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Fire insurance, also known as home insurance, protects your home and possessions in the event of a claim: fire, explosion, water damage, storm, theft or vandalism. Depending on the policy, it also covers the tenant’s or owner’s civil liability vis-à-vis the building and third parties.
In short: it is used to repair or reimburse damage to your home and its contents.
Is fire insurance compulsory in Belgium?
Yes, in practice it is almost compulsory:
- For a tenant, the landlord almost always requires a certificate of insurance before handing over the keys.
- For an owner, it is essential to protect the value of the property and to be covered in the event of a claim.
In some regions, such as Wallonia and Bruxelles Capitale, tenants are required by law to take out insurance to cover their rental liability, i.e. any damage they may cause to the rented property.
What does fire insurance cover?
A good fire insurance policy covers much more than just fire. It protects against most damage to the dwelling and its contents:
| Type of claim | Usual coverage |
|---|---|
| 🔥 Fire, explosion, implosion | ✅ Yes |
| 💧 Water damage (leak, pipe, seepage) | ✅ Yes |
| 🌪️ Storm, lightning, hail | ✅ Yes |
| 🚪 Theft, vandalism, glass breakage | ✅ Yes, depending on options |
| 🧍 Liability to neighbors or landlord | ✅ Yes |
| 🪑 Housing contents (furniture, appliances, etc.) | ✅ Yes, according to formula |
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Fire insurance for tenants
If you rent a property (house, apartment or kot), tenant fire insurance covers :
- Damage you may cause to the property, such as fire, water damage, etc. ;
- Your liability to the lessor;
- Personal belongings: furniture, household appliances, clothing, etc., depending on the package chosen.
The landlord may request a certificate of insurance before signing the lease. In the event of fire or damage, your insurer will indemnify the landlord.
Fire insurance for homeowners
If you rent a property that you own, your homeowner’s fire insurance covers :
- Building structure: walls, roof, floors, etc. ;
- Fixed fittings: kitchen, bathroom, heating ;
- Damage caused to third parties: for example, a fire that spreads to a neighbor’s home.
Although not legally required, no bank will grant a mortgage without fire insurance. So it’s a practical obligation for every homeowner.
How much does fire insurance cost in Belgium?
The price depends on several criteria:
- The surface area and value of the property.
- The city: premiums are higher in Brussels than in Liège.
- Your profile: tenant or owner.
- Options: theft, glass breakage, assistance, etc.
Average price of fire insurance in Belgium :
- Renter: €10 to €25/month
- Owner-occupier: €25 to €50/month
Fire and roommate insurance / student kot
When you choose to live with a roommate or in a kot, each roommate must be covered by fire insurance:
- via a joint insurance policy taken out by a flatmate for the entire property;
- or individually, if the tenancy agreement is separate for each room.
If there are several of you on the same lease, a single certificate in the name of all tenants is all that’s needed. Belgian insurers often offer reduced-price youth and student formulas, suitable for kots and flat-shares.
A few tips before you subscribe
- Compare offers: prices and coverage vary from company to company.
- Read the exclusions: some policies do not cover damage due to negligence.
- Keep your proof of purchase to facilitate rapid compensation.
- Report any claims promptly: usually within 8 days.
- If you move house, remember to transfer your insurance.
