Everything you need to know about bike insurance in the Netherlands [2025 guide]

To get or not to get bike insurance in the Netherlands? — that’s the question. And it’s a valid one: after all, if you live in the beautiful lowlands, your bike is one of your most prized possessions.

But how does bike insurance even work? What does it cover? And, very importantly, how much does it cost? 

There’s a lot to know about bike insurance in the Netherlands — and our ultimate guide will answer all your burning questions.

Do I have to take out bike insurance in the Netherlands?

The short answer to this question is nee. Unlike car insurance, bicycle insurance in the Netherlands is not legally mandatory. 

This means that whether you should get insurance for your fiets is entirely up to your own discretion. That being said, certain types of bikes have a theft rate of up to 90%, so for those, it’s certainly worth considering.

So, while you don’t have to take out bike insurance, you should still consider whether or not you need it. This is especially true if you:

Tend to park your bike in “risky” areas (we’re looking at you, people who leave their unlocked bike near random canals on nights out).
Often leave your bike unattended for long periods (at the train station, for example).
Have an expensive bike or a (much-desired) e-bike.

Insuring your bike in the Netherlands can have many advantages. Your bike is damaged? Insurance has it covered. Was it stolen from a public place? You’ll get your money back in no time!

Oh, and it’s much cheaper than you may think. 👀 

How much does it cost to insure my bike in the Netherlands?

Now for the information you’ve all been waiting for: how much does bike insurance cost in the Netherlands?

Though prices vary depending on factors such as your postal code, the type of bike you ride, and your age, there’s bike insurance out there that’ll cost you a mere few euros per month.

READ MORE | ​​From omafiets, to mamafiets, and bakfiets — Dutch bikes, explained

Yup, prices for basic insurance can start as low as €2.27 per month for a normal stadfiets. But even insuring that fancy e-bike (which we highly recommend you do) can be as cheap as just €5 per month! Think about it: that’s less than a venti caramel frappuccino from Starbucks. 💁 

Generally speaking, you’ll find bike insurance in the following price ranges:

Traditional bikes: €3-€10 per month
E-Bikes: €5–€15 per month
Fat Bikes: €7–€20 per month

Wanna get even more bang for your buck? Dat kan! Many insurance companies offer package deals which let you combine your bike insurance with, for example, your car or liability insurance.

What types of bike insurance can you get in the Netherlands?

Here’s where we get into the nitty-gritty. As with any type of insurance, there are many options to consider when insuring your bike.

Expiring bike insurance (Aflopende fietsverzekering)

Expiring (e-)bike insurance is a type of insurance that automatically ends after a period of three or five years. The premium is paid in one go at the beginning of the cycle.

Continuous bike insurance (Doorlopende fietsverzekering)

If you get continuous bike insurance, your insurance takes the form of a “subscription”. Your premium is paid monthly (or (bi-)annually), and after a year, it can be cancelled on a monthly basis. 

In terms of pricing, a continuous policy is often slightly more expensive than an expiring one. 

All-risk coverage

All-risk coverage means you’re covered against — surprise — all risks. This includes theft, but also damage to your (e-)bike and e-bike charger, for example, in the case of an accident, fire, or fall. 

With some insurance companies, you might have to cover a deductible of up to €35 for the damage (this is called eigen risico, or own risk). 

Theft coverage only

With theft coverage, your bike is insured only in the case of theft. This includes theft of things that are “attached” to your bicycle, such as a children’s seat or a basket. 

READ MORE | Take it from a former thief: this is how you can prevent your bike from being stolen

Theft coverage usually does not apply to “loose” accessories like GPS equipment. However, these can be insured separately as part of your policy.

Naturally, this option is cheaper than all-risk coverage. 

Are there any requirements I need to fulfil to get Dutch bike insurance?

Understandably, the main requirement for bike insurance in the Netherlands is having a good lock on your bike. This lock will have to be approved by your insurance company. ✅

Most insurers require that you use an ART-certified lock, and they’ll want proof of that if your bike is stolen (so hold onto that receipt!). ART is a Dutch certification that tests locks for toughness against theft. If your lock doesn’t meet the insurer’s standards, your insurance claim could be denied.

On top of that, when you sign up for bike insurance, you will also need to provide basic information such as your bicycle’s frame number and the number of spare keys you have.

What’s not covered by bike insurance?

While bike insurance in the Netherlands offers great protection, there are some common exclusions that could leave you out of luck if you’re not careful. For example, most insurers won’t cover damage if you’re using your bike for commercial purposes, such as food delivery or courier work.

You’ll also need to prove ownership (usually with a receipt), or you might not get reimbursed if your bike is stolen. Accessories like baskets or phone holders generally aren’t covered unless your whole bike is damaged in the same incident.

And if your bike gets pinched but wasn’t secured with an approved lock? That’s usually a no-go for claims. So, make sure to check the fine print and stay within the lines of your policy to avoid surprises.

How do I choose the right bike insurance for me?

Choosing the right bicycle insurance is an important task. After all, you want your beloved fiets to be insured as best as possible — while (ideally) paying as little as possible. 😉

That being said, the best bike insurance for you might not be the best for the next person, and it’s all highly dependent on everyone’s individual situation. 

The best thing you can do is compare different insurance providers’ prices and policies. Other than that, it might be worth checking if your current insurance company offers any special deals for bike insurance.

What do I do if my bike gets stolen/damaged?

Uh-oh, something happened to your bike! Well, aren’t you glad you have insurance? 😉

Here’s what to do next:

If your bike is stolen in the Netherlands

If your bike is stolen in the Netherlands, first of all, we’re sorry. There is some good news, though: your insurance can help you out! 

Before you contact your insurer, you should first contact the police. No, this isn’t because you’re a drama queen — you need a police report to file a claim.

Once that’s done, you can file a claim with your insurer. This can usually be done online, and all you’ll need is your frame number and police report. 

It’s worth noting that where your bike was stolen plays a role in what you should do next:  

If your bicycle was stolen from a locked-up space inside your house, you can go to either your bicycle insurance or most household contents insurance. 
If it was stolen outside your home, your fietsvezekering (bike insurance) should cover it.

If your bike gets damaged in the Netherlands

A damaged bike is no fun — especially if it’s broken to the point where you can’t ride it anymore.

But you can rest assured — if you’re insured, your bike insurance will cover the cost of your repair. All you have to do is file a claim. Most often, this can be done online.

It’s important to note that your insurance will not cover damage that has occurred from regular wear and tear, insufficient maintenance and meteorological influences. This means the only type of damage that is covered by insurance is that which is the result of an accident.

Filing and submitting your bike insurance claim

Before starting the claims process, make sure you have all the necessary documents ready. You’ll typically need:

A copy of your police report
Proof of ownership (like a purchase receipt)
Lock certificate or proof of ART-approved lock
Photos of the bike (if you have them)
Your insurance policy number

Once your documents are in order, you can fill out the claim form with information about the incident — where it happened, when, and any relevant circumstances. Upload your supporting documents and submit your claim.

Next up, your insurer will begin their assessment. If the claim is approved, you’ll either receive a payout to replace your bike or, in some cases, get a new one through a partner bike shop. The process can take anywhere from a few days to a couple of weeks, depending on the insurer and the complexity of the claim, but it’s well worth it to get your money back.

Bicycles are integral to Dutch life — so why not take care of them accordingly? With bike insurance, you can pedal with peace of mind and fully enjoy the ease of getting around on your beloved fiets. 

Do you have bicycle insurance in the Netherlands? Tell us your thoughts in the comments below! 

Bike insurance in the Netherlands: Frequently asked questions