A growing share of Dutch people are turning to AI chatbots for legal questions — and younger adults are the most likely to trust them instead of a lawyer, according to a representative survey of 1,500 Dutch residents carried out in August 2026 by Rechtsbijstandverzekering.nl.
Key findings
- 43% of all respondents have at some point used an AI chatbot for a legal question; among 18–24 year-olds the share rises to almost two thirds.
- When faced with a dispute with a webshop or company, 38% said they would be more likely to consult an AI chatbot than a jurist or lawyer.
- Average trust in legal advice from AI is moderate: respondents scored AI 2.7 out of 5. Trust is higher among younger people (18–24: 3.4) and lowest among people aged 65+ (2.2).
- One quarter (25%) said they would consider relying entirely on AI advice and not hiring a lawyer if it saved money; that rises to 44% among 18–24 year-olds.
- 21% of those who used AI for legal matters reported experiencing some harm; measured across all respondents this is 12%.
- Knowledge of existing legal aid through insurance is limited: only 23% said they know exactly when a legal expenses policy covers assistance, while 38% said they do not know.
- 39.5% of respondents do not have legal expenses insurance; a third of that group said they had never considered buying one.
What this means
The survey highlights a shift in how people first seek help with legal problems. AI chatbots such as ChatGPT, Gemini and Claude are becoming low-friction first sources of information: they are quick, free and often present complex rules in plain language. That appeal is particularly strong among younger adults.
However, the research and legal experts warn about the limits and risks of AI-generated legal guidance. Kasper de Wijs of Rechtsbijstandverzekering.nl said the findings show AI is now a common starting point but cautioned that a persuasive answer is not always legally correct. He urged people to use AI to orient themselves and to formulate the right questions, while having important decisions reviewed by a qualified legal professional — especially when money, housing or employment is at stake.
Policy and consumer implications
The results point to two policy and consumer issues:
- Awareness gap: many consumers do not know when they can access legal assistance through existing insurance, suggesting a need for clearer information from insurers and consumer organisations.
- Risk vs access: while AI can increase access to basic legal information, reliance on automated answers creates risks of incorrect interpretation. Consumers and regulators will need to balance the benefits of fast access with safeguards for accuracy and accountability.
The survey was carried out among a representative sample of 1,500 Dutch residents aged 18 and over in August 2026 by Rechtsbijstandverzekering.nl.
Source: Original press release
