Things to consider when buying a new car

Whether you’re a first-time buyer or re-entering the car market, we’re on hand to help you take care of all the practical details and paperwork involved. KBC is here for you every step of the way to ensure you can look forward with peace of mind to picking up your new car. 

‘Well begun is half done’, as the saying goes. In other words, preparation is key! 

Check your documents 

Make sure your ID card is still valid and check that you have the right driving licence for the type of vehicle you want to buy. 

Set your budget 

Wondering whether to dip into your pocket to buy the car or to take out a loan? No matter what you choose, it’s always a good idea to decide beforehand how much you’re willing and able to spend. 

A KBC Car Loan lets you keep your savings buffer intact and ensures you have the financial resources available to fund other plans. 

Bear in mind that a zero-interest loan from the dealer may seem attractive, but isn’t always the best choice financially. See why. 

Choose a car that suits your lifestyle 

Whether you choose an electric vehicle, one running on petrol, a compact model or a spacious family vehicle, it’s best to base your decision on your current and future needs. Consider the different models, engine types and costs, and make a choice that will bring you enjoyment for years to come. Check out our tips to get off to a good start.  

Remember your insurance 

The purchase price is not the only thing to consider when buying a car; it’s also important to factor car insurance into your budget. At KBC, you can work out your premium online or in-branch before buying your car, so you know exactly what to expect. 

Buying from a private seller or prefer to go to a professional car dealer? Thinking about a brand-new car or considering a second-hand one? Whatever you decide on, remember that good preparation is worth its weight in gold.  

Have your eye on a certain second-hand car? 

Be sure to check its technical condition, service log book and kilometre reading. And don’t forget to ask for the Car-Pass – a legally required document that shows you the vehicle’s full mileage history. 

We’ll help you on your way 

If you opt for KBC Car Insurance, your KBC intermediary will take care of all the paperwork for you, ensuring you get the opportunity more quickly to enjoy your first spin in your new car. 

Before driving off on your new set of wheels, there’s a couple of things you need to take care of:  

Arrange your insurance before taking to the road 

Car insurance is required by law. At KBC, we have a range of insurance solutions to make sure you’re perfectly covered before you take to the road. 

What type of cover is right for you? 

• Third-party liability insurance covers any loss, damage and/or injury you might cause to others. 
• Semi-comprehensive insurance provides additional protection in the event of fire, theft, glass breakage, forces of nature or collisions with animals. 
• Fully comprehensive insurance offers the most extensive cover, including damage to your own vehicle, even if you’re at fault.  

Already have insurance with KBC? 

If so, all you need to do is add your new car to your existing policy either online or by going through your trusted contact. That way, you’re all insured and ready to go! 

If you’re planning on letting your child learn how to drive in your new vehicle, remember to add them to your policy as a named driver so you’re properly covered during driving practice too. See how it works. 

Register your car the easy way, by having your insurer do it for you

The easiest way to register your car and apply for your number plate is to have your insurer arrange it for you online via WebDIV. Your number plate and vehicle registration certificate will then be delivered to you by Bpost within 24 hours. 

Replacing your current car? 

You can keep your current number plate, saving you time, money and effort. 

Opted for a second-hand car? Don’t forget the inspection 

Second-hand vehicles are subject to a compulsory technical inspection, during which various factors such as the brakes, lighting, tyres, steering system and emissions are checked. This inspection is mandatory for all cars older than four years. 

What about taxes? You don’t need to do a thing 

When your vehicle is registered, the vehicle registration tax and annual road tax are automatically calculated. The amount depends on a number of things, including your vehicle’s CO2 emissions, Euro standard and fuel type. 

Dreading all the paperwork? We’ll happily take care of it for you – quickly, accurately and at no additional cost – so you can focus on what really matters: hitting the road in your new car. 

What we need from you 

A completed and signed vehicle registration application. If you take care of that, we’ll do the rest, i.e. register your car, apply for your number plate, if needed, and send all the documents to your preferred address. 

What we will do for you 

Your KBC intermediary will: 

• Ask your garage owner for the pink registration form 
• Register your car via WebDIV 
• Draw up your insurance policy 
• Have your number plate delivered to your garage 
• Include a European Accident Statement form and parking disc with your vehicle documents

Car delivered and documents all sorted? Just turn the key and off you go! 

When you’re ready to hit the road, make sure you always have all the required vehicle documents with you, like your vehicle registration certificate, certificate of insurance and vehicle inspection certificate. And don’t forget your safety items – check that your warning triangle, high-viz vest and first-aid kit are also in the car. Happy driving! 

KBC Car Insurance for Passenger Cars is a third-party liability insurance policy required by law. More information on this product can be found in the insurance information document, which we recommend you read carefully before taking out the product.  

