Do you have any New Year's resolutions? Fun plans or a substantial investment on the agenda? 2026 is still a blank slate, so now is the time to prepare for it. But don't forget that the Belgian winter can throw a spanner in the works.
Small setbacks can have major (financial) consequences. So let's take a look at some common winter risks and discuss how we can prevent them together... or solve them.
Storm or water damage
Officially, in Belgium, we refer to a storm when at least one weather station measures a wind force of 9 Beaufort. Storms can cause damage all year round, but it is especially important to be prepared for them in winter. Be sure to check out the tips in this article.
Has a storm damaged your property? Then you can fall back on your fire insurance (home insurance policy) . This covers storm damage to your home and contents and intervenes when 'you' cause damage to someone else or their property. For example, when a heavy branch breaks off your tree and damages a car parked on the street.
Has something like this happened at your home? Then contact us immediately. We will visit you and help you to assess and document the damage correctly. This way, you will know immediately exactly what costs your policy covers: is the trampoline that was blown away also insured, and will your insurance pay for the tarpaulin that will make your roof waterproof again for the time being? We will also check whether a site visit by an expert is necessary.
Burst pipes due to frost
When home insurance has to intervene, about half of the cases involve water damage. This risk is particularly high when it is freezing outside. We therefore recommend that you never set the thermostat below 14 degrees, so that the water in the pipes does not freeze. If this does happen, they can burst and start leaking. In unheated areas, such as the garage or basement, you can insulate your pipes.
This is important because damage that you, as the owner of a property, could have prevented (the bursting of the pipe itself) is usually not covered by insurance. The consequential damage caused by the burst pipe (e.g. damage to the flooded parquet flooring) is usually covered by your policy.
The distinction between preventable damage and consequential damage is not always black and white. Therefore, always call us before you submit a claim. We will ensure that you get the maximum reimbursement from your insurance company.
Car breakdown due to winter weather
Winter puts a lot of strain on your car and your nerves... The battery can run flat in the cold, the handbrake cable can freeze or your car can skid on a slippery road. Here is a summary of when which part of your car insurance will come to your rescue:
Compulsory third-party liability insurance: material and physical damage caused to others by your car.
Minimum comprehensive insurance: damage to your own car caused by hail or storm.
Comprehensive insurance: almost all damage to your own car, even if you caused it yourself (unintentionally). At KBC, comprehensive insurance also includes breakdown assistance by VAB and a replacement car.
Driver insurance: your medical expenses if you are injured as a driver in a car accident.
Are you stranded somewhere on the side of the road with car trouble? Feel free to call us: we will help you get home quickly and have your car repaired or towed. In the event of a collision, we will guide you through the European accident statement form so that it can be processed smoothly.
Want to insure your plans for this year?
In summary: our team advises you to anticipate problems and costs as much as possible, but is also there for you when they do arise unexpectedly. Based on our experience, we help you keep a cool head, assess the situation, decipher the small print in your insurance policy and ensure that you can quickly get back on track.
The start of a new year is an ideal time to go through your policies together and see if you are still optimally protected. Have you renovated your home, installed a new garden shed or solar panels? Then it is definitely time to adjust your cover.
Feel free to drop by our office!
