Hubbry Logo
InterpolisInterpolisMain
Open search
Interpolis
Community hub
Interpolis
logo
8 pages, 0 posts
0 subscribers
Be the first to start a discussion here.
Be the first to start a discussion here.
Interpolis
Interpolis
from Wikipedia

Interpolis is a major Dutch insurance company operating across the Netherlands. The company has gained wide recognition with its advertising campaign "Interpolis.Crystal clear". Besides financial compensation, Interpolis also offers compensation in kind.

Key Information

Interpolis was an early adaptor of hot desking, flexible office hours, and working from home.

History

[edit]

Interpolis came into existence in 1969 after a merger between the life insurance company BTL and four mutual non-life insurance companies: ABTB in Arnhem, LLTB in Roermond, LTB in Leiden and NCB in Tilburg (which were part of the regional class-based organizations of the Katholieke Nederlandse Boeren- en Tuindersbond (KNBTB) (Catholic Dutch farmers and market-gardeners union). Also in 1969 Interpolis, together with the Coöperatieve Centrale Boerenleenbank - a forerunner of the Rabobank -, founded the finance company DLL (formerly known as De Lage Landen). That organization is still a part of the Rabobank.

Three other mergers followed: with Hagelunie (1972), De Twaalf Gewesten (1985) and Sterpolis (1993). In 1990 mergers between banks and insurance companies became permitted, after which the Rabobank acquired almost all the shares of Interpolis. The Catholic class-based organizations, united in the KNBTB, retained their controlling interest until 2000. After the merger with Commit Arbo (2000) and the take-over of Relan (2001), Interpolis expanded its insurance activities to include old-age provisions and absenteeism management.

In 2005 Interpolis merged with Achmea, part of the European insurance group Eureko. The Rabobank exchanged Interpolis for 37% of the shares in Eureko. Since the merger Interpolis is part of Achmea, the largest insurance group in the Netherlands.

Interpolis office concept

[edit]

In addition to insurance, Interpolis is also known for its special outlook on work. The company operates a hot desking office where no one at Interpolis has their own fixed place of work. The employees can select a place of work that is best suited to them and to the work that they do. Special areas called ‘club houses’ have also been created at the Interpolis head office, each with its own particular atmosphere. In these club houses the Interpolis employees can combine various daily activities, such as working, consulting, meeting people, relaxing and eating.

The flexible working concept of activity-based working led to a cultural transition at Interpolis. That is because flexible working is not just a matter of moving some furniture around. Flexible working must also become embedded in the way you think and act. Employees at Interpolis do not have to clock in. The motto at Interpolis is: as long as the work gets done. Whether that is done from home or at the office is something the employees can decide for themselves. Interpolis is a pioneer of teleworking in the Netherlands. At the moment about 2,500 employees work from home several days a week.

Abbreviations

[edit]
  • ABTB = Aartsdiocesane Boeren - en Tuindersbond = Archdiocesan farmers and market gardeners union
  • BTL = Boeren en Tuinders Levensverzekeringen N.V. = farmers and market gardeners life insurance company
  • LLTB = Limburgse Land- en Tuinbouwbond = Limburg agricultural and market gardening union
  • LTB = vermoedelijk R.K. Diocesane Land - en Tuinbouwhogeschool in het Bisdom Haarlem = probably the Catholic diocesan agricultural and market gardening college in the bishopric of Haarlem
  • NCB = Noordbrabantse Christelijke Boerenbond = Noordbrabant Christian farmers union
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia
from Grokipedia
Interpolis is a prominent Dutch insurance company founded in 1969 and headquartered in , , specializing in a wide array of insurance products including , , property, and . Since a 2005 merger, it operates as a key brand within the , the largest insurance provider in the Netherlands, while maintaining strong collaborative ties with for customer services, product distribution through the Rabo App, and integrated financial offerings. The company is renowned for its "Glashelder" slogan, which underscores its commitment to transparency and clarity in insurance dealings. Established through the merger of several Catholic insurance cooperatives, Interpolis initially focused on providing reliable coverage to cooperative members before expanding its market presence across the Netherlands. Over the decades, it has grown into one of the country's leading insurers, emphasizing preventive measures and customer-centric services, such as seamless integration with 's digital platforms for policy management and claims processing. This partnership, formalized post-merger, allows Interpolis to leverage Rabobank's extensive branch network and online tools, enhancing accessibility for clients seeking comprehensive financial protection. The integration has further bolstered Interpolis's operational scale, enabling innovative products like digital harvest protection solutions in partnership with Rabo Partnerships for international smallholder farmers. Interpolis's product portfolio extends beyond traditional insurances to include specialized offerings tailored to modern lifestyles, such as vehicle and home coverage with a focus on safety and prevention. Its reputation for , encapsulated in the "Glashelder" branding, has been a cornerstone of its marketing strategy since the early 1990s, promoting straightforward communication and fair practices in an industry often criticized for complexity. As part of , Interpolis continues to prioritize and , aligning with broader goals of financial inclusion and in the Dutch market.

