The Belgian autumn is no longer the predictable season of drizzling rain and the occasional blustery day. As insurance agents, we notice this from the claims files on our desks. Extreme weather conditions are following one another in rapid succession and causing considerable damage.
From cloudbursts that flood entire streets in half an hour to intense hailstorms, autumn storms and prolonged periods of drought that cause the ground to subside. Climate change is no longer a theoretical doomsday scenario, but is affecting Belgian homes and commercial buildings right here and now.
According to figures from the insurers’ association Assuralia, Belgian insurers have collectively paid out more than 5 billion euros in climate-related claims.
However, many people are still unaware that their fire insurance policy does not automatically cover all damage caused by climate change. In this article, we explain how this works, so that you can take the right preparatory measures before the next autumn storm strikes.
Changing weather in Belgium: what do the figures say?
The Royal Meteorological Institute (KMI) has seen the weather in Belgium break historic records in recent years:
Wettest year on record
The year 2024 went down in history as the wettest year since records began. That record was not due to more rainy days, but to more days with very heavy downpours.
Hottest summer on record
The European climate service Copernicus calculated that August 2026 was the warmest month globally since records began. In Belgium, we also experienced the hottest summer on record this year and forecasts suggest that the whole year will also break the heat record.
Extreme contrasts
Whilst 2024 was exceptionally wet, the last two years have, in contrast, brought extreme drought. In 2025, a few tornadoes also struck (including in Ternat, Borgloon and Ath). Also, the fire in the High Fens, which destroyed a large area of precious natural habitat in August this year, is still fresh in our minds.
What damage does extreme weather cause?
Extreme weather conditions cause a wide range of damage. What we see most often:
- Flooding: heavy rainfall and sewer backflow damage cellars, household contents and warehouse stock.
- Storm and hail damage: strong winds or hail affect roofs (roof tiles, solar panels, skylights) and vehicles.
- Cracks and fissures in buildings: prolonged drought causes clay and loam soils to shrink, leading to cracks and structural fissures in floors and walls.
- Business interruption: blocked roads or damage at suppliers’ premises bring production to a standstill, resulting in a loss of turnover – whilst fixed costs continue to accrue.
As prevention is better than dealing with claims, we previously posted 7 tips to prevent damage from storms, rain or hail.
Which insurance policies protect against damage caused by climate change?
Insurance isn’t just a matter of filling in standard forms. As insurance agents, we prefer to provide bespoke solutions that are perfectly tailored to your specific situation. We recommend that you take a look at these policies.
| Insurance | What exactly does it cover? | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Fire insurance (home or business policy) | Physical damage to your building and contents (or business stock) caused by fire, storm, hail and recognised natural disasters. | A storm rips roof tiles loose, which damage the solar panels. |
| Business interruption insurance (SMEs & self-employed) | Covers loss of turnover and ongoing fixed costs (wages, rent, loans) if your business has to close following damage. | A flooded bakery has to close for 6 weeks for repairs; the insurance covers the lost profit and continues to pay staff. |
| Comprehensive car insurance | Physical damage to your own vehicle caused by natural phenomena such as falling trees, hailstorms or flooding. | During a thunderstorm, a heavy branch falls onto the bonnet of your car, which is parked on the street. |
| Family insurance / third-party liability for business operations | Physical injury or property damage that you (or your business) unintentionally cause to others. | The trampoline in your garden is blown over the fence and damages the window of your neighbours at the back. |
Please note: exactly what is covered depends on the details of your individual policies. So please check them carefully or ask us any questions you may have. That way, you can be sure of what you are insured for – and what you are not.
Our work as insurance agents begins before the proverbial storm breaks. You can count on us for:
- Identifying risks: how likely are you to be affected by flooding? Have your recently installed solar panels, investments or renovations been correctly recorded in your policy, so that you aren’t underinsured? As a business owner, are you covered for the financial fallout that a forced closure would entail?
- Help with claims: has the severe weather affected you? Call our office directly and we’ll help you straight away.
- Guidance with the claim: we’ll explain step by step what you need to do. Before you start clearing up, be sure to take clear photos of the damage and collect the purchase receipts for everything that’s been damaged. In the meantime, we’ll open the claim, arrange a survey visit and represent your interests with the loss adjuster.
- Local knowledge: we know this region like the back of our hand, having lived and worked here for many years. For example, we know which neighbourhoods are more prone to streams bursting their banks or sewers becoming overloaded. Thanks to this kind of local knowledge, we can help you more quickly.
These policies protect you against extreme weather
Take a look at the policies discussed in this article. Not sure which cover you need? We are happy to go through it with you.
Fire
Fire insurance or home insurance protects you against the financial risks in the event of damage to your home and household effects. Our home insurance policy covers much more than just fire damage.
Fire & other risks
This insurance is not only a fire insurance policy, but covers your movable and immovable property for various risks, including fire, vandalism and storms.
Car
Whether you opt for a compulsory third-party liability insurance or a fully comprehensive insurance with all the trimmings, or something in between? The choice is yours.
Personal Liability Insurance
Are you or a family member responsible for damage due to error or negligence to someone who can claim compensation? Personal Liability Insurance will protect you and your family, making it an indispensable part of anyone’s insurance portfolio.
Third party liability
Sometimes things can go wrong in the conduct of your business and result in loss or damage. The policy will compensate the party suffering loss on your behalf. Third-party liability insurance for your business therefore protects your company
What types of weather-related damage does fire insurance not (always) cover?
We’ve noticed there are many misunderstandings about exactly what the insurance covers following extreme weather. The Belgian government requires every insurer to include cover for natural disasters in every fire insurance policy. This covers flooding, sewer backflow caused by heavy rain, earthquakes and landslides, and soil shrinkage due to drought.
However, there are important situations in which the insurance does not automatically cover the loss:
- Groundwater infiltration: water that seeps in through walls (or the cellar) is not covered by the natural disaster cover under your fire insurance policy.
- Property in a flood zone: if your home was built in a flood zone more than 18 months after the area was designated as such, your insurer may refuse to provide cover for flooding.
- Unreported improvements: if you have not reported alterations to your property (e.g. solar panels) to your fire insurer, they may not cover all the damage.
- Loss of turnover for businesses: a standard fire insurance policy only covers material damage to the premises and contents. If you also want to be covered for financial loss of turnover, you’ll need supplementary business interruption insurance.
Are you unsure whether your home, warehouse or business equipment can withstand the changing climate? Or whether your insurance cover is up to date in this regard?
Feel free to pop into our office for a cup of coffee and a thorough risk assessment.
