Insure an import car with temporary car insurance
Do you want to get a car from abroad? An imported car may not be driven on Dutch roads right away. Your car does not yet have a Dutch license plate and must first be inspected by the RDW. In that case, apply for temporary car insurance for your import car.
Take out temporary car insuranceRoadmap: this is how to temporarily insure an imported car
1
Import your car
Pick up your car from abroad or have it transported to the Netherlands.
2
Arrange temporary insurance and/or one-day license plates
- Apply for temporary car insurance for transportation to the RDW.
- Don't have a license plate yet? Then apply for a one-day registration at the RDW. This allows you to drive your import car insured and legally to the RDW inspection on 1 specific day. This license plate is free of charge and only valid in combination with temporary insurance.
3
Get your car inspected at the RDW
Be sure to bring all necessary documents:
- foreign registration certificate
- ID
- purchase receipt, if any.
4
File BPM returns with the Inland Revenue.
After the inspection, you will receive an inspection report. Use this to file your BPM return. Without settled BPM you will not receive a Dutch license plate.
5
Get your Dutch registration certificate
After approval, you will receive a Dutch license plate. You will receive the registration certificate from the RDW within 4 working days.
6
Close a final car insurance policy
- Choose WA, WA+ or all-risk car insurance, depending on the value and age of your car.
- Provide all documents requested by the insurer (import certificate, RDW inspection, BPM declaration).
7
Drive insured on the road
Once your insurance is active and your license plate is finally registered, you may legally enter public roads.
Temporary car insurance for your import car
You can a temporary car insurance policy of 1 or 14 days. Car insurance for 1 day costs €79. Temporary car insurance is designed for situations when you will only be using your car on the road for a short time. For example, when you take the car to the inspection. Usually you only get WA coverage so you comply with the law.
Insuring your import car regularly
If the import car has not yet been approved by the RDW and does not yet have a Dutch license plate, you cannot yet ordinary car insurance yet. Do you still drive without valid car insurance? Then you can get a high fine.
Once the RDW has approved your application, you will receive a Dutch license plate. After that, you can take out car insurance right away. Make sure you have all the papers, such as the import documents and a valid ID, ready so everything goes quickly.
Did you purchase temporary car insurance through Alpina?
Then you get a discount on your car insurance.
Import car insurance by chassis number
When insuring a car, the registration number is normally used. But if you have not yet had an import car inspected by the RDW, you do not yet have a Dutch license plate. In some cases, you can then take out temporary car insurance based on the chassis number. This is also called the VIN number. This unique number identifies the vehicle worldwide and can temporarily serve as a replacement for a license plate.
Please note that with us it is currently not possible to insure a car on the basis of the chassis number alone. However, you can use a one-day license plate in combination with temporary insurance to take your car to the RDW inspection.
Gray import car insurance
Gray import means you are importing a car outside the official dealer channels, such as from the U.S. or Japan. Insurers are extra critical of this because of:
- More difficult to check damage history
- Differing technical specifications
- Higher risks in maintenance and safety
As a result, the premium may be higher or additional conditions may apply.
Frequently asked questions about import car insurance
What does it cost to insure an import car?
If you want to insure your import car temporarily because you are going to an RDW inspection station, you need to purchase temporary car insurance. This insures your car for 1 day or 14 days.
When should you insure an import car?
- When importing: Once you import a car and it is in your name, you are required to have at least third-party insurance.
- Temporary transportation: For transportation to the Netherlands or to the RDW inspection, you sometimes need temporary car insurance. You are not allowed to go on the road uninsured.
Is it mandatory to insure an import car directly?
Yes, as soon as you put an import car in your name, you must immediately insure it with at least third-party insurance. Without valid insurance you risk a fine from the RDW. So arrange insurance before or immediately upon registration.
What documents do I need to insure an import car?
You will need the foreign registration certificate, the Dutch registration certificate and possibly a CVO (Certificate of Conformity). Some insurers also ask for a bill of sale or technical specifications.
Can I temporarily insure an import car?
Yes, you can get temporary car insurance for an import car. For example, one-day insurance. This provides coverage during the import and registration process.
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