Motor vehicle liability insurance

Definição

Motor vehicle liability insurance is the legally compulsory third-party cover for damage caused by a motor vehicle, governed in the Netherlands by the Motor Insurance Liability Act (WAM). Every motor vehicle owner must maintain at least this third-party cover before the vehicle may use public roads. It protects injured third parties and gives them a direct claim against the insurer. It does not cover damage to the insured's own vehicle.

Exemplo

After a delivery van rear-ends another car, the WAM insurer compensates the third party for the damage to their vehicle.

Porque é um risco para a empresa

An uninsured motor vehicle on public roads exposes the owner to direct liability for all third-party damage without the protection of an insurer and to criminal and administrative sanctions. For businesses operating fleets, a lapse in WAM cover on even one vehicle creates immediate exposure. Contract provisions that require suppliers or subcontractors to maintain adequate vehicle insurance are meaningless unless the obligation is actually monitored and verified.

Como gerir

• Maintain a fleet register that includes the WAM policy renewal date for each vehicle, and set reminders well in advance of expiry.
• When drivers use their own vehicles for business purposes, verify that their personal WAM policy covers business use, or arrange a fleet extension.
• Check that WAM cover is in force before adding a new vehicle to your fleet or before a vehicle is transferred to another entity.
• For high-value or specialised vehicles, consider whether WAM-only cover is sufficient or whether comprehensive (allrisk) cover is needed.

Referências jurídicas

• WAM art. 2 Motor Insurance Liability Act (WAM)

Salvo indicação em contrário, as referências remetem para o direito neerlandês (Burgerlijk Wetboek, o Código Civil neerlandês); os instrumentos da UE, como o RGPD, aplicam-se em toda a UE. Esta é informação geral, não constitui aconselhamento jurídico. Outras jurisdições tratam estes conceitos de forma diferente. Verifique o texto em vigor e a sua situação com um advogado qualificado.