For every year in which you make no claim for damage you were liable for, you build up a claim-free year (schadevrij jaar). The more claim-free years, the higher your no-claims discount on the premium. If you do claim for at-fault damage, you lose claim-free years and your premium goes up.
Since 1 July 2024, insurers calculate your number of claim-free years in one central system that both you and your insurer can consult (Verbond van Verzekeraars). How much discount a given number of years earns is up to each insurer, through its own bonus-malus ladder.
Why it matters when buying or selling
- Your years move with you: claim-free years belong to you, not to the car. If you sell your car and buy another one, you take them to the new policy.
- Selling without a new car: cancel your insurance with the vrijwaringsbewijs (indemnity certificate). Your years stay registered; how long a new insurer accepts them after a period without a car differs per insurer.
- Small damage: paying yourself is sometimes cheaper than claiming. Work out how much discount you would lose.
- Costs: include the premium in your monthly car costs.