History

Origins in Agricultural Cooperatives

Interpolis traces its roots to the late 19th-century in the , which emerged from the solidarity among low-paid farmers and facing harsh working conditions. These individuals, often laboring under impoverished circumstances, recognized that could improve their economic and social standing, particularly within the segments of the rural population. This realization fostered the creation of boerenstandsorganisaties (farmers' organizations) dedicated to mutual support in agriculture. By the end of the 19th century, four prominent had formed, embodying the through joint purchasing, selling, and auctioning of goods to benefit their members. Notable examples include these entities, which extended their activities beyond trade to establish dedicated financial and protective institutions tailored to agricultural needs. Among these were the Boerenleenbanken (farmers' loan banks) for credit access and the (mutual guarantee societies) for insurance coverage against risks such as property damage and liability. Additionally, a dedicated (pension fund) was created to provide for members' retirement, addressing long-term security in an era of limited state support. These early marked a significant evolution from informal self-help groups—rooted in —to more structured organizations that formalized insurance and financial services within the Dutch agricultural sector. The Onderlinge Waarborgmaatschappijen, in particular, transitioned into professional providers, while the developed into a entity, laying the groundwork for later consolidations. This progression reflected broader trends in Dutch agriculture, where cooperative models enabled farmers to mitigate vulnerabilities through shared resources and . These pre-20th-century developments ultimately contributed to the formal establishment of Interpolis in 1969.

Founding and Early Expansion

Interpolis was established in 1969 through the merger of four and a life insurance company affiliated with in the . These entities traced their roots to the among farmers and seeking mutual support amid economic hardships. The merger created a unified insurer aimed at providing both life and non-life insurance products, leveraging the to serve the agricultural community effectively. In its initial years, Interpolis rapidly expanded its operations, developing from its agricultural base into a robust insurance provider with a distinctive . This early growth included broadening its service offerings to encompass various non-life insurance lines, while solidifying its position in the Dutch market as a reliable partner for farmers and . By focusing on and accessibility, Interpolis quickly built a growing client base with community-oriented services that differentiated it from traditional insurers. During the 1970s and 1980s, Interpolis experienced significant expansion, driven by and mergers in the , with its products still tied to its agricultural heritage. Key milestones included mergers such as with Hagelunie in 1972 and De Twaalf Gewesten in 1985, which helped broaden its insurance offerings and cement its market positioning as a leading Dutch insurer with strong . This period of growth reflected Interpolis's development within the non-life and life insurance sectors.

Merger with Achmea

In April 2005, announced that its insurance subsidiary, Interpolis, would merge with , the primary insurance arm of Eureko, as part of a to enhance their cooperative ties. This merger positioned Interpolis, which had been closely affiliated with Rabobank since its founding in 1969 as a , under the broader Achmea umbrella while allowing Rabobank to increase its stake in Eureko from 5% to 37% in exchange. The deal was approved by the later that year, clearing the way for the integration of operations. The merger was formally completed in November 2005, leading to the immediate consolidation of Interpolis's activities into Achmea's structure, including the transfer of its Dutch insurance business to . Post-merger, Interpolis was rebranded as a distinct brand within the group, retaining its identity while benefiting from shared resources and operational synergies. This integration strengthened the combined entity's market position in the , creating one of the largest insurance providers by combining their customer bases and product offerings. Over the long term, the merger expanded Interpolis's access to 's extensive resources, enabling national-scale operations and improved service capabilities without fully dissolving the Interpolis brand. The alliance has since evolved, with subsequent agreements in 2010 reinforcing commercial cooperation between and Achmea, further solidifying the post-merger framework. This structure has allowed Interpolis to maintain its focus on transparent insurance products while leveraging Achmea's infrastructure for growth.

