Cutting Car Costs: From Fuel to Insurance

The true cost of a car in the Netherlands

An average car costs €400-700 per month when you include everything. Far more than most people think. After your home, your car is probably your biggest expense.

Overview of all car costs

Cost itemMonthly average Depreciation€150-250 Fuel€100-200 Insurance€50-120 Road tax€30-80 Maintenance and APK vehicle inspection€40-80 Parking€20-50 Total€390-780

Use our monthly costs calculator to get a clear picture of your car costs.

Saving on fuel

Adjust your driving style

• Anticipate traffic: Look ahead and brake gradually

• Keep tyres correctly inflated: Save up to 5% on fuel

• Use cruise control: This is more fuel-efficient on the motorway

• 100 km/h instead of 120 km/h: Up to 20% lower fuel consumption

Refuel smartly

• Use apps such as DirectLease Tankservice

• Refuel at unmanned stations (€0,05-0,10/litre cheaper)

• Refuel on Monday or Tuesday (slightly cheaper on average)

Saving on car insurance

Compare annually: The insurance market is competitive

Increase your excess: Raising it from €150 to €500 saves €10-20/month

Mileage-based insurance: If you drive less (e.g. ANWB Veilig Rijden)

Combine policies: Get a multi-policy discount — read our insurance savings tips

Saving on maintenance

• DIY: You can replace wipers, bulbs and fluids yourself

• Independent garages: Often 20-40% cheaper than the dealer

• Preventive maintenance: Small repairs prevent major costs

Smart alternatives to owning a car

• Car sharing (Greenwheels, MyWheels): Cheaper if you drive less than 10.000 km/year

• E-bike for commuting: Healthy and affordable

• Public transport season ticket: Often better value in the Randstad

• Driving electric: Lower fuel and maintenance costs

Considering financing a car? Explore our car loan comparison tool for the best rates, or use the loan calculator to work out the costs.

How much could you save on car costs?

ActionAnnual saving Driving more efficiently€200-400 Comparing insurance€100-200 Refuelling smartly€100-200 Doing your own maintenance€100-200 Total€500-1.000

Conclusion

By managing your car costs carefully, you could save €500-1.000 per year. Also consider whether you really need the car, or whether alternatives would be better for your wallet.

Discover more money tips or explore our comparison tools.