Disagree with your insurer's claim amount? This is how contra-expertise works in the Netherlands

Short answer: what is contra-expertise and when do you need it?

You have suffered a loss and your insurer sends an expert to assess the damage and determine the payout. But what if you disagree with the amount? This is more common than you think: a repair estimate turns out higher, the market value of your car is undervalued, or your contents claim seems too low. In such a situation, you can call in a contra-expert (an independent loss adjuster) who acts in your interest and draws up their own damage report. Contra-expertise is not a rarity; it is a legal right under Article 7:959 of the Dutch Civil Code. It acts as a counterbalance to the insurer's expert and helps establish a realistic amount. This article explains how the process works, what the costs look like, and how to build a strong case.

Your right to a contra-expert: not just for rejected claims

Contrary to what many people think, you can call in a contra-expert not only when your claim is fully denied. When the insurer covers the damage but the payout seems too low, you can use this right. The Dutch Civil Code explicitly states that the policyholder may appoint their own expert at their own expense to assess the damage, unless the policy states otherwise. In practice, such policy conditions are rarely an obstacle; most non-life insurers respect this right. However, there is an important distinction: contra-expertise focuses on the amount of the damage, not on whether it is covered at all. If you're unsure whether your policy even covers the incident, first read our guide on what to do when your insurance claim is rejected.

• Car damage: repair estimates where the insurer's offer is lower than garage quotations.
• Buildings damage: storm or water damage where the insurer approves limited repairs while you believe more extensive work is needed.
• Contents damage: theft or fire claims where the valuation of lost items seems too low.

Who pays for the contra-expertise? Coverage and out-of-pocket costs

The costs of a contra-expert vary, typically between €300 and €800, depending on the type of damage and its complexity. Will your insurer reimburse these costs? That largely depends on the reasonableness of the contra-expertise. If the contra-expert demonstrates that the original assessment was incomplete or too low, and the higher amount is actually paid out, insurers generally cover the reasonable costs. Even if the difference remains small but the contra-expertise was objectively useful, many insurers will pay. Some policies explicitly state that contra-expert fees are covered, while others refer to 'reasonable costs'. In the worst-case scenario – for example, if the contra-expert reaches the same conclusion without adding new insights – you may have to bear the costs yourself.

• Car: contra-expert costs usually range between €250 and €500 for a technical damage assessment.
• Buildings: storm or fire damage valuations average €400 to €800, depending on the scale.
• Contents: disputes over the value of stolen or damaged items typically cost €300 to €600.
• Travel luggage or valuables: specialist valuations may cost more, sometimes including an hourly rate.

The dispute process for a contested claim amount

How to build a strong case for your damage amount

Strong evidence is half the battle. Before involving a contra-expert, gather as much supporting material as possible: clear photos of the damage, quotes from at least two repair firms (preferably with differing prices for comparison), purchase receipts for damaged or stolen items, and any maintenance reports. The more concretely you can show that the insurer's figure is too low, the greater the chance of a successful contra-expertise. Also note that underinsurance can play a role: if your contents or buildings sum insured is too low, that can reduce the payout regardless of the assessment. Read about how to prevent underinsurance. For specific damage such as vandalism, a police report is often required; check the details on vandalism damage insurance. When the value of expensive items is disputed, a jeweller's appraisal helps; learn when to insure jewellery and valuables separately.

• Keep all correspondence with the insurer and expert, including the initial damage report.
• If in doubt about your car's market value, get an independent valuation from a dealer or BOVAG-affiliated garage.
• Consider a second opinion from a specialised contra-expert if the original assessment seems unusually low.

When is professional advice about your insurance worthwhile?

A dispute over a claim amount can become complex, especially if other issues arise alongside the payout amount – such as coverage questions or overlapping policies. In such cases, it can be wise to have an independent advisor review your entire insurance package. Through PolisMoment, you can request a free, non-binding check of your non-life insurance, where an advisor looks not only at the current dispute but also at potential savings and coverage improvements for the future. How the free non-life insurance check works is explained in a separate article. It can also be useful to check whether your legal expenses insurance covers disputes with your insurer; not every policy does, so comparing legal expenses insurance commission-free helps you find suitable cover.