A conflict with your employer, landlord or a web shop is stressful enough in your own country. Legal insurance in the Netherlands (rechtsbijstandverzekering) gives you legal advice and a specialist who handles your case, without the lawyer's bill.
Legal expenses insurance protects your financial and legal interests when a disagreement turns into a dispute. It also helps earlier: with legal information and advice, so a conflict does not escalate in the first place.
A conflict with your employer about dismissal, your employment conditions, unpaid salary or discrimination at work. A specialist in Dutch employment law defends your case.
Problems with your landlord about rental conditions, overdue maintenance or a security deposit that is not returned. Also trouble with neighbours or a contractor.
A retailer or service provider that does not deliver what was agreed: a faulty product, a cancelled order, a bill you do not agree with.
You are involved in an accident and want compensation for damage or injury, or you need to defend yourself against a claim.
A disagreement with the Dutch tax office about an assessment or a benefit. Usually an optional module.
Cover for criminal cases is limited. Most policies only help in specific situations, for example when the offence was not intentional. Always check the policy terms.
Without legal insurance the costs of legal help can quickly become unaffordable, and finding the right lawyer for your situation takes time. This is what you are up against.
Dutch legal insurers work with their own legal specialists. You do not have to search for a lawyer or negotiate a fee: you report the problem and they take it from there.
Received a letter you do not understand, or feel a conflict coming? Call the legal helpline of your insurer first. Early advice often prevents a dispute from escalating.
Report the conflict to your insurer online or by phone and send the documents you have: your contract, e-mails, letters, photos.
A jurist or lawyer specialised in your type of dispute assesses your position and becomes your point of contact. From here on they correspond with the other party on your behalf.
Most disputes are solved without a judge: through negotiation, a settlement or mediation. Faster for you and usually a better outcome.
If it does come to a court case, the costs of proceedings are covered up to the insured limit. For court proceedings you may choose your own lawyer; a maximum amount usually applies to external lawyers.
A dispute that already exists, or that you could see coming when you applied, is not covered. Most policies also have a waiting period of a few months for new disputes. The best moment to arrange legal insurance is when everything is still fine: when you start a new job, sign a rental contract or buy a home.
Legal insurance in the Netherlands is built from modules. You only pay for the areas of law that matter in your life. These are the most common ones.
Disputes about purchases, services, your rented or owned home, neighbours and contractors. The basis of almost every policy.
Dismissal, reorganisation, contract changes, salary and social security. Valuable if your right to stay or your 30% ruling depends on your job.
Recovering damage and injury after an accident, and disputes about your car, bike or scooter: purchase, repair, lease.
Disputes with the tax office and about savings or investments. Useful with income or property in more than one country.
At some insurers you can add mediation in case of a divorce or separation.
Do you rent out a home in the Netherlands? Disputes with your tenant usually need a separate module.
Many policies also apply a minimum amount in dispute. Cover, limits and waiting periods differ per insurer, so always check the policy terms.
Compare legal insuranceNo, it is optional. Because a lawyer is expensive and Dutch law and language are unfamiliar, many expats choose legal expenses insurance for peace of mind.
That depends on the modules you choose and on your household. A policy with only the core module is cheaper than full cover. The online comparison shows the premium for your situation.
Usually yes. Most insurers apply a waiting period of a few months for new disputes, and sometimes none for traffic accidents. The exact period differs per insurer and module.
You can take out a policy, but an existing dispute, or one you could already see coming, is not covered. The insurance is meant for future, unexpected disputes.
Your case is normally handled by the legal specialists of the insurer. If court or administrative proceedings are needed, you have the right to choose your own lawyer. Insurers usually cover external lawyers up to a maximum amount.
You choose cover for yourself or for your family. With family cover your partner and children living at home are usually insured as well.
A private legal insurance does not cover disputes from your business or freelance work. Contact us for legal insurance for entrepreneurs.
Yes. European Insurance specialises in expats in the Netherlands. You can compare and apply online, and our advisors speak English.
Compare legal insurance in the Netherlands and arrange your cover online today, while everything is still fine.
Prefer personal advice? Call 085 169 5990 or make an appointment. Free of charge.
This information is for general guidance only and is not legal advice. Cover, modules, limits and waiting periods differ per insurer and policy; the policy terms of the insurance you choose are leading.
Easily and quickly arrange your insurance online via the online tool of European Insurance.
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