Corporate Structure

Ownership and Affiliation

Interpolis operates as a wholly owned brand and subsidiary of , the largest insurance group in the Netherlands, following a merger completed in 2005 that integrated its operations into the broader Achmea structure. traces its origins to and , reflecting a member-focused model that emphasizes long-term stability and customer interests in the Dutch financial sector. As one of the country's leading insurers, manages a diverse portfolio of insurance and financial services, with its ownership primarily held by , a clients' representative body that controls approximately 69.07% of the company's capital (8.26% direct and 60.81% indirect via ), ensuring alignment with . , the major Dutch banking cooperative, holds a significant minority stake of about 29.20% as of December 31, 2024, positioning it as a key strategic shareholder without majority control. Despite the transfer of direct ownership of Interpolis to in 2005, the company maintains a close ongoing affiliation with through shared customer bases, joint distribution channels, and collaborative initiatives in and banking services. This partnership leverages Rabobank's extensive network for product distribution while allowing Interpolis to benefit from integrated financial offerings, though Rabobank does not hold direct ownership in Interpolis itself.

Headquarters and Leadership

Interpolis is headquartered in Tilburg, Netherlands, where its main office serves as the central hub for operations, including administrative, strategic, and customer-facing activities within the broader Achmea group. The headquarters is located at Spoorlaan 298, a prominent building designed by architect Abe Bonnema, which has been a key landmark for the company since its consolidation in the region. This location underscores Interpolis's deep roots in the Dutch financial services sector, facilitating efficient coordination with Achmea's nationwide network. As a subsidiary brand of , Interpolis operates under a that integrates its management with the parent company's executive oversight, allowing for brand-specific decision-making while aligning with Achmea's overall strategy approved by the Executive Board. The division is led by a dedicated management team. Uco Vegter serves as the Divisional Chair of Interpolis as of June 2025, a position he assumed on September 1, 2023, succeeding Chantal Vergouw. In this role, Vegter oversees the division's strategic direction, operational performance, and integration within , drawing on his prior experience as CEO of Eureko Sigorta and Managing Director of Achmea International.

Products and Services

Core Insurance Offerings

Interpolis provides a comprehensive suite of insurance products tailored to the needs of customers, encompassing health, , property, and . These offerings emphasize , preventive measures, and integration with everyday financial services, reflecting the company's origins in that evolved into broad non-life policies for personal and property protection.

Health Insurance

Interpolis offers two primary for health coverage: ZorgActief and ZorgCompact, both compliant with mandates for essential medical care such as , hospital treatments, specialist consultations, ambulance services, maternity support, and psychological help. ZorgActief, priced at €159.25 per month (or €141.75 with a €500 ) as of 2026, provides extensive supplementary packages covering up to 20 annually, 100% reimbursement at , and unique features like a for managing and arranging , alongside 24/7 online self-help programs for sleep and energy improvement. ZorgCompact, at €155.95 per month (or €140.95 with excess) as of 2026, includes one supplementary package with and 6 physiotherapy sessions, focusing on cost-effective coverage with 100% reimbursement for ordered online from contracted suppliers. Both policies insure children under 18 for free, inheriting the parent's most comprehensive supplementary benefits, and integrate health care services through quick next-day reimbursements and second-opinion options to enhance patient confidence. via offer up to 15% discounts on supplements for ZorgActief.

Life Insurance

Interpolis's life insurance products primarily consist of () that pay out upon death or at a predetermined date to build capital for specific purposes, such as mortgage repayment or providing . These policies can be structured to cover outstanding debts, support nabestaanden () in maintaining their standard of living, or accumulate funds for , with payouts designed to offset or future expenses. Unique to Interpolis, these non-life-rooted policies, stemming from its , allow customization through advisors to align with individual .

