A clear view of our expertise

The recent collision of mv. Dali, a Singapore-registered container ship, with the Francis Scott Key bridge in Baltimore might be one of the biggest maritime accidents in history. Whilst investigations into the causes of this incident are ongoing, it becomes clear that economic losses will be huge. A multitude of parties is and will be affected - cargo interests, owners of infrastructure, cargo handlers, vessel owners or charterers, and many other interests involved in the (marine) transport industry. This of course raises the question what role insurances can play. An important aspect that is often overlooked is the fact that you cannot simply rely on potential liable parties and their insurance cover to recover your losses. Our in-house experts Dirk Maes, Christiaan Ziccardi and Walter Justers share some key insights.

Vanbreda Risk & Benefits has got 2024 off to a flying start with two acquisitions. The insurance broker recently took over two firms: Dekerf & Partners in Ternat and Simplex Employee Benefits Insurance in Hasselt and Herent. Dekerf specialises in insurance for fire, accident and other risks, and Simplex in employee benefits and actuarial consultancy. These acquisitions strengthen the position of Vanbreda Risk & Benefits as the country’s largest insurance broker.

Companies that make food products put together comprehensive risk coverage through liability and property insurance. In their previous article, our experts Charlotte De Bruyn and Koen Van Weert explained the key considerations on the subject of liability. In this article they look at four main challenges in terms of property insurance.

Vanbreda Risk & Benefits makes changes to its management committee. Marc Van kerckhoven is appointed as Director Human Resources and Marketing & Communication and Evelyne Lauwers joins the management committee as Director Employee Benefits. CEO Pedro Matthynssens: ‘I have every confidence that with the renewed management team we will ensure continuity in our business operations and achieve our ambitious growth strategy by 2030.’

At the start of 2024, Vanbreda Risk & Benefits is on the acquisition path more than ever. On 5 February, the insurance broker took over Simplex Employee Benefits Insurance BV in Hasselt. Simplex specialises in employee benefits and actuarial consultancy.

What are the rules on the reimbursement of costs for dental care, new glasses or a scan? You can’t claim for these ‘ambulatory costs’ on your hospitalisation insurance, and your health insurance fund will only provide limited reimbursement. Because ambulatory costs can be high, 43% of Belgian employers now offer an ambulatory plan that covers these costs. In the latest episode of our video podcast, insurance expert Bert Van den Broeck talks about the importance and benefits of this insurance for employers and employees.