Eventualisatie

Eventualisatie is a Dutch term that refers to the process of finalizing the cost figures, liabilities, and contractual obligations after the completion of a project or the conclusion of a dispute. The concept originates from commercial construction, insurance claim settlements, and public procurement, and has been adopted in many sectors that involve complex, multi‑party agreements.

In construction, eventualisatie occurs after a works project has been accepted and the contractor submits a final account. The client, often a municipal or private adjudicator, reviews the account, verifies all costs against the contract, and then agrees on a final settlement amount. This stage may involve the settlement of overrun costs, change orders, and claims for defects. It concludes with the so‑called “final account”, which becomes binding for both parties. The procedure is usually governed by national law or specific contractual clauses, and may be overseen by a construction lawyer or a construction accounting expert.

In the insurance sector, eventualisatie describes the negotiation of claim settlements that have been “eventualised” or determined. The insurer calculates the eventual payment that will settle the claim, after a period of investigation and audit of the claimant’s claims. The resulting figure is recorded in the insurer’s books as a liability that will be paid out.

Similarly, in public finances, eventualisatie can refer to the final determination of subsidies or transfer payments, where the government confirms the amounts that will eventually be paid to municipalities or firms. Across contexts, the key feature of eventualisatie is the transition from provisional or contested figures to definitive, legally binding amounts.