Compare liability insurance for pets in the Netherlands by provider, with third party cover for dogs and other animals.
Our score
50%
€ 6.000
€ 0
Included
Included
Included
Included
Included
Included
Included
Included
Included
Accidents only
Included
Included
Included
Optional add-on
Included
Included
Our score
€ 150
€ 6.000
€ 150
Included
Included
Included
Included
Included
Included
Included
Included
Included
TOP package only
Included
Included
TOP package only
Not included
Included
TOP package only
Our score
50%
Unlimited
€ 0
Included
Included
Included
From year 4
Included
Included
Included
Included
Included
Accidents only
Included
Included
Included
Included
Included
Maximum € 1.000
Our score
€ 150
€ 6.000
€ 150
Included
Included
Included
Optional add-on
Included
Included
Included
Included
Included
Optional add-on
Included
Included
Optional add-on
Included
Included
Optional add-on
Our score
80%
€ 5.000
€ 0
Included
Included
Included
Not included
Included
Included
Included
Included
Included
Optional add-on
Included
Included
Not included
Not included
Included
Optional add-on
Our score
50%
€ 6.000
€ 0
Included
Included
Included
Optional add-on
Included
Included
Included
Included
Included
Optional add-on
Included
Included
Optional add-on
Included
Included
Included
Do you have a dog? Then it is worth knowing that your dog can sometimes cause damage to other people or their property. Think of a dog that knocks someone over or damages belongings during a walk. Pet liability insurance protects you against these unexpected costs. It is an additional policy that you can take out alongside a standard dog insurance policy, so that you cover not only your dog’s health but also any damage you may be liable for.
With liability insurance for dogs you can enjoy your time with your pet with complete peace of mind. This cover usually pays for the damage your dog causes to third parties, such as the medical costs of someone who has been bitten or the repair of a damaged object. In English you will also see it called third party liability insurance for dogs, pet insurance liability cover, liability insurance for animals or dog walking liability insurance; in the Netherlands it is all the same policy. Pet liability insurance for renters works exactly the same as it does for homeowners, because the AVP follows you rather than your home. But how exactly does this work, and is a dog automatically covered by a standard private liability policy – in the Netherlands known as the AVP, the aansprakelijkheidsverzekering particulieren?
Although a standard AVP often covers damage caused by dogs, it is sensible to consider whether your dog needs additional cover. That is especially true if you own a breed known for its strength or size, such as a shepherd dog or a rottweiler, because any damage can turn out to be more serious. If your dog is often in close contact with other people, for example during dog sports or at public events, a separate policy gives you extra certainty.
Liability insurance for dogs generally offers broader cover and prevents you from having to bear high costs yourself if something happens. Think of medical costs if your dog accidentally injures someone, or legal costs if a dispute arises about who is responsible.
Liability insurance for dogs usually covers:
1. Injury to people: for example the medical costs if your dog bites someone.
2. Damage to property: think of broken glasses, a damaged bicycle or ruined garden furniture.
3. Legal assistance: if a legal dispute arises about liability.
This insurance usually applies not only to you as the owner, but also to members of your household or to other people who look after your dog temporarily.
Liability insurance for dogs does not only cover damage caused by the dog itself; a number of additional situations can fall under the cover as well. Below is an overview of what else can be reimbursed:
If your dog injures someone, for example by biting them, this can lead to medical costs, loss of income through incapacity for work or claims for pain and suffering. Liability insurance reimburses these costs, so you are not left paying large sums yourself.
Damage to other people’s property, such as a knocked-over vase, a torn coat or a damaged bicycle, is covered too. Even more substantial damage, for instance to a car or a house, can be reimbursed.
If someone else looks after your dog temporarily and the dog causes damage, this often still falls under your liability insurance. That way both you and the person minding your dog stay protected against unexpected costs.
If there is disagreement about who is responsible for the damage, liability insurance can provide legal assistance. Think of legal support or the payment of court costs.
If you have more than one dog, the policy generally covers damage caused by each of your dogs. It is important, though, to declare all your pets to your insurer.
Even if your dog is normally well trained, an unexpected situation – such as a startled reaction or sheer playfulness – can lead to damage. For example if your dog knocks over something valuable while playing, or causes an accident with a sudden movement.
If you are travelling with your dog, liability insurance often also covers damage that occurs outside the Netherlands. That is useful for holidays or trips abroad.
Not everything is covered as standard. Damage caused on purpose, damage to your own property and damage caused by dogs that are legally regarded as dangerous (banned breeds, for example) are not always covered. It is important to read the policy conditions of your insurance carefully so that you avoid surprises.
Liability insurance therefore offers a great deal of certainty and financial protection, not only for you but also for third parties who come into contact with your dog.
| Insured | Not insured |
|---|---|
| Injuries you cause to someone else; | damage to belongings of your own or of someone else in your household; |
| damage to someone else’s belongings; | damage you or a member of your household cause while at work; |
| damage your pet causes to someone else (or to their belongings); | damage you or a member of your household cause deliberately; |
| damage you cause while doing a friend a favour. You help a friend move house and accidentally drop his television down the stairs. You are insured up to € 25.000 for damage you cause. | damage to items that you or a member of your household rent, lease or look after for someone else for a while; |
| damage caused with motor vehicles, aircraft or vessels. |
Do you have any other questions?
Liability insurance for dogs, in Dutch a WA-verzekering, is a policy that covers the damage your dog causes to third parties, such as personal injury or material damage. As the owner you are legally liable for your dog’s behaviour. With liability insurance you do not have to pay these costs yourself.
In the Netherlands you are not obliged to take out separate liability insurance for dogs. Damage caused by companion animals such as dogs is often already covered by private liability insurance, the Dutch AVP (aansprakelijkheidsverzekering particulieren). It is wise to check this with your own insurer, though, especially if you own a breed that is regarded as ‘high risk’.
Liability insurance generally covers:
Not all dog breeds are covered by liability insurance as standard. Some insurers apply exclusions for breeds known to be aggressive or dangerous (such as rottweilers or pit bulls). For these breeds a special policy is sometimes needed, and cover can be hard to find.
Damage to your own property or injury to yourself is not reimbursed by liability insurance. Damage caused deliberately by you or by your dog also falls outside the cover. On top of that there are restrictions if your dog causes damage during a professional activity, such as dogs used for security work or hunting.
In most cases you as the owner are responsible for damage caused by your dog. If someone else looks after your dog temporarily, for example a family member, a friend or a pet sitter, the liability usually still falls under your policy. Check this in the policy conditions.
For most dogs a separate liability policy is not necessary if you already have private liability insurance (AVP). This often covers the damage your dog causes. It is important, though, to check whether your AVP really does cover this and whether there are any restrictions, for instance for large or aggressive breeds.
With many insurers the cover of a liability policy also applies abroad. That is handy if you go on holiday with your dog. Some insurers do apply restrictions or extra conditions, however, for example in specific countries.
Liability insurance is available at Univé from € 3,75 per month.
You can take out liability insurance for dogs through Univé & Nationale Nederlanden.
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