You often hear that a damage claim automatically leads to a higher premium. But according to Van Rijn, this largely depends on the number of claim-free years and the position on the bonus-malus ladder. Those who have many claim-free years often do not notice a difference in premium after a claim.
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However, after damage, motorists fall back into claim-free years, usually by five years, says Van Rijn. “If you have fifteen claim-free years, you fall back to ten after one claim. If you have thirty, you also fall back to ten. It is not possible to go lower than minus five.”
Window damage or damage caused by animals
But not every claim comes at the expense of your claim-free years. In the case of limited damage to the hull, such as a broken window or dents or scratches caused by a storm or being hit by an animal, there will be no change in the accrued number of claim-free years, says Van Rijn.
According to the expert, many people unnecessarily waste money by not claiming. “They pay premiums, but do not claim anything for fear of relapse. That is a shame, because that is precisely what the insurance is intended for,” he explains.
Perpetrator unknown
Another misunderstanding concerns damage where the perpetrator is unknown. “Many people think that damage caused by an unknown perpetrator always affects their premium. But that is not necessary,” says Van Rijn. “If someone crashes into your car and drives away, you can often recover the damage from the Guarantee Fund. Then the claim will have no consequences for your premium or claim-free years.”
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According to Van Rijn, many motorists do not know that the Guarantee Fund exists. “That fund is there specifically for situations in which the other party is unknown or uninsured. If someone meets the conditions, the damage can be fully compensated,” says the insurance expert.