{"type":"document","data":{"id":"17994456-7911-400a-bd94-a41c4c005411","localeString":"en-GB","publishDate":"2026-04-20T14:55:41.802+02:00","contentType":"onecms:productPage","hasMacro":false,"flexPageMetadata":{"afmBanner":false,"robotInstruction":{"noIndex":false,"noFollow":false},"description":"Insurance costs you a lot of money every year. But when should you insure yourself and when shouldn't you? Check out 9 tips that ING has put together for you."},"mainHeaderZone":{"componentType":"productHeader","coreHeader":{"body":"Every year, every Dutch person spends many hundreds of euros on insurance. Some are mandatory, such as basic health insurance (medical costs) and third-party liability insurance (car). Others are strongly recommended, such as buildings insurance (own home) and personal liability insurance. But for everything else, the rule is: only take out insurance if you cannot or do not want to pay for the potential damage yourself.","headerImage":{"transformBaseUrl":"https://assets.ing.com/transform/88512113-4d88-4c76-9add-80d94f7c5c2c/PORTRAIT-OF-HAPPY-YOUNG-COUPLE","type":"image","width":5700,"altTextNL":"\"\"","original":"https://assets.ing.com/m/59d75bd7782709df/original/PORTRAIT-OF-HAPPY-YOUNG-COUPLE.jpg","extension":"jpg"},"title":"9 smart tips for your insurance","subtitle":"Well insured without paying too much!"},"backLink":{"textLink":{"url":"/en/personal/insurances","text":"Insurance"}}},"flexZone":{"flexComponents":[{"componentType":"paragraph","title":"Earned quickly","richBody":{"value":"<p>Of course, there is little more boring than reviewing your insurance policies. That is why you will find a number of handy tips below for the most common types of insurance. This way, you remain well insured without paying too much.</p>"}},{"componentType":"paragraph","title":"Tip 1: check the age of your car","richBody":{"value":"<p>You have been driving around well insured for a while, but your car has gotten older and is therefore worth less now. Perhaps less comprehensive coverage is sufficient now? This will save you money on your premium immediately. Of course, it depends on your personal wishes and circumstances, but the guideline is:</p>"}},{"componentType":"accordion","accordionList":[{"title":"Third-party liability: for cars older than 11 years","richBody":{"value":"<p>You are required to insure your car for at least Third-Party Liability (WA). It is the simplest coverage. Only damage you cause to others with your car is reimbursed. Therefore, you pay the lowest premium for WA.</p>"}},{"title":"Third-Party Liability Plus (or Third-Party Liability with Limited Cover) for cars between 7 and 11 years old","richBody":{"value":"<p>You choose WA Plus if you also want to insure part of the damage to your own car. Such as fire and theft, but also broken windows. Additionally, accessories are insured up to €2,500 under the ING Car Insurance. You pay a higher premium than for WA, but lower than for all-risk.</p>"}},{"title":"Third-party liability (or: comprehensive) for cars younger than 7 years","richBody":{"value":"<p>With WA All risk, you are insured against almost all types of damage, from vandalism to parking damage. This way, you are never dependent on the third party&apos;s insurance. You can also make use of comprehensive assistance. You pay the highest premium for WA All risk.</p>"}}]},{"componentType":"paragraph","title":"Tip 2: don't just take out all sorts of extras with your car insurance","richBody":{"value":"<p>There are plenty of comparison sites that show you how much you pay for your car insurance within a few clicks. But often, that is not the end of it: you can still choose from all kinds of additional insurance policies. These do not always turn out to be necessary. An example of this is the additional Legal Assistance module. </p>"}},{"componentType":"accordion","accordionList":[{"title":"Legal assistance module: yes or no?","richBody":{"value":"<p>Here is how to make a choice:<br />This is what you insure with the legal assistance module. <br />You can almost always extend your car insurance with supplementary legal assistance insurance. Handy for legal help in the event of a conflict. <br /> <br />Do you already have legal assistance insurance for private individuals? <br />In that case, you can also supplement it with a &apos;traffic module&apos;. You will then be covered even more broadly. For example, for legal assistance after being involved in an accident while driving a borrowed car. But also if you are cycling, running, or rollerblading. </p>"}}]},{"componentType":"paragraph","title":"Tip 3: Dust off your home insurance every now and then","richBody":{"value":"<p>Many people only take a close look at their car insurance when they get a new car. With the <span><span><span><span><span><span><a href=\"https://www.ing.nl/en/personal/insurances/home-insurance\"><span><span>home insurance </span></span></a></span></span></span></span></span></span>is that even more extreme. That often goes unnoticed for years. Do you actually know up to what amount your belongings or your own home are insured?</p>"}},{"componentType":"accordion","accordionList":[{"title":"More (more expensive) items in the house?","richBody":{"value":"<p>Have you started earning more, moved to a larger home, or has your family grown? Then the value of your household contents may well increase. Therefore, check from time to time whether the coverage of your contents insurance is still adequate. Upgrading it might cost you a few extra euros per month, but it prevents you from receiving less compensation in the event of fire or theft, for example.</p>"}},{"title":"Living together?","richBody":{"value":"<p>Couples moving in together often let their contents insurance continue. Only after a while do they realize they are paying twice for the same type of insurance. What a waste. Therefore, both of you should check your insurance, cancel one, and adjust the other.</p>"}},{"title":"Renovate your home?","richBody":{"value":"<p>A major renovation usually increases the value of your home. Are you considering adding an extra floor or an extension, for example? Then don&apos;t forget to check whether your buildings insurance coverage is still adequate. After all, if you are underinsured, you will not be fully reimbursed in the event of a fire, for instance.