Save Commission-Free

8 min read

Optional add-on modules for non-life insurance: useful or unnecessary?

Many people in the Netherlands pay a few euros extra each month for add-on modules such as glass cover, roadside assistance, cancellation cover or a legal expenses module, without really knowing if these coverages are worthwhile. Often the module overlaps with your basic policy, your travel insurance, or another standalone policy, meaning you are effectively paying double. In other cases, the premium is so low that it hardly covers the risk. This article helps you step by step assess whether your add-on modules are useful or unnecessary, without blindly cutting your cover. We look at concrete examples like glass cover, outside-home cover, breakdown assistance, replacement transport, cancellation and legal expenses modules, and show what to look for in your policy terms. Ultimately, you can decide with confidence which modules to keep, adjust, or remove.

Verified by a Wft-certified advisorLast reviewed for accuracy: 2026-06-18

People who pay for many small add-on modules and wonder what's genuinely necessary. · Updated: 2026-06-18

Important InformationThe information on this website is for general informational purposes only. This does not constitute personal financial or insurance advice and cannot be taken as a definitive answer. While we strive for accuracy, specific situations and policy conditions can vary depending on the insurer. Always request a free check with our associated advisor for advice tailored to your situation.

The short answer

Whether an add-on module is useful depends heavily on your personal risk, whether the cover overlaps with other policies, and how the premium compares to the maximum payout. In general, modules such as glass cover for homeowners with many windows can be worth a few euros a month, while breakdown assistance or cancellation cover is often already included in another insurance or membership (like ANWB). Yet every situation is different: an expat without Dutch roadside membership might actually benefit from an add-on breakdown module. The trick is not to cancel everything at once, but to assess each module on its own merits using your actual policy documents.

When this question comes up

The question of whether add-on modules are still useful often arises during life changes, premium increases, or when you review your finances annually. For instance, moving house, starting to live together, retiring, or buying a newer or older car can shift your risk profile and signal it's time to re-evaluate your modules. Expats who are still getting used to the Dutch insurance landscape often discover they're paying for modules they don't need. A regular check, such as our annual non-life insurance review, helps you keep such overlaps in sight.

When your premium suddenly rises for no clear reason
If you move or start living together and adjust your policies
When your car gets older and you review your car cover
During an annual evaluation of all your insurances and subscriptions
When you retire and your travel and car usage changes; see also optimizing Dutch insurance after retirement
When you take out a new policy and the adviser offers you extra modules

Which modules are often valuable

Some modules are genuinely worthwhile if they cover a realistic risk and aren't duplicated elsewhere. Think of glass cover for a home you own with a conservatory or large glass facades, where a broken window can easily cost hundreds of euros. A legal expenses module for employment and income can be useful if you don't have a standalone legal expenses policy. The key condition is that the premium is low relative to the maximum payout and that you realistically assess the chance of a claim.

Glass cover on a buildings insurance for homeowners with many windows (premium often €2-€4/month, payout up to €1,000)
Legal expenses module for work and income – consider this if you lack a separate legal expenses insurance comparison without commission
Breakdown assistance for an older car without dealer cover, provided it's not already arranged via ANWB or your car insurance
Outside-home cover for valuable items you carry daily, such as a laptop or camera, provided the insured sum is sufficient

Which modules often overlap or are redundant

Many add-ons duplicate cover you already have through your main policy, another separate insurance, or a membership. This is a classic case of preventing double insurance. The overview below shows which modules are often redundant, but note: exact cover varies by insurer and policy. Always check your own policy terms and schedule.

Note: exact cover differs per insurer and policy. Always check your own policy documents and schedule.
Module	What it covers	Why often redundant
Glass cover (buildings)	Covers window breakage	Often included in buildings or contents policy; renters are often covered via landlord
Breakdown assistance	Roadside help for car breakdowns	Often overlaps with ANWB membership or already included in all-risk car insurance
Cancellation (annual)	Reimbursement for trip cancellation (illness, work)	Overlaps with continuous travel insurance or credit card cover; for infrequent trips a single-trip policy is cheaper
Replacement transport	Loan car while yours is being repaired	Sometimes standard in car insurance; otherwise premium often higher than renting a car for a day
Legal expenses module (e.g. consumer)	Legal help for consumer disputes	May already be in a broad legal expenses policy; module often has low limits and strict exclusions

This table is a starting point, not an absolute truth. With some insurers, breakdown assistance is standard for newer cars, while others charge extra for it. Always read the 'roadside assistance' clause in your car policy. The same goes for glass cover: homeowners often have it automatically in their buildings insurance, but renters need to check whether the landlord covers windows or whether contents insurance offers a solution.

