Home insurance
Once you've found a place to live, insurance is one of those practical details that's easy to overlook - until something goes wrong. In Belgium, certain types of home insurance are required by law or by your landlord, so it's worth understanding your options early.
This guide explains the types of home insurance available, what's required by law, and how to choose the right policy for your situation.
Overview
Home insurance protects you financially if something happens to your home or belongings, such as fire, water damage, or theft. Some types of insurance are legally required, while others are optional but strongly recommended.
What you need depends on whether you're renting or own your home, so it helps to know the difference before you start comparing policies.
Types of home insurance
There are a few main types of insurance to know about:
- Fire insurance (brandverzekering) — covers damage from fire, water, storms, and similar risks. This is required by law for homeowners with a mortgage, and most landlords require tenants to have it too.
- Civil liability insurance (burgerlijke aansprakelijkheid) — covers damage you accidentally cause to someone else's property, such as a neighbour's apartment.
- Contents insurance (inboedelverzekering) — covers your personal belongings, such as furniture and electronics, in case of theft or damage. This is optional but useful if you own valuable items.
- Legal assistance insurance (rechtsbijstand) — covers legal costs if you end up in a dispute, for example with a landlord or neighbour, Also optional.
Renting vs owning
If you're renting, your landlord will usually require you to take out fire insurance before you move in, and may ask for proof before handing over the keys. Some rental contracts include this cost in the monthly rent, while others require you to arrange it yourself.
If you own your home, fire insurance is a legal requirement, and your bank will usually ask for proof of it before finalising your mortgage. Beyond that, the choice of additional coverage is up to you.
Choosing a policy
You can compare and buy home insurance directly through most Belgian insurance companies or via an insurance broker. When comparing policies, pay attention to:
- What's included and excluded from the coverage
- The excess (own risk) you'd need to pay in the event of a claim
- Whether the policy covers the building only, your belongings only, or both
- Whether you need to insure the property in euros at replacement value, not just the purchase price
Good to know: if you're renting a furnished property, ask the landlord whether the furniture is already covered under their own insurance policy, as this can affect what level of contents insurance you need yourself.
Sources
- Housing in Flanders — vlaanderen.be
- FPS Economy - insurance information — economie.fgov.be
moving-in costs
