The Motor Vehicle Guarantee Fund assists victims in Zoetermeer and elsewhere in the Netherlands with damage caused by an unknown or uninsured driver. It acts as a safety net in difficult situations.
When can you claim from the Guarantee Fund?
- The driver is unknown (for example, a hit-and-run driver)
- The driver has no insurance
- The insurance company is bankrupt
- The vehicle was stolen
What damage is covered?
| Type of Damage | Compensation |
|---|---|
| Personal injury damage by unknown perpetrator | Full coverage |
| Property damage with personal injury and unknown perpetrator | Compensated with €250 deductible |
| Property damage only by unknown perpetrator | No compensation |
| All damage by uninsured perpetrator | Full compensation |
Conditions for a claim
- The incident took place within the Netherlands
- A report has been made to the police
- You have attempted to trace the perpetrator
- Your claim is not time-barred
Step-by-step plan for a claim
- Report the incident to the police
- Gather evidence of the incident
- Submit your application to the Guarantee Fund
- The fund assesses your request
- If approved, you receive compensation
Recovering damage from the perpetrator
If the perpetrator is later identified, the Guarantee Fund will attempt to recover the paid amounts from the at-fault party, including in cases of uninsured or hit-and-run drivers.
Can I get non-pecuniary damages via the Guarantee Fund?
Yes, the Guarantee Fund covers all forms of personal injury damage, including non-pecuniary damages, comparable to a standard insurance claim.What is the average duration of a procedure with the Guarantee Fund?
The processing time is comparable to that of a regular insurer. In complex cases, this process may take several years.May I engage legal assistance for a claim with the Guarantee Fund?
Yes, you may engage a lawyer and the costs are often reimbursed as out-of-court costs, just like in a regular insurance claim.Frequently asked questions about the Guarantee Fund
When am I entitled to compensation from the Guarantee Fund?
You can claim from the fund if the perpetrator is unknown, uninsured or bankrupt, or if the vehicle was stolen. The accident must have taken place in the Netherlands, you must have filed a police report and attempted to find the perpetrator. Personal injury damage is fully compensated, but property damage only with personal injury and with a €250 deductible.
How can I submit an application to the Guarantee Fund?
Start with a report to the police and gather evidence such as photos and witness statements. Then submit your claim via the Guarantee Fund's website or by post, including all relevant documents such as police reports. The fund assesses your application and pays compensation if approved.
Is property damage always covered by the Guarantee Fund?
No, property damage is not compensated if the perpetrator is unknown and there is no personal injury. With personal injury, property damage is compensated with a €250 deductible. For an uninsured perpetrator, everything is fully covered. Always check the conditions.
What if the perpetrator is traced later?
If the perpetrator is found, the Guarantee Fund will recover the costs from him or her. This also applies to uninsured or hit-and-run drivers. You do not need to take any action yourself.
Can I request an advance for urgent expenses?
Yes, for urgent expenses such as medical costs, you can request an advance. Contact the Guarantee Fund and explain your situation. This advance will be settled against the final compensation later.
How long does it take for my claim to be assessed?
The processing time varies. Simple cases can be handled within a few months, while complex situations may take longer, sometimes even years.