Insuring an Imported Car with Temporary Auto Insurance
Do you want to import a car from abroad? An imported car isn’t always allowed to drive on Dutch roads right away. Your car doesn’t have a Dutch license plate yet and must first be inspected by the RDW. In that case, apply for temporary auto insurance for your imported car; this will allow you to drive to the RDW with a temporary license plate to have your imported vehicle inspected.
Purchase temporary auto insuranceStep-by-Step Guide: How to Get Temporary Insurance for an Imported Car
1
Import Your Car
Pick up your car from abroad or have it shipped to the Netherlands.
2
Arrange for temporary insurance and/or a one-day license plate
- Apply for temporary auto insurance to transport the vehicle to the RDW.
- Don't have a license plate yet? Then apply for a one-day license plate from the RDW. This allows you to drive your imported car—insured and legally—to the RDW inspection on one specific day. This license plate is free and valid only in combination with temporary insurance.
3
Have your car inspected by the RDW
Be sure to bring all the necessary documents with you:
- foreign vehicle registration certificate
- proof of identity
- any purchase receipt.
4
File a BPM return with the Tax Authority
After the inspection, you will receive an inspection report. Use this to file your BPM return. You will not receive a Dutch license plate unless your BPM has been processed.
5
Get your Dutch vehicle registration certificate
Once approved, you will receive a Dutch license plate. The RDW will send you the registration certificate within 4 business days.
6
Take out a permanent auto insurance policy
- Choose between third-party liability, third-party liability plus, or comprehensive auto insurance, depending on the value and age of your car.
- Submit all documents requested by the insurer (proof of import, RDW inspection, BPM declaration).
7
Hit the road with peace of mind
Once your insurance is active and your license plate has been permanently registered, you may legally drive on public roads.
Temporary auto insurance for your imported car
You can take out temporary auto insurance for as little as 1 day. A 1-day car insurance policy costs €79. Temporary car insurance is intended for situations where you’ll only be driving your car for a short time—for example, when you take it in for a vehicle inspection. In that case, you’ll only have third-party liability coverage to ensure you comply with the law.
Getting Standard Insurance for Your Imported Car
If the imported car has not yet been approved by the RDW and does not yet have a Dutch license plate, you can still take out standard auto insurance yet. If you drive without valid auto insurance anyway, you could face a hefty fine.
Once the RDW has approved your application, you’ll receive a Dutch license plate. You can then take out car insurance right away. Make sure you have all the necessary documents—such as the import documents and a valid form of identification—ready so that the process goes smoothly.
Have you purchased temporary auto insurance through Alpina?
Then you'll get a discount on your car insurance.
Insuring an Imported Car Based on the Chassis Number
When insuring a car, the license plate number is normally used. However, if you haven’t yet had an imported car inspected by the RDW, you won’t have a Dutch license plate yet. In some cases, you can take out temporary auto insurance based on the chassis number. This is also known as the VIN number. This unique number identifies the vehicle worldwide and can temporarily serve as a substitute for a license plate.
Please note: We are currently unable to insure a car based solely on the chassis number. However, you can use a one-day license plate in combination with temporary insurance to take your car to the RDW inspection.
Insuring a Gray-Market Car
"Gray market" imports refer to cars imported outside of official dealer channels, such as from the U.S. or Japan. Insurance companies are particularly critical of this practice because:
- A damage history that is more difficult to verify
- Different technical specifications
- Higher Risks Related to Maintenance and Safety
As a result, the premium may be higher, or additional conditions may apply.
Frequently Asked Questions About Insuring Imported Cars
How much does it cost to insure an imported car?
If you want to temporarily insure your imported car because you're going to an RDW inspection station, you'll need to purchase temporary auto insurance. This will cover your car for 1 day or 14 days.
When do you need to insure an imported car?
- Upon Import: As soon as you import a car and it is registered in your name, you are required to have at least liability insurance.
- Temporary Transportation: You may need temporary auto insurance to transport your vehicle to the Netherlands or to the RDW inspection. You are not allowed to drive on the road without insurance.
Is it mandatory to insure an imported car immediately?
Yes, as soon as you register an imported car in your name, you must immediately obtain at least third-party liability insurance. Without valid insurance, you risk a fine from the RDW. So be sure to arrange the insurance before or immediately upon registration.
What documents do I need to insure an imported car?
You will need the foreign vehicle registration certificate, the Dutch registration certificate, and, if applicable, a Certificate of Conformity (CVO). Some insurers also require a purchase receipt or technical specifications.
Can I get temporary insurance for an imported car?
Yes, you can purchase temporary auto insurance for an imported car. For example, a one-day policy. This provides coverage during the import and registration process.
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