Car insurance policy terms and conditions

What is the deductible in car insurance?

The deductible is that part of the damage that is for your own account. Not all insurers use a deductible. If they do, it is often an amount up to € 150. For a damage of € 1,000, you will receive € 850, assuming an excess of € 150. Insurers use an excess to raise the threshold for claiming damages.

A higher excess for young drivers

Young drivers often pay a higher premium until they are 24 years old. Insurers do this because, compared to older drivers, they cause more damage. For some insurers this is not enough. They also impose an additional excess in the policy conditions if the damage is caused by young drivers. Not all insurers do this.

Excess for windscreen damage

A different deductible applies to windshield damage. If window replacement is not necessary, there is often no deductible. However, the insurer may refer you to a particular glass repairer in your area. If the car window is replaced, a deductible often does apply. The amount again depends on where you go for the windshield replacement. Insurers may refer you to repairers that have contracts with them.

The new-age insurance

For new or young cars, the new value settlement is interesting. If the car is totaled, the claim is settled based on the new value of the car. The new-for-old value settlement can apply for one to three years. After this period, the current market value of the car is used as the basis for the claim.

Purchase price regulation

This scheme is similar to the new-value scheme, but is aimed at used cars. If this scheme is included in the car insurance policy according to the policy terms, the purchase value of the car is assumed for a certain period of time. Did you buy the car for €8,000? Then the claim settlement will temporarily be based on this value instead of the current market value.

Current value of the car

The daily value is the value of the car just before the damage. This value takes into account the car's age, as well as its state of repair and mileage, for example. It also takes into account how well the car has been maintained.

Termination of car insurance

Car insurance has a standard term of one year. After the first year of insurance, the insurance is renewed again for one year. After the first year of insurance, the insurance can be cancelled daily. Some insurers use a notice period of one month. This is allowed. When canceling the car insurance on April 5, the insurer is allowed to terminate the insurance on May 5. When selling the car, the car insurance can be cancelled immediately. This makes sense because there is nothing left to insure. Even during the first year, the insurance can be cancelled when the car is sold.

Damage control by the insurer

For damage repairs, insurers use claims steering. This means that you prefer to have your car repaired at a repair shop designated by the insurer. They do damage control by, for example, lowering the deductible if you go to an affiliated bodyshop. This phenomenon is also familiar in glass repair.

Driving with alcohol at the wheel

Insurers are strict in the case of damage where the driver was under the influence of alcohol. The insurer has the right to recover the amount of the damage from the person who caused it. In a liability case, the damage to the other party is compensated. The insurer can then send the drunk driver an invoice for the damage. This type of damage recovery can involve large sums of money.

Other exclusions

There are other situations named in the policy conditions where there is no coverage. These include, for example, participating in speed contests or renting out the car. Also, if you drive the car without a valid driver's license, the car insurance does not provide coverage.

Guarantee

In a collision abroad, you may face bail. In extreme cases, the car may be impounded. You may even end up in jail yourself. You will get the car back on payment of a bail. The insurer will take care of this. Even if bail is needed to get you out of jail again.

What are important things about the policy conditions?

Reading policy conditions is not the nicest thing to do. That's why we've put the most important ones in a row. Clear and simple.

Read more

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How does it work with claim-free years?

You can see how many claim-free years you have accumulated on your policy schedule. Not sure? Check with your insurer or intermediary. This will prevent the premium from changing later on if the claim-free years were incorrect.

Read all about building up claim-free years

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What supplementary insurances are there?

Some additional insurances are very useful. We will explain all supplementary insurances to you. That way, you can make an informed choice.

Check the pros and cons of supplementary insurances

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