Verzekeraars

Verzekeraars is the Dutch term for insurance companies. They are financial institutions that provide risk transfer by issuing insurance policies and collecting premiums. They assess and price risk, underwrite contracts, manage premium collections, invest premiums, and pay claims when insured events occur. The core objective is to remain financially solvent while delivering coverage and service to policyholders. Insurers diversify risk across many policies, adjust premiums to reflect risk, and maintain reserves sufficient to cover expected and unexpected claims.

Most insurers operate in several lines of business. Life insurers cover mortality risk and long-term savings products. Non-life or general insurers provide property, liability, motor, and health coverage. Reinsurance serves other insurers by sharing risk. Some insurers also offer specialty lines such as cyber or catastrophe cover.

Regulation and supervision aim to ensure solvency, consumer protection, and market stability. In the Netherlands, insurers are overseen by De Nederlandsche Bank (DNB) and the Authority for Consumers and Markets (ACM), and must comply with European Solvency II capital requirements. Product transparency, fair marketing, and claims handling standards are emphasized.

The insurer market includes large domestic and international players, mutual and stock companies, and various distribution channels, including agents, brokers, banks, and direct sales. The sector plays a key role in the economy by enabling individuals and businesses to transfer risk, which supports financial planning and resilience after losses.