Picture it: you’re rushing to catch the tram, coffee in one hand, phone in the other. Then, disaster strikes. Your phone slips from your grip, hits the ground, and you’re left staring at a screen that looks like a spider’s web.
Your first thought? “Please tell me my insurance covers this.”
So does your insurance actually cover it? Well, grab that coffee (carefully this time), because the answer is a bit more complicated than a simple yes or no.
It depends on what insurance you have
Many of us probably have contents insurance (inboedelverzekering), as landlords in the Netherlands often request that you take this out when you rent from them.
But here’s the thing about standard Dutch contents insurance: it’s brilliant for protecting your stuff against fires, floods, and thieves who break into your home. But that butter-fingered moment when your phone slips out of your hand? Not so much.
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According to major Dutch insurers, a basic contents insurance policy typically covers your phone for damage from fire, water leaks, or theft inside your home, but not for accidental damage like dropping it or for damage that happens outside your home.
Univé makes it possible to cover electronics such as your phone when you take out contents insurance. With their Mobile Electronics add-on to contents insurance, you’re protected against accidents like dropping your phone — both inside and outside your home.
What insurance options actually cover phone screens?
Right, so you want protection for that inevitable screen crack. Here’s what will actually help you:
Specific electronics insurance
Most major Dutch insurers now offer a separate “Mobile Electronics” add-on (sometimes called mobiele elektronicaverzekering or smartphone- en tabletverzekering) that you can attach to your contents insurance.
These policies typically cover accidental damage like dropping your phone or spilling water on it, plus theft — both inside your home and outside of it, depending on the insurer and conditions.
READ MORE | What does home contents insurance cover in the Netherlands?
The downside? Some insurers charge a separate excess (own risk) for mobile electronics (often around €100).
All-risk contents insurance
Some Dutch insurers include mobile electronics coverage in their all-risk contents policies, though this varies by provider.
However, several years ago, many insurers changed their policies because of rising claims for mobile electronics damage, and some now only cover phones if you add a separate mobile electronics module.
Manufacturer plans
If you’re an Apple devotee, AppleCare+ covers screen repairs for a service fee of $29 (around €27), though you’re limited to two incidents of accidental damage coverage within the plan period.
Similar plans exist from other manufacturers.
What about liability insurance?
Your aansprakelijkheidsverzekering voor particulieren (AVP) only covers damage you cause to other people’s belongings. If you damage someone else’s phone, your AVP will cover it, but it won’t help with your own cracked screen.
How much does it cost?
Electronics insurance add-ons vary in price depending on the insurer and your coverage level. You’re generally looking at somewhere between €3 and €10+ per month for mobile electronics coverage.
Compare that to the alternative: phone screen repairs in the Netherlands typically cost anywhere from around €120 to €150 or more, depending on your phone model and where you get it fixed.
Have you ever had to navigate the wonderful world of Dutch phone insurance? Drop your experiences in the comments below.