Best fire insurance in Belgium

Renting an apartment in Belgium can be a complex process, especially for expatriates who are not familiar with the local laws and regulations. In addition to the various steps involved in finding and signing a lease agreement, tenants are often required to obtain a fire insurance. Renter insurance can provide valuable protection in case of unforeseen events such as fires, water damage, and theft. In this article, we will explore the importance of renter insurance and provide information on some of the best fire insurances in Belgium 👇🔥

Is fire insurance compulsory in Belgium?

Fire insurance, also known as renter insurance or tenant insurance, is mandatory in certain regions of Belgium. Both Wallonia and Flanders require all tenants to have insurance coverage.

Renter insurance typically includes coverage for damages caused by fire, flooding, broken glass, and other similar incidents. This mandatory coverage is known as “renter’s civil liability” and protects tenants from any liability arising from damage to their rented property or any adjacent properties. It is important to note that the tenant’s civil liability coverage does not extend to personal belongings. 

An optional coverage, called “damage to home contents” can be added to the policy to cover your furniture 🛋️

In Brussels, tenant insurance is not mandatory by law. However, landlords may include a contractual requirement for tenants to have fire insurance as part of their lease agreement. This means that tenants are obligated to take out renter insurance as a condition of their lease.

How to choose a tenant insurance?

Selecting the ideal fire insurance for your apartment in Belgium can be a challenging task 🤯

There are three key factors that should be taken into consideration:

• Insurance coverage

While some insurance providers may offer low-priced insurance policies, it is important to note that these policies may not provide adequate coverage. It is advisable to choose a comprehensive insurance policy that provides coverage for any eventuality.

• Customer service

Customer service is a crucial factor to consider when selecting an insurance provider. It is essential to choose an insurance provider that is easily accessible and can respond quickly in case of an emergency. Websites such as Trustpilot can assist you in determining the quality of customer service provided by an insurance provider.

• Deductible

A deductible is the amount of money that the policyholder agrees to pay out of pocket before the insurance company begins to cover the costs. For instance, if the deductible is €100 and you make a claim for €500, you will be responsible for the first €100, and the insurance company will cover the remaining €400. Deductibles can assist in reducing insurance premiums, but they also imply that the policyholder will have to pay more out of pocket in the event of a claim.

What are the best fire insurances in Belgium?

Selecting the best renter insurance in Belgium is contingent upon your specific needs.

If you desire a personalized service with a dedicated point of contact for your insurance contract, an insurance broker or bancassurer would be ideal. They serve as an intermediary between you and the insurance company and handle your entire file. However, this service comes with an additional commission that is added to your insurance premium.

If you prefer to opt for a well-established insurance company that provides a broad range of insurance products, Ethias, Yago, or AXA are recommended options. However, it should be noted that these companies may not have kept up with current technology, which could result in additional workload 😳

If you require a fast and convenient insurance policy without the hassle of paperwork, Flora by Ethias may be the best choice for you. With Flora, everything is done online, including subscription, contract management, and claim declarations. Although the service may not be as personalized, a team is available to assist you through the process. The advantage of Flora is that you can subscribe from any country. Flora also offers a 100% English insurance option. Perfect if you don’t yet master one of the official languages!

In conclusion, choosing the right insurance policy can be a daunting task, especially for renters in Belgium 🇧🇪 Renter insurance is compulsory in some regions, such as Wallonia and Flanders, and it covers the tenant’s civil liability for damages caused to the rented apartment or surrounding housing. There are different options to consider when choosing your renter insurance. The best fire insurance in Belgium will mostly depend on your need, your budget and your preference.