{"id":22217,"date":"2026-05-24T11:03:52","date_gmt":"2026-05-24T09:03:52","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/novexadvocaten.be\/rechtsbijstandsverzekering-belgie-advocaat\/"},"modified":"2026-05-24T11:03:52","modified_gmt":"2026-05-24T09:03:52","slug":"legal-expenses-insurance-belgium-lawyer","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/novexadvocaten.be\/en\/legal-expenses-insurance-belgium-lawyer\/","title":{"rendered":"Legal expenses insurance in Belgium: what does it cover and how does it work?"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>Many people face a legal problem but hesitate to hire a lawyer because of the cost. A <strong>legal expenses insurance<\/strong> can cover all or part of the cost of legal assistance. In this article, Novex Lawyers explains how this insurance works, what costs are covered and why it pays to have one.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What is legal expenses insurance?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Legal expenses insurance is an insurance product that covers the cost of legal assistance when you become involved in a legal dispute. The insurer usually reimburses your lawyer's fees, court costs, bailiffs' fees (huissiers de justice) and expert examinations, up to a certain maximum amount per year or per case.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What disputes are covered?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Coverage varies depending on the product and insurer chosen. Common coverages are:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li><strong>Traffic Law:<\/strong> Traffic accident defense, driving ban, fines;<\/li><li><strong>Labor Law:<\/strong> conflicts with employer, dismissal, harassment at work;<\/li><li><strong>Rent Law:<\/strong> disputes with landlord or tenant;<\/li><li><strong>Contract Law:<\/strong> Disputes over construction contracts, purchase of goods;<\/li><li><strong>Family Law:<\/strong> sometimes covered, but by no means always (divorce is often excluded);<\/li><li><strong>Criminal defense:<\/strong> sometimes covered as victims, not always as perpetrators.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Free choice of lawyer: your right<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>A common mistake is that policyholders think they are obligated to accept their insurer's attorney. This is incorrect. Under Belgian law (and the European Directive on Legal Aid Insurance), you have the <strong>right to free choice of your lawyer<\/strong>. Thus, you can always appoint a lawyer of your choice, even in covered proceedings. The insurer must reimburse the costs regardless of which lawyer you choose.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What is the waiting time?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Legal expenses insurance policies typically have a <strong>waiting time<\/strong> from 30 to 90 days after the conclusion of the contract. Facts that occur before the end of the waiting period are in principle not covered. It is therefore advisable to take out legal expenses insurance before you have a legal problem.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Do you have legal expenses insurance but no lawyer?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Novex Lawyers works with clients who have legal expenses insurance. We help you file your case with the insurer, advise you on coverage and assist you in the proceedings. Remember: you have the right to choose your own lawyer, even if your insurer suggests another lawyer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">No legal expenses insurance? Other options<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Don't have legal expenses insurance and your financial resources are limited? Then you may be able to appeal to <strong>second-line legal assistance<\/strong> (pro bono assistance). Depending on your income, you are entitled to partially or completely free legal assistance through the Legal Help Desk or the Bar Legal Assistance Office. Contact Novex Lawyers for more information.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Also read:<\/strong> <a href=\"https:\/\/novexadvocaten.be\/en\/writ-of-summons-belgium-proceedings\/\">Summary proceedings in Belgium: summons and procedure<\/a><\/p>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Many people face a legal problem but hesitate to hire a lawyer because of the cost. Legal expenses insurance can cover all or part of the cost of legal assistance. In this article, Novex Lawyers explains how this insurance works, what costs are covered and why it pays to have one. 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