What to check in your own policy

Each Dutch insurer has its own conditions, and add-on modules can contain subtle exclusions. A structured approach helps you cut through the jargon and determine whether a module is worth its premium.

Gather all your policy schedules

Request the most recent policy schedule (polisblad) and full terms from each insurer. Note the exact name of the modules you're reviewing.

Read the module clause

Look in the policy terms for the module and note: the maximum insured amount, any deductible (eigen risico), and the exclusions. Sometimes it says 'not covered if...'.

Compare with other policies

Check if the same damage is covered by another insurance. For outside-home cover: check your travel insurance. For breakdown: check your car policy. Use our travel insurance comparison to verify baggage cover.

Calculate the cost-benefit

Divide the annual premium by the maximum payout. If you pay €36/year for a module with a maximum of €300 and the damage occurs on average once every ten years, you are paying more than the damage costs. Also factor in the deductible you pay per claim.

Assess your personal risk

Do you live in a neighbourhood with many burglaries? Do you have expensive windows? Do you travel often? Weigh it against your financial buffer: can you afford a small loss without disrupting your budget?

Common mistakes with add-on modules

Even long-time insurance holders make certain mistakes with add-on modules. Recognising them saves money and frustration without unnecessary risk. A common pitfall is lowering insured sums to save premium, which can lead to underinsurance costing thousands of euros. Stay critical about your overall cover.

Keeping a module out of habit without ever reading the terms
Assuming a module offers the same cover as a standalone policy
Holding modules while your situation has changed (e.g. moved, different car)
Being afraid to save because 'it's only a few euros', yet it adds up monthly
Cancelling a module without truly checking overlap, leaving you unexpectedly uncovered
Skipping an annual review, so you overpay for years – use our annual non-life insurance review as a starting point

When a second opinion makes sense

When your policies are scattered across several insurers, it can be difficult to see the full picture. An independent, commission-free check can uncover overlapping modules that you might overlook yourself. PolisMoment connects you with one independent advisory firm that reviews your premiums, cover and deductibles with you – without reselling and without you having to switch straight away. Read how the free non-life insurance check works for a step-by-step explanation.

Even if you decide not to change anything, the insight you gain from such a check is valuable. Many households turn out to unknowingly have modules that no longer fit their current life stage. By occasionally seeking an independent second opinion, you prevent your premium from leaking away into cover you hardly or never use. Ultimately, it's about being insured for what truly matters, at a premium that is in proportion to the risk.

Frequently asked questions

What does it mean if a module is 'often redundant'? Should I cancel it immediately?

No, it's not absolute advice. 'Often redundant' means that in many cases the module overlaps with other covers or the premium doesn't justify the maximum payout. Always check your own policy terms and personal risk before stopping a module. Sometimes a few euros a month is worth the peace of mind.

How do I know if my glass cover is already included in my buildings or contents insurance?

Look in your policy terms under 'glass' or 'window breakage'. For homeowners, buildings insurance (opstalverzekering) often includes glass cover automatically. Renters are usually covered via the landlord. Check your policy schedule for a separate clause or module. If in doubt, ask your insurer for an overview of active coverages.

Can I just switch modules off and on again when I need them?

Usually yes, but be aware of acceptance rules and waiting periods. Legal expenses modules, for example, often have a waiting period of several months before you can claim. So don't blindly cancel a module you might need soon.

What if I really need a module but can't buy it separately?

Some modules, like extensive outside-home cover, are only available as an add-on to a contents insurance. In that case, consider comparing the whole package (contents plus module) with other insurers. Sometimes a different provider offers similar total cover at a better price.

Where do I find this information in my policy terms?

Search the table of contents or index for the specific module name, such as 'Additional glass cover', 'Breakdown assistance module' or 'Cancellation clause'. Terms are usually listed per risk in a separate paragraph with the insured sum, deductible and exclusions. For legal expenses modules, there's often a dedicated article with dispute areas and maximum reimbursements.

Independent insurance advisor

Wft Certified

Our articles are sent to an internal Discord review flow and manually checked by an independent, Wft-certified insurance advisor (non-life personal & commercial) with years of experience in the Dutch market. This review ensures the content reflects current regulations and that the advice is strictly commission-free and in the consumer's best interest.

Last reviewed for accuracy: 2026-06-18

Keep reading

Save: car insurance