Current value of your car

There are many situations in which knowing the value of your car can be helpful, such as when you're looking to sell it and need to set your car’s price. With our quick and easy tool, you can calculate your car’s value in an instant. All you need is your license plate number to get an estimate of what your car is worth.

Patrick Bottenheft, Expert Autoverzekeringen

Bijgewerkt: 12 februari 2026

What determines your car’s current value?

The current value of your car (in Dutch: dagwaarde) is the amount it would cost you to buy the same (or comparable) car. There are multiple factors that all play their part in your car's value. The include, but are not limited to:

Age of the car
Mileage
State of the car
Any additional accessories
Service history

You can calculate the current value of your car with our easy tool: all you need is the license plate.

Different kind of values

In addition to your current value, there's a number of different kind of values. Not to be confused with each other, it is good to know what the different terms mean.

The current value of your car is what it is worth today. It comes down to the amount you would need to buy this exact car, or a similar make and model, today.

Dutch translation: dagwaarde.

The catalogue value is the value of the car the moment it is first registered to an owner. This includes taxes and all customizations during production. The catalogue value is used to determine multiple things, such as the premium for your car insurance.

Dutch translation: cataloguswaarde.

You can find the catalogue value of your car on our (Dutch) page: cataloguswaarde berekenen.

The trade-in value is the price you get for your car when you trade it in for another car. Usually this results in a discount in the new car's price, but depending on the offer, you could also get store credit, or any other form of payment. The current value serves as a good indication for your car's trade-in value, but the trade-in value is never set in stone and every car dealer is free to make their own offer.

Dutch translation: inruilwaarde.

The new value is what it would cost you to buy a new version of this (or very similar) make and model car. For new cars, this usually amounts to the catalogue value. However, for older models, the new value is lower since older models lower in price.

Dutch translation: nieuwwaarde.

The residal value is the value of the car after an accident. This is used by insurance companies to determine the compensation. To calculate the residal value, you take the current value and subtract the costs of damages.

Dutch translation: restwaarde.

The purchase value is the price you paid for the car. This could be the same as the catalogue value (for new cars, it usually is), but it doesn't have to be. For some insurances, this value is relevant, but only if you bought the car from an official car dealer or garage.

Dutch translation: aanschafwaarde.

Why check your car's current value?

Checking a car’s value helps you understand its current market value. This is essential for setting a fair price for when you want to sell a car or for negotiating when buying a new one. Additionally, knowing your car's value is important to know and determine coverage payouts after an accident.

1: selling your car

You can determine your car's selling price based on its current market value. However, keep in mind that the selling price doesn’t necessarily have to match the current value.

2: buying a used car

A car price varies depending on its condition. When you buy a used car, it’s helpful to know the current market value so you don’t overpay (by too much). Buying from a private seller? Usually, you will pay close to the car’s current value. If you are buying from a dealership, expect to pay more than the current value because dealerships add a profit margin.

3: after damage

Insurance companies use your car’s current value to determine how much they will pay if your car is damaged. A damage assessor evaluates and estimates the value the car had one day before the accident occurred.

4: total loss

If your car is deemed a total loss and isn’t covered by a purchase price guarantee or a replacement value policy, an adjuster will calculate two figures: the car’s current value (its value before the accident) and the salvage value (its value after the accident). Your insurance company will consider both figures to determine your payout.

If your car is over well-maintained, make sure to share this with the damage expert - preferably with proof of maintenance. Proper maintenance can increase your car's value. The expert may assign it a higher value as a result.”

Patrick Bottenheft

Expert Autoverzekeringen

Planning to buy a used car?

Autocoach can help you find a great car at the right price.

Description

Autocoach takes care of:

Ramp inspection
Negotiation
Trade-In
Warranty

Get a free registration number check at Autocoach.

4 tips for buying a used car

Check the vehicle's license plate. You can insert the license plate on the site of the RDW to check if the vehicle is registered as stolen, has a prohibition for driving, or is uninsured as of now. This may sound excessive, and it could be, but better safe than sorry.
Research the car’s history. Check online for test results on the car’s strengths and weaknesses, look for reviews by car owners and search for scores by car experts. Request a license plate check to see how many owners the car had or the total mileage of the car. And lastly, always ask for the maintenance history. Dealers are required to tell you what has been repaired and what maintenance might be necessary in the near future.
Take the car for a test drive. Always test your favorite car by taking it for a test drive. It is not all about looks, but it's important to get familiar with it and feel comfortable in a car. How’s the acceleration, and the brake? And does the wheel turn smoothly?
Compare the car price to comparable cars. Different dealerships have different prices. It pays to compare car prices at several dealers. Location is usually a factor to take into account. Look further than your own area.

Bronnen en expertise

Bij het samenstellen van deze pagina zijn de volgende bronnen geraadpleegd:

Informatie gecontroleerd door expert

Patrick Bottenheft

Autoverzekeringsinformatie gecontroleerd door Patrick Bottenheft. Patrick is een expert bij Independer met veel kennis en ervaring op het gebied van autoverzekeringen. Hij kijkt onze teksten na en zorgt dat ze volledig en juist zijn, en vult ze aan wanneer dat nodig is.

De informatie op deze pagina is voor het laatst bijgewerkt op 12 februari 2026.

Disclaimer

Het gebruik van de informatie is volledig de verantwoordelijkheid van de lezer. Independer staat niet in voor eventuele juridische correctheid, volledigheid en effectiviteit. Bekijk voor meer informatie ook ons redactioneel beleid.