Self-regulation is very important for the functioning of the industry and customer-oriented action. It contributes to a positive reputation of the sector. The basis for the self-regulation of the insurance sector is the Code of Conduct for Insurers (also available). It sets out the core values on which the system of self-regulation is based.
Insurers strive for the best quality for their customers. Self-regulation and monitoring contribute to this and strengthen the confidence of consumers and stakeholders. This self-regulation consists of a system of company regulations, covenants, protocols and codes of conduct. In order to keep up with (social) developments, self-regulation is regularly updated.
Most schemes encourage a uniform way of working among insurers. By standardising and aligning processes, reports are processed faster, services are more transparent and members save costs. We record these agreements in self-regulation, which are periodically tested through a self-assessment.
A dozen schemes go further. This concerns, for example, the handling of privacy-sensitive data, the provision of clear information, the fight against fraud and the proper handling of claims and complaints. As of 2021, the insurance sector is one of the first sectors with an ethical framework for data applications; This is also contained in a code of conduct. Together, these ten Core Codes for Customer Interests form a quality standard for the sector; they are extensively tested by the independent Foundation for the Assessment of Insurers.
More than 60 regulations are binding on members of the Association. Some of this applies to all covenant members. Another part is binding on a part of the sector, for example the non-life or life insurance branch. All binding regulations can be found in the Code Guide Binding Self-Regulation.
Other self-regulation is on a subscription basis and is not reviewed by the Foundation for the Assessment of Insurers (Stv). These can be found in the Code Guide for Subscription Covenants and Agreements.
If you only want to see the regulations that apply to your company, use the digiwijzer. You can filter here.
The rules that insurers agree with each other on self-regulation are not without obligation. The supervision of compliance with this is organised in various ways: the independent Foundation for the Assessment of Insurers (Stv) periodically assesses compliance with 53 binding regulations.
The results of the assessment of self-regulation by the Foundation for the Assessment of Insurers (Stv) are compiled twice a year (February/March and June/July) in the Report on Self-Regulation Accountability.
The report zooms in on the results of the investigations carried out by the STV so far. The report also refers to the full reports and assessments of the Stv. In addition, the report looks ahead to the rules that the Stv will review in the current year.
The method of communication about the results of the assessment by Stv is laid down in a Communication Method.
Association members are required to be affiliated with the Financial Services Complaints Institute (Kifid). The Association has also set up the Disciplinary Board for Insurers. Both bodies base their independent statements on insurers partly on binding self-regulation by the Association.
Read more information about the Financial Services Complaints Institute and the Insurers Disciplinary Board.