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Insurance Policies

Employer liability for road accidents

Aldert Oosting

Aldert Oosting

Updated

Employer liability for road accidents

If an employee drives for work and is involved in an accident, the employer may be responsible for part of the damage. Good insurance prevents problems.

Good employership

According to Dutch case law, an employer must provide adequate insurance for employees who take part in traffic for work. That also applies when they travel by their own car, bicycle or on foot. If the employer fails to do so, they may be liable for the damage.

Which insurance?

Passenger accident cover (schadeverzekering inzittenden) covers injury and damage to the driver and passengers of a business car. For employees who do not drive a company car, there are separate traffic insurance policies for employers. Read also about passenger insurance.

What is adequate?

What counts as adequate cover depends on the situation. Look at the insured amounts and whether travel in employees' own vehicles is covered. Have an insurance adviser assess this.

Lease cars and fleet

With operational lease, passenger cover is often included in the contract, but not always with the same amounts. Check the policy and top it up where needed via business car insurance.

Frequently asked questions

Does this also apply to commuting?

The duty of care mainly concerns traffic participation during work. Have the boundary checked legally for your situation.

Is third-party insurance enough?

No, third-party liability covers damage to others, not the damage of your own driver.

Do I need to arrange anything for freelancers?

The duty of care applies primarily to employees. Make clear agreements with freelancers about their own insurance.

Terms in this article

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General information; have your personal situation assessed by an adviser.

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