Property Insurance

Property insurance from Interpolis includes woonhuisverzekering for structural home protection and inboedelverzekering for contents, covering damages from fire, storm, water leakage, burglary, and theft, with tailored options for Dutch homeowners including renovations, gardens, and outbuildings. The woonhuisverzekering automatically encompasses solar panels and electric vehicle charging stations, reimbursing repair or replacement using sustainable materials, while excluding risks like governmental actions or . Inboedelverzekering protects personal items up to €25,000 for borrowed or rented goods, valuables like jewelry and art without separate policies, and garden items against theft, with preventive discounts of up to 14% via the Veiligheidsmeter safety assessment. These policies reflect Interpolis's agricultural origins by prioritizing robust non-life coverage for rural and urban properties alike, often bundled in the Alles in één Polis for up to 12% savings.

Casualty Insurance

Casualty offerings encompass auto, , and travel insurance, providing broad protection against accidents, theft, and unforeseen events with features adapted for Dutch regulations and lifestyles. Auto insurance includes WA (mandatory third-party liability), WA+ (adding own vehicle coverage for theft, vandalism, and collisions), and All-Risk options, with no mandatory deductible in bundled policies and specialized support for , including experts; premiums average €315 lower annually than competitors per Rolls Benchmarks as of August 2025. (aansprakelijkheidsverzekering) covers legal costs for damages to others or their property, such as accidental harm to a friend's belongings. Travel insurance features doorlopende (annual) policies covering medical emergencies, repatriation, and accidents worldwide (up to 60 days per trip, extendable), with add-ons for baggage, cancellation, , and ; as the largest Dutch travel insurer with over 1.2 million policyholders, it earns 5-star MoneyView ratings for conditions and an 8.8 customer score for its alarm central. Distribution occurs via channels for seamless integration.

Distribution and Customer Access

Interpolis primarily distributes its insurance products through branches, which serve as the main channel for sales and customer advice, leveraging the 's extensive network across . This partnership ensures that customers can access policies directly at local Rabobank locations, combining for convenience. A key aspect of customer access is the integration with the Rabo App, where retail customers can view, manage, and purchase Interpolis insurance policies seamlessly within the banking platform since 2017. The app allows users to handle policy adjustments, report damages, or file claims for incidents like theft or loss, with direct links to Interpolis portals for efficient processing. This digital integration provides Rabobank customers with bundled banking-insurance oversight, enabling quick decisions on financial matters through a single interface. Additionally, Interpolis offers online portals and dedicated customer service options, including phone support and web-based tools, to facilitate self-service for policy management and claims reporting beyond the ecosystem. These channels emphasize accessibility, with features like secure login via iDIN for straightforward identity verification during interactions.

Branding and Marketing

Slogan and Advertising Campaigns

Interpolis's slogan "Glashelder," which translates to "crystal clear," was introduced to underscore the company's commitment to in the often complex insurance sector. This branding element emphasizes straightforward , unambiguous , and , aiming to build customer trust by simplifying insurance dealings. The slogan has been a cornerstone of Interpolis's , reflecting efforts to demystify and foster clarity in an industry prone to opacity. Since the , Interpolis has launched several advertising campaigns that prominently feature the "Glashelder" theme, focusing on innovative visuals to highlight customer-centric clarity and safety. For instance, the 2006 "Toilet" campaign, created by FHV BBDO Amsterdam, used humorous scenarios to illustrate preventive insurance advice, reinforcing trust through relatable, transparent messaging. In 2010, the "Glasses, Cast Arm" series depicted everyday accidents with exaggerated props like oversized bandages, promoting health insurance evaluation via the company's website while tying back to the slogan's emphasis on clear, proactive protection. Another notable 2010 effort, "A Wonderful Life," portrayed life scenarios to showcase comprehensive coverage, gaining recognition for its emotional appeal and innovative storytelling that aligned with transparency goals. By the , campaigns like the 2019 television commercial continued this approach, using modern media to stress safety and clarity, often receiving positive public feedback for their engaging and trustworthy tone. Following the 2005 merger with , Interpolis's marketing strategies evolved to integrate broader group resources while maintaining the "Glashelder" slogan as a key differentiator, with increased focus on and . Post-merger efforts emphasized to enhance , including partnerships that leveraged 's distribution network for . This period saw a shift toward that highlighted , resulting in high for Interpolis, such as +16 in recent years, indicating strong public reception for its clear communication style. The slogan's concept faced temporary challenges during the but was revitalized through consistent advertising, ensuring its enduring role in building customer loyalty within the .

