Verzeker

Verzeker is the stem form of the Dutch verb verzekeren, meaning to provide financial protection against risk through a contract. In everyday use, the verb appears in forms such as ik verzeker (I insure) and jij verzekert (you insure). The noun for the protection itself is verzekering (insurance), and a specific contract is a polis. The word covers the transfer of risk from the insured to the insurer in exchange for a premium.

Common types of insurance include health insurance (zorgverzekering), life insurance (levensverzekering), property insurance (opstal- or inboedelverzekering), and liability insurance (aansprakelijkheidsverzekering). Mechanically, the insured pays a premium to the insurer, who assesses risk, establishes an insured amount or coverage, and pays benefits when a valid claim is made. Exclusions and conditions are specified in the insurance terms and conditions.

Etymology and usage: verzekeren derives from zeker (certain) with the prefix ver-, forming a verb that means to make something certain or protected. The related noun verzekering denotes the overall concept of protection against risk. Verzeker appears as a stem in conjugated forms (for example ik verzeker) and in imperative or older texts, while verzekering remains the common term for the product.

Regulation and industry: In the Netherlands, insurers are regulated by financial authorities such as the Autoriteit Financiële Markten (AFM) and De Nederlandsche Bank (DNB) under the Wet op het financieel toezicht (Wft). The European Union applies Solvency II requirements for capital adequacy, while consumer protection rules govern disclosure, contract terms, and complaint handling.

History: Insurance has roots in mutual aid societies and trade associations, evolving into modern private and public schemes in the 18th–20th centuries. Today, a mix of private insurers and public programs provides broad coverage, with ongoing emphasis on transparency and consumer rights.