The WAM insurance, or Wet Aansprakelijkheidsverzekering Motorrijtuigen, is a mandatory insurance for all motor vehicles. Victims of a traffic accident can file a claim directly with this insurance.
What does the WAM entail?
According to the WAM, owners of motor vehicles must have insurance for damage they cause to third parties:
- Damage to persons (injury)
- Damage to property (material)
- All damage caused by the vehicle
Mandatory minimum coverage
| Type of damage | Minimum coverage |
|---|---|
| Personal injury | € 6,070,000 per incident |
| Property damage | € 1,300,000 per incident |
Direct claim as a victim
As a victim, you can file a claim directly with the WAM insurer:
- It is not necessary to first approach the driver
- This principle is called 'direct action'
- The insurer handles your request
For which vehicles does the WAM apply?
The WAM applies to:
- Passenger cars
- Motorcycles
- Mopeds and scooters
- Speed pedelecs
- Tractors on public roads
No insurance taken out?
If a vehicle is not insured:
- You can file a claim with the Motor Vehicle Guarantee Fund
- The owner remains personally liable
- Driving uninsured is a criminal offense
Can I as a passenger file a claim with the vehicle's own insurance?
Yes, as a passenger you have the option to file a claim with the WAM insurer of the vehicle you were in, even if the driver is an acquaintance or family member.What if the insurance coverage is insufficient?
In that case, you can recover the remaining amount from the responsible driver. However, this can be complicated in practice.Is the WAM also valid outside the Netherlands?
Yes, the WAM provides coverage in all countries listed on the green card. However, the minimum coverage may vary per country.Frequently asked questions about WAM insurance
Is WAM insurance required if my car is only on private property?
Yes, the insurance is mandatory for any vehicle that can go on the public road, even if only sporadically. If your car is permanently on enclosed property, insuring is not mandatory. However, as soon as you take to the road, you must be insured. Contact your insurer to avoid risks.
How do I claim damage from a WAM insurer after an accident?
Contact the insurer of the liable party immediately. Gather evidence such as photos, witness statements, and a completed damage form. Specify what damage you have (bodily or material) and ask for instructions. In case of complications, a legal advisor can help.
What if the driver who hit me is uninsured?
For an uninsured vehicle, you can approach the Motor Vehicle Guarantee Fund. This fund compensates damage caused by uninsured or unidentified vehicles, provided you can prove liability. The owner remains responsible and may be prosecuted criminally.
Does the WAM also cover damage to my own vehicle?
No, the WAM only covers damage you cause to others. For own damage, you need comprehensive insurance (all-risk or limited). This is not mandatory, but advisable for a valuable vehicle. Consult your policy for details.
Can I terminate my WAM insurance if I am not using my car?
You can only suspend the insurance if you officially suspend or deregister the vehicle with the RDW. As long as the vehicle is registered, insurance remains mandatory. For temporary non-use, you may be able to arrange an adjusted premium with your insurer.
What is the difference between WAM and WA insurance?
Both terms refer to the same mandatory liability insurance for motor vehicles. 'WA' stands for Statutory Liability, while 'WAM' refers to the law itself.
Local information for Leiden:
- Court: District Court of The Hague, Leiden Location
- Legal Aid Office: Juridisch Loket Leiden, Stationsweg 46