In the modern world, where risks and liabilities are constantly changing, understanding aansprakelijkheid (liability), the different forms of protection and how they can affect our lives is essential. In this article, we will explore in depth the aansprakelijkheid, the insurance options available and the importance of legal protection in different aspects of everyday life.
Imagine you are riding your bike, you lose a little control and fall off, there is a car parked next to you and unfortunately you throw the mirror at it. In addition to the hit you took, you will now also have to pay for the mirror and any other damage you caused to the vehicle.
There are many examples like this accident and the best way to prepare for such a case is to take out liability insurance, which in Dutch is called Aansprakelijkheidsverzekering.
Aansprakelijkheid and associated risks
Aansprakelijkheid is the legal liability for damage caused to others, either by actions taken or by negligence in preventing damage. There are two main types of aansprakelijkheid:
- Aansprakelijkheid wettelijk (of legal): arises when an action or omission violates an existing law. For example, if you cause a traffic accident while driving drunk, you are legally liable for the resulting damages. This insurance is mandatory if you own a car.
- Aansprakelijkheid for risk: implies being responsible for something or someone that is under your control or influence. For example, if your dog causes damage to someone’s property, you are responsible for compensating for that damage because of the risk associated with owning a pet.
Aansprakelijkheidsverzekeringen: protecting your assets
To mitigate the risks of aansprakelijkheid, many people choose to purchase liability insurance (aansprakelijkheidsverzekeringen). These policies cover the costs of damages for which you may be legally liable. The two most common forms of liability insurance are:
- WA-verzekering (Wettelijke Aansprakelijkheid): Also known as liability insurance, it covers damage caused to third parties by you or your possessions, such as your car.
- AVP (Aansprakelijkheidsverzekering voor Particulieren): This policy provides liability coverage for individuals and their families, protecting them from claims related to personal injury or property damage.
Liability insurance for private individuals (Aansprakelijkheidsverzekering voor Particulieren) covers damage caused to third parties and/or their property as a result of accidents. Children and pets are included as co-insured. That is to say, if your child breaks a window by accident while playing soccer in the street, that window is covered, or if a car has to yield because your pet ran into the street and the car hits a pole while avoiding it, this is also covered by the insurance.
In addition, liability insurance is usually worldwide, so you will also be insured abroad.
How much does it cost and where do I hire it?
Most banks offer this type of insurance at a preferential price if you have an account with them, usually costing no more than 4 euros per month. The price of the policy depends on your situation, whether you want it for yourself or for your family, the amount you want to be covered for, whether you want to pay deductible or not, etc.
Below are the links to the insurance policies of the different banks. This is the easiest option if you don’t want to do a lot of research on the subject.
ABN Amro
https://www.abnamro.nl/en/personal/insurance/home-insurances/liability-insurance.html
Rabobank
https://www.rabobank.nl/particulieren/verzekering/aansprakelijkheidsverzekering
ING
https://www.ing.nl/particulier/verzekeren/aansprakelijkheidsverzekering/index.html
If you prefer to contract it with an insurance company you can check with United Insurance, they came out as the best buy (best value for money) in an analysis made by Consumenten Bond, they are the consumer association, a non-profit organization that promotes consumer protection.
The link to United Insurance is this: https://www.unitedinsurance.nl/gezin/aansprakelijkheidsverzekering
And if you want to read the Consumenten Bond report apply google translate and read it here.
https://www.consumentenbond.nl/aansprakelijkheidsverzekering/beste
Ultimately, prevention and preparation are key when it comes to protecting yourself and your loved ones from risks and liabilities in everyday life.
