Home insurance and moving: when to notify?
Moving? When and how to notify your home insurer in Belgium. Deadlines, policy transfer, double coverage and steps not to forget.
When to notify your insurer
When you move, your home insurance must follow. The key deadlines:
- 3 months before: compare offers for the new property
- 2 months before: contact your insurer to request a transfer or cancellation
- 1 month before: receive the amendment or new policy
- On moving day: confirm coverage is active at the new address
- Within 15 days after: send the insurance certificate to the new landlord
Most Belgian insurers allow you to transfer your policy to the new address by amendment, adjusting the premium based on the new property’s characteristics (area, floor, location, EPC).
Ensure there is no gap between your old and new coverage. On moving day, both the old and new property should ideally be covered (most insurers offer a free overlap period of 30 days).
Transfer or new policy?
Transfer (amendment)
Your insurer modifies your existing contract to cover the new property. The premium is adjusted. This is the simplest option if you are happy with your insurer.
New policy (new insurer)
You cancel the old policy and subscribe with a new insurer. This is the opportunity to compare prices and coverage. You may cancel at each annual anniversary with 2 months’ notice, or at any time after the first year (law of 4 April 2014).
Cancellation only
If you move abroad or to a property where you will not be the tenant (e.g. moving in with a partner who already has insurance), you may simply cancel.
| Scenario | Action | Notice |
|---|---|---|
| Same insurer, new address | Amendment | None (insurer handles it) |
| New insurer | Cancel old + subscribe new | 2-3 months before renewal |
| Moving abroad | Cancel | 2 months’ notice |
Double coverage during the move
During the transition, both properties need coverage:
- The old property until you return the keys and the exit inventory is done
- The new property from the day you receive the keys
Most insurers provide 30 days of free double coverage. Beyond that, you may need to pay extra. Check with your insurer.
This double coverage protects you if:
- You have belongings in both properties during the move
- Damage occurs in the old property before the exit inventory
- Damage occurs in the new property before you officially move in
Moving insurance checklist
- 3 months before: compare insurance offers for the new property
- 2 months before: contact your insurer (transfer or cancellation)
- 1 month before: receive and sign the amendment or new policy
- Provide new property details: area, floor, type, EPC score, security features
- Verify start date: coverage must begin on the day you receive the keys
- Moving day: confirm coverage is active at the new address
- Send certificate: provide the new landlord with the insurance certificate
- Old property: maintain coverage until keys are returned
- Update your details: new address, new landlord’s contact information
- Keep records: old and new policies, amendments, correspondence
For creating a lease at your new address, use our online lease generator. For more information, consult our guide on tenant home insurance.