Will you drive your car abroad yourself after export, rather than putting it on a trailer? Then it must be insured on the way. That is what temporary export insurance is for. We are not an insurer: we arrange this insurance through our insurance partner, together with the Green Card and the white export plates.
New to the Dutch system, perhaps because you came to Enschede to study or work? Below we explain what third-party liability means, what a Green Card is and what you should check yourself.
Why you need export insurance
After deregistration for export, the vehicle may be driven on Dutch public roads for 14 more days. During that time a passenger car, commercial vehicle or motorhome must be insured and have a valid APK. Those are the RDW rules. The Dutch obligation to insure motor vehicles is set out in the Motor Vehicle Liability Insurance Act, the Wet aansprakelijkheidsverzekering motorrijtuigen (in Dutch).
Once the car is exported, the owner's normal Dutch insurance obligation ends. The export trip itself, however, must be insured. That is why there is this separate, temporary cover: 14 days of third-party liability insurance that comes with the white plates.
Third-party liability: cover for damage to others
In Dutch this is called WA, short for wettelijke aansprakelijkheid (legal liability). Third-party liability insurance covers damage to third parties, meaning damage you cause to others with the vehicle. It is not meant for damage to your own vehicle. The policy states exactly what is covered.
The Green Card, explained for newcomers
The Green Card is an international certificate of insurance. When you drive abroad, it shows that the vehicle has at least the third-party cover that the country you are visiting requires by law. The Council of Bureaux explains how the Green Card system works.
Important: your policy and Green Card determine in which countries and for which driver you are insured. That is why we do not give you a list of countries ourselves. Check your policy and Green Card carefully before you leave, including for the countries you drive through.
How to apply
- Call or message us with the start date, destination and route.
- Give us the details of the policyholder and the driver. For a business buyer, we also need the company name, address and VAT number.
- Come to our desk in Hengelo, about 20 minutes from the Oude Markt. With complete documents, a standard request is usually ready in about 15 minutes.
- You leave with the white plates, the Green Card and the insurance papers.
Are you also arranging the export itself with us? Then also bring the papers for the export document, such as your ID, the registration card and the yellow plates.
Which vehicles need insurance
Not every vehicle needs its own insurance for the export trip. The RDW distinguishes by type of vehicle:
| Vehicle | Insurance required | APK (Dutch roadworthiness test) required | White plates |
|---|---|---|---|
| Car, van, truck or motorhome | Yes | Yes | 2 |
| Motorcycle, scooter or moped | Yes | No | 1 |
| Caravan or trailer | No, but the towing vehicle must be insured | Only above 3,500 kg | 1 |
Source: RDW. The export registration is valid for 14 days, but not beyond the APK expiry date.
Towing a caravan or trailer? Then it is the towing vehicle that must be insured. For a truck or another heavy vehicle, the price is on request. More about the plates themselves on our page about Dutch export plates.
What export insurance costs
Export insurance with white export plates starts from €100. That includes 14 days of third-party liability cover, the Green Card and the white plates, two for a car. The export document is not included; to arrange everything in one go, the complete package from €150 is more practical.
| Service | Included | From |
|---|---|---|
| Export document | Export certificate, vrijwaringsbewijs (indemnification certificate) and RDW processing | €50 |
| Export insurance + white plates | 14 days liability cover, Green Card and white export plates | €100 |
| Complete export package | Export document, vrijwaringsbewijs, 14 days liability cover, Green Card and plates | €150 |
| Export insurance extension | 14 extra days of liability cover with a Green Card, requested online (per 14 days) | €120 |
When can the price be higher?
- All amounts are starting prices, including VAT where applicable.
- A surcharge may apply outside office hours. Office hours: Monday to Saturday 10:00 to 16:30.
- Postal delivery costs more, especially international shipping.
- The price can differ per vehicle, for example for heavy or non-standard vehicles.
- You always know the price in advance.
You always know the price beforehand. The export document itself is explained on our page about export documents.
What can go wrong
- A route outside the policy. Check beforehand that every country on your route is covered by the policy and Green Card.
- The 14 days have passed. After 14 days the insurance ends, so plan your trip within that period. If registration in the destination country takes longer, you can extend your Green Card and export insurance online, each time by 14 days and subject to the insurer's approval. The export registration itself is not extended.
- No valid APK. Without a valid APK a car may not be driven on public roads, even with export insurance.
Unsure about your situation? Our contact page shows how to reach us, also outside office hours by appointment.
Exporting today?
Call or message us to book a time, also outside office hours. You will know the price in advance.
Frequently asked questions
Can I extend the export insurance?
Yes, online, each time by 14 days and always subject to the insurer's approval, from €120 per extension. Please request it in good time. Only the insurance is extended, not the export registration: on Dutch public roads you may drive for 14 days after deregistration, and never beyond the APK expiry date.
Can someone else drive the car?
That depends on the policy and the Green Card, which state which driver is insured. Give us the driver's details when you apply, and talk to us beforehand if someone else will drive.
Do I need insurance if the car goes on a trailer?
A vehicle carried on a trailer or car transporter usually does not need driving insurance. You do still need the export document.
When does the cover start?
You choose the start date when you apply. From that date the temporary third-party insurance runs for 14 days, so pick a date that matches your departure.
Sources
- RDW: Exporting a vehicle
- Overheid.nl: Wet aansprakelijkheidsverzekering motorrijtuigen
- Council of Bureaux: What is the Green Card system?
Checked on 30 October 2026