Export plates and car insurance after buying on OPENLANE

Buying through OPENLANE and preparing export

Ask lot by lot whether buyers must bring transit plates; OPENLANE says buyers must provide the required plates themselves. Its official information also states that vehicles from Spain, Sweden and Italy cannot be personally collected. A transport company may be required, with official CMR documentation relevant to deregistration or document release. Confirm current lot rules, PuA (Pick-up Authorisation) and CoD (Certificate of Delivery) where applicable. Export plates or insurance do not replace these documents, CMR or customs proof. Check OPENLANE instructions for the specific lot, not just general guidance. Ask whether personal collection is allowed, which transit plates are required and whether PuA or CoD applies. For vehicles from Spain, Sweden and Italy, plan around a transport solution rather than self-drive. Agree CMR and document release with the seller before booking the journey.

Do not treat an auction confirmation as a key to the vehicle. The seller or platform may still need to confirm payment, identity, a collection code or release. Ask who is authorised to collect, the exact location and the date it will be ready. Establish whether it may leave under its own power. A transport booking, a winning bid and permission to enter a site are separate things.

Check documents and vehicle status

Ask which Dutch registration documents are actually available and who will hand them over. Check the registration, chassis number and the name needed for the temporary liability insurance request. Export insurance or white plates do not replace proof of ownership, export deregistration, customs papers or missing registration documents. Check roadworthiness, any APK requirement and rules in every country on your route. If uncertain, pause and ask the seller for written confirmation.

Align departure with 14-day cover

Set collection only after payment, release, documents and transport align. Leave time for inspection, fitting plates and possible weekend or public-holiday delays. Cover lasts 14 days from the chosen start date, so align it with departure rather than the auction date. Check that a parcel recipient can accept the plates and that you can access the vehicle when cover begins.

Independent insurance: request and price

Auto Export Verzekering is an independent provider, not part of or partnered with the auction platform. Dutch 14-day export insurance with white plates can be requested from €100 for a passenger car; the exact price is confirmed after review. Cover starts only after the application is checked, accepted and paid. Complete paid requests Monday to Thursday are delivered within one working day in Europe. DHL Express shipping is €50 per shipment.

Record application and handover details

Keep the auction confirmation, payment status, release, document list and collection appointment together. For a price check, send the Dutch registration, vehicle type, policyholder name and address, destination and requested start date through the existing application form or WhatsApp. Use a separate set of registration details for every vehicle; never reuse a VIN or registration for another car. Office collection in Hengelo is by appointment only.

Handover checklist before collection

Before departure, verify release, papers, collection location and the insurance start date one more time. Also see application form, prices and plates by post. Other auction guides: CarCollect buyer guide and Onlineveilingmeester buyer guide.