Car Insurance for Expats in Belgium – What You Need to Know
Moving to Belgium as an expat comes with many new experiences—including figuring out how to insure your car. Whether you’re importing your vehicle or buying one locally, understanding the Belgian car insurance system is essential. In this guide, we’ll break down everything an expat needs to know about car insurance in Belgium, from legal requirements to the best tips for finding a policy that suits your needs.
1. Is Car Insurance Mandatory in Belgium?
Yes. In Belgium, it’s mandatory by law to have at least Third-Party Liability Insurance (called Responsabilité Civile / Burgerlijke Aansprakelijkheid) if you own a vehicle.
This insurance covers:
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Damage you cause to other people or their property.
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Legal costs in case of an accident.
Driving without it is illegal and can result in severe penalties, including fines and vehicle impoundment.
2. Types of Car Insurance Available
Expats can choose between three levels of car insurance in Belgium:
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Third-Party Liability Only (RC): Covers damage you cause to others.
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Third-Party + Fire & Theft: Adds coverage for fire damage, theft, and sometimes vandalism.
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Comprehensive Insurance (Omnium): Includes everything above, plus damage to your own car—even if it’s your fault.
There are also Partial Omnium policies that give you theft and fire protection without full coverage for your own damage.
3. Can Expats Use a Foreign License?
Yes, but only temporarily. If you plan to stay in Belgium long-term, you may need to:
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Exchange your driving license for a Belgian one (depending on your country of origin).
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Register your car with Belgian plates.
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Get Belgian insurance as insurers often won’t accept foreign plates long-term.
Most insurers require you to have a Belgian address and Belgian vehicle registration.
4. How to Insure an Imported Vehicle
If you’re bringing your car from abroad:
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Obtain a European Certificate of Conformity (COC).
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Pass a technical inspection at an authorized center in Belgium.
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Register the vehicle at your local DIV (Vehicle Registration Office).
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Buy insurance with your Belgian plate number.
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Pay road tax and get your license plate.
Some insurers offer temporary insurance (insurance en attente) to cover you during the registration process.
5. Documents You Need for Car Insurance
When applying for insurance, you’ll usually need:
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Your ID or residence permit
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A Belgian address
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Vehicle registration papers
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Proof of previous insurance or no-claims history (optional but helps lower your premium)
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Driving license (Belgian or valid international license)
Some companies may ask for a bank account (IBAN) in Belgium for automatic payments.
6. Understanding the Bonus-Malus System
Belgium uses a bonus-malus scale, which rewards safe drivers and penalizes risky ones. Here's how it works:
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Each year without an accident lowers your premium.
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If you cause an accident, your rating goes up, and so does your premium.
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Expats with a good no-claims history from abroad can sometimes transfer their record—ask your previous insurer for a certificate.
7. Where to Find Car Insurance as an Expat
You can get quotes from:
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Large Belgian insurers like Ethias, AG Insurance, AXA, Belfius, and Baloise.
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Comparison websites like Touring Assurances, Callmewhat, or Comparatif Assurance.
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English-speaking brokers who specialize in expat services.
Look for insurers or brokers who offer support in English or French if your Dutch is limited.
8. Average Costs for Expats
Premiums for expats may be slightly higher at first, especially if:
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You have no Belgian driving record.
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You can’t provide a no-claims certificate.
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You’re under 26 or new to driving.
Average annual costs:
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Third-Party Liability: €400–€600
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Full Omnium (Comprehensive): €900–€1,200+
You can reduce premiums by increasing the deductible or choosing a car with a low insurance risk profile.
9. What Happens If You Change Countries Again?
If you leave Belgium:
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Cancel your car insurance contract (most have 1-month notice).
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De-register your car and return the license plates to the DIV.
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Inform your insurer to avoid further billing.
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Ask for a certificate of insurance history—it will help in your next country.
10. Final Tips for Expats
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Start the insurance process early—don’t wait until the last minute.
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Read your contract carefully—Belgian policies are detailed.
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Ask about English contracts or brokers who translate the fine print.
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Always keep proof of payments and your insurance card (green card) in your car.
Conclusion
Car insurance in Belgium may feel overwhelming at first, but with the right guidance, it’s manageable. As an expat, the key is to understand the legal requirements, choose the right coverage, and work with insurers who support international clients. Drive safe, stay covered, and enjoy the Belgian roads!