</p>"}}]},{"componentType":"paragraph","title":"Tip 4: bring all home insurance policies under one roof","richBody":{"value":"<p>We read this in the Consumentengids: “Choosing one insurer prevents endless discussions. Especially in the event of fire damage.” The dividing line between buildings insurance and contents insurance is sometimes thin. If you choose a single provider, you avoid being caught between a rock and a hard place in the event of damage. You also no longer have to wonder who to report which damage to.</p>"},"textLinks":[{"url":"/en/personal/insurances/home-insurance/building-insurance","text":"Read more about Buildings Insurance"},{"url":"/en/personal/insurances/home-insurance/home-contents-insurance","text":"Read more about Contents Insurance"}]},{"componentType":"paragraph","title":"Tip 5: know what your health insurance covers abroad","richBody":{"value":"<p>Most Dutch people have supplementary health insurance in addition to their basic insurance. This insures you against various medical costs not covered by the basic package. Exactly what you insure additionally varies by package and insurer, including when it comes to healthcare abroad.</p>"}},{"componentType":"accordion","accordionList":[{"title":"Why travel insurance for medical expenses?","richBody":{"value":"<p>This is what your health insurance covers:<br />It can happen to anyone while traveling: a car accident, a fall, or food poisoning. Your basic insurance covers the costs of medical care based on the rates applicable in the Netherlands. However, treatment abroad can turn out to be much more expensive. Depending on your supplementary health insurance, these costs may or may not be covered.<br /><br />This is what your travel insurance covers:<br />With travel insurance, in most cases, you will receive reimbursement for the actual costs incurred. Moreover, this insurance covers not only your return journey (think of an air ambulance), but also the extra travel and accommodation costs for family members.</p>"}}]},{"componentType":"paragraph","title":"Tip 6: Travel well prepared","richBody":{"value":"<p>Before you travel, you can already minimize the risk of damage. Check that you have essential safety equipment with you before setting off by car. Think, for example, of a safety hammer and insulation blankets. Are you traveling by plane? Then take your valuables with you in your hand luggage.</p>"}},{"componentType":"paragraph","title":"Tip 7: Make it difficult for burglars","richBody":{"value":"<p><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span>It is impossible to completely prevent a burglary, but you can make it more difficult for a burglar. </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p><ul><li>Ensure you have approved locks; these can be recognized by the SKG logo with stars.</li><li>Always close all windows and doors when you leave your house.</li><li>Give your home a lived-in look, even when you are on vacation. For example, have someone collect the mail from the front door or set a timer on the lights.</li><li>Put valuables out of sight</li><li>Don&apos;t post on social media that you are going on vacation</li></ul>"}},{"componentType":"paragraph","title":"Tip 8: Fire prevention","richBody":{"value":"<p><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span>A fire can start due to an accident in the kitchen, but also due to things you don&apos;t think about at first. Below are a few tips:</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p><ul><li>Test your smoke detector(s) monthly</li><li>Do not leave your equipment on standby unnecessarily, but turn it off.</li><li>Blow out candles when you leave a room</li><li>Avoid using three-way plugs and too many power strips.</li><li>Keep your extractor hood clean</li><li>Always fully unroll cords of cables and electrical appliances.</li></ul>"}},{"componentType":"paragraph","title":"Tip 9: Prevent car damage","richBody":{"value":"<p>Depreciation and maintenance. Taxes, fuel, parking, you name it. Driving a car is expensive enough as it is. So no one wants extra costs due to damage. With these 4 extra tips, you can prevent a lot of trouble.</p>"}},{"componentType":"accordion","accordionList":[{"title":"Avoid collision","richBody":{"value":"<p>It seems obvious, but distraction behind the wheel causes most accidents. The smartphone is, of course, the biggest culprit. But eating, drinking, smoking, and children in the back can also distract you too much. Keep your attention on the road.</p>"}},{"title":"Prevent parking damage","richBody":{"value":"<p>Parking damage is still the most common type of car damage. Take your time when parking and unparking. Do not park your car on a street corner. Fold in your side mirrors if possible. And try to avoid parking spaces under tall trees in bad weather.</p>"}},{"title":"Prevent burglary","richBody":{"value":"<p>Finding your car with a smashed window or a forced lock is, of course, very annoying. Do not leave any valuables behind. But also no cords, plugs, or chargers. Any traces indicating the presence of electronics increase the risk of a break-in.</p>"}},{"title":"Prevent theft","richBody":{"value":"<p>A major problem at the moment is the &apos;smart key&apos;, whose signal is read. Always keep such a key at home far away from the front door. Install an alarm or vehicle tracking system in your car. Or at least opt ​​for an app that tracks location and movement.</p>"}},{"title":"Still damage?","richBody":{"value":"<p>A good car insurance policy makes all the difference. Curious about the cost of ING Car Insurance? Calculate your premium quickly.</p>"},"textLinks":[{"url":"/en/personal/insurances/car-insurance/apply-for-car-insurance","text":"Calculate your premium"}]}]},{"componentType":"linkList","iconTitle":{"title":"Insurance"},"textLinks":[{"url":"/en/personal/insurances/annual-travel-insurance","text":"Travel insurance"},{"url":"/en/personal/insurances/car-insurance","text":"Car insurance"},{"url":"/en/personal/insurances/home-insurance","text":"Home insurance"},{"url":"/en/personal/insurances/liability-insurance","text":"Liability insurance"},{"url":"/en/personal/insurances/legal-expenses-insurance","text":"Legal expenses insurance"},{"url":"/en/personal/insurances/student-insurance","text":"Student insurance"},{"url":"/en/personal/insurances/czdirect-health-insurance","text":"Health insurance"},{"url":"/en/personal/insurances","text":"All insurance"}]}]}}}