If you have ever taken part in the daily car race into and out of Brussels, then you understand the importance of good auto insurance. Here is the Expatica guide to protecting yourself (and your wallet).

Car Insurance

Belgian car insurance is expensive, and it is the car not the driver which is insured.  This means that anyone can drive your car, but if you want cover for injury sustained by the driver, you need to ask for additional coverage.  Not all companies provide this, so shop around.  

The minimum insurance required by Belgian law is Third Party Liability, which covers death, bodily injury or physical damage that you cause to another person.  You can opt for Fully Comprehensive cover, which provides for most eventualities including vandalism, fire, theft or damage resulting from a collision.

There is an excess payable by the insured for each claim, varying with the value of the car.  A special low-cost comprehensive policy is also possible but only covers you if the accident is not your fault which may be hard or tedious to prove. 

Once you have decided on your insurance policy, the company will issue you with a Green Card, which you should keep in your car at all times, since the police can demand to see it.  

You will also receive an accident report form, which you must keep in your car. Ask for additional copies in French, Dutch and your language, so you can complete it more easily.  If an accident happens, do the following:  ask for the other driver’s Green Card as proof of insurance;  get names and addresses of any witnesses before they leave the scene;  fill in the accident report form (and get both parties to sign);  state the facts but nothing else regarding liability.

Only some insurers will recognise any claim-free driving experience you have accumulated in other countries.  Those that do offer up a discount for a good driving record.

Insurers

ING
02 728 9111
www.ing.be

Frame
016 353 246
www.frame-pfp.be

KBC
078 152 153
www.kbc.be

Winterthur-Belgique
02 519 7411
www.winterthur.be

(expatica May 2008)