Introduction
You found your new apartment or house in Belgium. The contract is signed, the boxes are packed. But have you thought about insurance?
For many expats, the Belgian rental system can be confusing. In many countries, the landlord insures the building, and the tenant only insures their own furniture. In Belgium, it works differently.
One of the most common questions we get is: “Do I really need to buy home insurance if I don’t own the place?”
The short answer is: Yes. In Flanders, ‘Home Insurance for Tenants’ (locally called Brandverzekering) is legally mandatory. Here is why, and how to set it up in English without the headache.
The Law: “Presumption of Liability”
Since 2019, tenants in Flanders are legally required to take out Home Insurance to cover their liability.
The Belgian law operates on a strictly enforced principle called “presumption of liability”. This means that if a fire breaks out in your rental home, the law automatically assumes you are responsible, unless you can prove otherwise (e.g., lightning or a structural defect).
If you cannot prove it wasn’t your fault, you could be held liable for the cost of rebuilding the entire property. Without insurance, this is a financial disaster.
What does it cover?
A good policy, like the KBC Home Insurance for Tenants, covers two main things:
- Tenant Liability (Mandatory): Covers damage to the building (walls, floors, doors) owned by your landlord caused by fire, water, or explosion. This satisfies your legal obligation and protects your rental deposit.
- Your Content (Optional but recommended): Covers your own furniture, laptop, clothes, and expensive items. If a fire or water leak damages your stuff, you want to be reimbursed too.
How much does it cost?
Many expats delay this because they fear it’s expensive. However, since you are only insuring your liability (and not the value of the building itself), it is surprisingly affordable. For an apartment, it often costs less than a few coffees per month.
With modern banks like KBC, you can even choose to pay monthly at no extra cost. This helps you manage your monthly cash flow better.
Why KBC is the best choice for Expats
If you don’t speak Dutch or French fluently, dealing with insurance contracts can be a nightmare.
We recommend KBC for expats for three reasons:
- It’s in English: Their app and simulation tools are available in English.
- 100% Digital: You don’t need to visit a branch. You can simulate your price and sign the contract online. You receive the proof for your landlord instantly via email.
- Repair Service: If you have damage (e.g., a broken window or storm damage), KBC can send a professional to fix it and pay the bill directly. This is a lifesaver if you don’t know any local contractors yet.
Curious about the monthly cost?
Conclusion
Don’t risk your financial safety or your rental deposit. Setting up home insurance is legally required, protects your belongings, and gives you peace of mind. Arrange it before you move in, so you can enjoy your new Belgian home worry-free.