KBC Car Insurance may include one or more of the following types of insurance cover: Compulsory Third-Party Liability Insurance, Legal Assistance Insurance, Comprehensive All-Risk Insurance, Semi-Comprehensive Insurance, KBC-VAB Roadside Assistance Insurance and Driver Accident Insurance.  
  - This product is governed by the laws of Belgium.  
  - Insurance cover under this policy is valid for a term of one year and tacitly renews, unless it is terminated no later than three months before the main renewal date.  
  - Your intermediary is the first point of contact for any complaints you may have. If no agreement can be reached, you can contact KBC Complaints Management by post at Brusselsesteenweg 100, 3000 Leuven, by e-mail at complaints@kbc.be, by telephone on + 32 16 43 25 94 or + 32 78 15 20 45 (paid number), or by fax on + 32 16 86 30 38. If you cannot find a suitable solution, you can contact the Belgian insurance industry’s ombudsman service: Ombudsman van de Verzekeringen, de Meeûssquare 35, 1000 Brussels, info@ombudsman-insurance.be. This does not affect your legal rights.  

Contact your Insurance Expert or visit our website to request a quote for KBC Car Insurance for Passenger Cars.  

KBC Car Insurance is a product of KBC Insurance NV – Professor Roger Van Overstraetenplein 2 – 3000 Leuven – Belgium VAT BE 0403.552.563 – RLP Leuven – IBAN BE43 7300 0420 0601 – BIC KREDBEBB Company licensed by the National Bank of Belgium, de Berlaimontlaan 14, 1000 Brussels, Belgium, for all classes of insurance under code 0014 (Royal Decree of 4 July 1979; Belgian Official Gazette, 14 July 1979). Member of the KBC group.  

* What is and isn’t covered under third-party liability insurance  

Covered   
Loss, damage or injury you cause with your vehicle to third parties, both material (e.g., exterior damage, damage to buildings, etc.) and physical (i.e. death or injuries). Injuries sustained by pedestrians, cyclists or passengers in traffic accidents in which your car is involved. Even if you are not liable, you can claim on this insurance.  
   
Not covered   
Some key exclusions are: 
  - Damage to your own vehicle  
  - Bodily injuries sustained by the driver in a traffic accident  
  - Damage caused during participation in competitions  
  - Damage you cause intentionally  
  The complete list of exclusions can be found in the General Conditions.  

* What is and isn’t covered under semi-comprehensive insurance 

Covered  
  - Damage caused by martens gnawing on your car’s cables and conduits   
  - Breakage of car window glass or sunroof glass - Break-ins, theft and vandalism during theft   
  - Hail damage or damage caused by another force of nature (storm, lightning, flood, etc.)   
  - Damage caused by fire, explosion or fire-extinguishing activities (including damage caused by melting due to a short circuit)  
  - Damage caused by collisions with wild or stray animals  
  - Crashing aircraft or falling aircraft parts  
  - Any additional vehicle features which you can no longer use after your car has been declared a total loss (e.g., a set of winter tyres or a roof box)  
   
Not covered  
  - Damage to your own car following an accident (for which you can take out our Fully Comprehensive Insurance)  
  - Your physical injuries as the driver, which you sustained in an accident (for which you can take out our Driver Accident Insurance)  
  - Theft you have facilitated by leaving your car unattended and unlocked on a public road  
  - Damage to parts caused as a result of wear and tear or by a lack of maintenance  
  - Damage you cause intentionally  
  The complete list of exclusions can be found in the General Conditions.  

* What is and isn’t covered under fully comprehensive insurance  

Covered  
  - Damage caused by a collision, fire, glass breakage, theft, vandalism, forces of nature, filling up with the wrong type of fuel, collisions with stray animals or birds, and gnawing martens  
  - The cost of replacing locks or reprogramming the locking system if your car keys are stolen  
  - Medical expenses if you’re injured during a car-jacking or home invasion  
  - Vehicle registration tax is covered free of charge if your vehicle is declared a total loss  
  - Damage to transported items  
  - We provide compensation of up to 1 500 euros for items you transport in your car which are intended for personal use if your car is also damaged, including bicycles on your bicycle rack or luggage in your roof box  
  - We also cover any additional vehicle features which you can no longer use after your car has been declared a total loss, such as your winter tyres or roof box  
   
Not covered  
  - Damage you caused under the influence of alcohol (more than 0.15%) or in a similar condition due to the use of substances other than alcohol  
  - Damage you caused while driving your car in violation of the conditions laid down in Belgian laws and regulations  
  - Damage you cause intentionally  
  - Theft you have facilitated by leaving your vehicle unattended on a public road or unlocked in another location accessible to the public  
  - Your physical injuries as the driver of your vehicle (for which you can take out our Driver Accident Insurance)  
   
The complete list of exclusions can be found in the General Conditions.  Read the product information in full before taking out insurance.