Partnerships with Rabobank

Interpolis became a subsidiary of in 1991, following the liberalization of bank-insurance mergers in . This acquisition integrated Interpolis into Rabobank's financial services ecosystem, expanding offerings in property, casualty, and life insurance through the bank's extensive for distribution. The close ties continued until the 2005 merger with , after which Interpolis operated as a brand under the Achmea group while preserving strong strategic partnerships with Rabobank. Following the merger, the partnership evolved into a focused on , with retaining a significant stake in the parent entity (approximately 29% as of 2023) and Interpolis serving as its primary insurance brand. Current joint operations include such as home, car, and travel coverage, primarily distributed to Rabobank clients through the bank's branches and , though available more broadly. For instance, Interpolis policies are distributed via Rabobank's network, enabling seamless with to offer integrated financial protection. The collaboration provides mutual benefits, including integrated services through the Rabo App, where users can directly manage Interpolis policies alongside banking activities for enhanced convenience. This digital integration supports customer growth strategies by increasing insurance penetration among 's client base, with Interpolis targeting higher adoption rates through tailored offerings and shared marketing efforts. As a result, the partnership has driven sustained expansion, with Interpolis remaining Rabobank's most important strategic partner in insurance supply.

Innovations and Developments

Adoption of Activity-Based Working

In the mid-1990s, Interpolis faced significant financial challenges that prompted a strategic overhaul of its operations, including a reevaluation of its workplace environment at its headquarters in , . To address inefficiencies and boost productivity, the company engaged consulting firm in the early 1990s, which recommended downsizing alongside a comprehensive redesign of office spaces to foster better collaboration and resource utilization. This initiative laid the groundwork for Interpolis's pioneering adoption of in 1995, in collaboration with workplace strategy firm Veldhoen + Company, marking one of the earliest large-scale implementations of this flexible office model. The implementation at Interpolis transformed traditional fixed-desk setups into tailored to specific tasks, such as for team meetings, for focused work, and for informal interactions, all supported by to enable among its over 3,000 employees. Veldhoen + Company guided the redesign, optimizing the use of existing in a single building rather than splitting operations across multiple sites, which resulted in enhanced space efficiency and reported improvements in and productivity. These changes not only helped Interpolis navigate its financial difficulties but also demonstrated tangible gains, including reduced and higher through greater autonomy in choosing workspaces based on daily activities. Over the long term, Interpolis's adoption profoundly influenced its , promoting a shift toward more and team-oriented workflows that emphasized flexibility and innovation. This model served as a blueprint for other Dutch organizations, inspiring widespread adoption of in the Netherlands and establishing Interpolis as a leader in workplace transformation during the .

Digital and Technological Advances

Interpolis has advanced its digital offerings through the development of dedicated mobile applications that streamline customer interactions with insurance services. The Interpolis app enables users to report damage, theft, or loss efficiently, including the ability to take or upload photos to support claims directly within the platform. This feature facilitates quick claims processing and provides access to the Interpolis Emergency Center for immediate assistance in cases of breakdowns or incidents abroad. Additionally, the app offers a comprehensive overview of insurance policies under the Interpolis All-in-One Policy®, allowing customers to review coverage details and conditions conveniently. Integration with enhances these digital tools, as the app utilizes iDIN login, which connects to users' online banking environments, including the Rabo App, for seamless access to both banking and insurance products. This partnership enables policy management alongside banking services, such as viewing Interpolis insurance details directly in the Rabo App. In terms of sonic branding, Interpolis collaborated with Amp.Amsterdam to create a new audio identity, including the brand song "So Many Stories" by Sofia Dragt, a , and a bespoke music library, to foster a warm and authentic customer experience. This sonic suite, inspired by the company's and "Glashelder" slogan, is implemented in commercials, radio advertisements, and digital interactions to reinforce brand consistency and emotional engagement. Post-2010 technological initiatives at Interpolis include efforts, such as sent to approximately 180,000 customers, leveraging customer data to tailor content and improve relevance. As part of the , Interpolis has also focused on streamlining and integration through and reuse of , supporting efficient across its operations.

References

Add your contribution
Related Hubs
User Avatar
No comments yet.