Buying, Owning, and Insuring A Car
Buying or owning a car in the Netherlands can be useful, especially if you live outside a city centre or need to travel regularly. However, cars can also be expensive to buy and maintain. Before buying a car, it is useful to understand the main costs, insurance rules, parking options, APK inspection, and roadside assistance. This page gives an overview of practical things to know when buying, owning, and insuring a car in the Netherlands.
What you can find on this page:
Buying a new or a secondhand car
Cars can be bought new or second-hand. You can buy a car through a dealership, a recognised garage, an online platform, or a private seller. It is useful to compare prices and check the condition of the car carefully before buying. In Dutch, secondhand cars are often called occasionauto’s (or simply occasions) or tweedehands auto.
Before buying a secondhand car, check:
- the mileage,
- the APK expiry date,
- the maintenance history,
- whether there is visible damage,
- whether the seller is reliable,
- whether the price is realistic for the model and age of the car.
Cars in the Netherlands can be expensive compared to some other countries. In addition to the purchase price, keep in mind that you may also need to pay for insurance, motor vehicle tax (MRB), vehicle maintenance, APK inspection, fuel or charging, and parking (permit).
Registering the car in your name
When you buy a car in the Netherlands, the vehicle registration needs to be transferred to your name. This is arranged through RDW, the Netherlands Vehicle Authority.
If you buy a car from an RDW-recognised dealership, the dealer can usually arrange the transfer for you. If you buy a car from a private seller, you need to arrange the transfer online or at an RDW-approved registration point.
You usually need to be registered in the Netherlands as a resident and have proof of identity. After the transfer, RDW will send the vehicle registration card and registration code.
Do not drive the car before the registration and vehicle insurance are properly arranged.
Car insurance
Third-party liability insurance, known in Dutch as WA-verzekering, is mandatory for motor vehicles in the Netherlands. This covers damage that you cause to others with your vehicle, in case of an accident.
You can also choose broader insurance, such as WA+ verzekering or an all-risk insurance. These policies may cover more types of damage, such as theft, vandalism, fire, storm damage, window damage, or damage to your own car, depending on the policy.
Before choosing car insurance, compare what is covered, what is excluded, whether other people may drive your car, whether roadside assistance is included, and whether the insurance is valid abroad. You can consult comparison sites to find the best insurance policy for your needs.
Once your vehicle is insured, you will usually receive an International Motor Insurance Card, often still called a green card. This is proof of your vehicle insurance and shows in which countries your insurance is valid. It is useful to keep the card in your vehicle or make sure you can access a digital copy, especially if you drive abroad or are involved in an accident.
It is also a good idea to keep a European accident statement form in your vehicle. You can use this form to record the details of an accident together with the other party. You can usually request this form from your vehicle insurer.
Road tax, APK, and maintenance
If a car is registered in your name, you may need to pay motor vehicle tax, known in Dutch as MRB (motorrijtuigenbelasting). The amount can depend on the vehicle type, fuel type, weight, and province. When looking at car advertisements, you may often see an estimate of the monthly motor vehicle tax for that specific vehicle. This can help you understand the ongoing costs before you buy.
Most cars also need a periodic vehicle inspection, known as APK (Algemene Periodieke Keuring) or PTI (Periodic Technical Inspection). The APK or PTI checks whether the car is roadworthy, environmentally safe, and correctly registered. You can have an APK or PTI inspection carried out at an RDW-approved service garage or testing station in your area.
Passing the inspection does not replace regular maintenance. You are still responsible for keeping your vehicle safe and in good condition.
Parking and parking permits
Parking rules differ per municipality and neighbourhood. In some areas, parking is free. In others, you need to pay for street parking, use a parking garage, or apply for a resident parking permit, known in Dutch as a parkeervergunning.
Always check local signs before parking. Some areas have paid parking hours, time limits, blue zones, or restrictions for specific vehicles. If you park incorrectly or stay longer than allowed, you may receive a fine or your car may be towed. Check your municipality’s website for current parking rules and parking permit information.
Roadside assistance
Roadside assistance, known in Dutch as pechhulp, can help if your vehicle breaks down. Depending on your provider and package, this may include help with a flat tyre, dead battery, engine problem, towing, or replacement transport.
You can arrange roadside assistance through different providers. Some people arrange it through a roadside assistance organisation, while others add it to their car insurance or already have it included in a lease contract. One well-known roadside assistance provider in the Netherlands is ANWB Wegenwacht, but there are also other options.
Roadside assistance is different from mandatory vehicle insurance. Mandatory vehicle insurance covers damage you cause to others with your vehicle. Depending on your policy, broader insurance may also cover damage to your own car. Roadside assistance helps when your vehicle breaks down or you cannot continue driving because of a technical problem.
FAQ about buying, owning, and insuring a car in the Netherlands
What do I need to buy a car in the Netherlands?
You usually need valid identification and to be registered as a resident in the Netherlands. After buying the car, the vehicle registration must be transferred to your name through RDW or an RDW-approved registration point.
Keep in mind that you are also responsible for arranging insurance, paying any relevant taxes, and maintaining the car. Before buying a motor vehicle, make sure you understand the full cost of vehicle ownership in the Netherlands.
Is car insurance mandatory in the Netherlands?
Yes. Third-party liability insurance, known as WA-verzekering, is mandatory for motor vehicles in the Netherlands. It is illegal to drive a car without valid vehicle insurance.
WA insurance covers damage you cause to others with your vehicle, for example in a traffic accident. You can also choose broader insurance if you want more coverage, such as cover for theft, vandalism, fire, window damage, or damage to your own car.
Is roadside assistance the same as car insurance?
No. Car insurance covers liability and damage, depending on your policy. Roadside assistance helps when your car breaks down or you cannot continue driving because of a technical problem.
Do I need to pay road tax for my car?
If a car is registered in your name, you may need to pay motor vehicle tax, known as MRB. The amount depends on factors such as the vehicle type, weight, fuel type, and the province where you reside.
What is APK?
APK is the Dutch periodic vehicle inspection, also known as PTI or MOT in some countries. It checks whether your car is roadworthy, environmentally safe, and correctly registered. Most cars need a valid APK to be used on public roads.