most cases, to sign up for car insurance, you’ll need the following documents or information: your license plate number, registration code, driver’s license, bank account number, and the number of claim-free years you’ve accumulated.
How can you compare the best car insurance policies?
Visit our handy tool to calculate your premium. Start by entering your license plate number, your ZIP code, and your date of birth.
When comparing policies, you’ll also see what additional coverage insurers offer, so you can choose the right plan for you. After entering your information, you’ll immediately see an overview of the premiums available to you.
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