What the AVB covers

  • Property damage: the coffee over a client’s server, the ladder through the window, damaged goods at a location.
  • Injury: a visitor tripping over your equipment, harm during physical work.
  • Consequential damage flowing from both — usually the largest component.

Outside the AVB: damage from your professional advice or output — that is the domain of the professional liability insurance (BAV). The pair covers different failure modes; risk-heavy professions carry both.

What it costs in 2026

Desk-based freelancers: €10–20 a month. Trades and physical work: €20–40. Cover typically runs €1.25–2.5 million per event; the premium deducts as business cost.

Who genuinely needs it

Anyone working at client locations, with client property, or receiving visitors: builders, installers, caterers, photographers on location, consultants on site. Many clients and locations require proof of AVB before work starts — making the policy a commercial door-opener as much as protection. Last verified: 19 July 2026.

The follow-up question

Most readers arrive here from Disability Insurance (AOV) for ZZP or move on to Cyber Insurance for Dutch SMEs.