OVERSEAS INSURANCE FOR Belgium

There are four types of license plate registrations available through in-country vehicle registration offices:

• Military transit plates — available from Supreme Headquarters Allied Powers Europe (SHAPE) registration office
• Diplomatic or consulate plates — available from a U.S. Embassy or U.S. Consulate
• Local Belgian civilian plates — available from a local registration office
• Local Belgian transit plates — available from a local registration office

Important: Report your license plate number on usaa.com or the USAA Mobile App or call us as soon as you have it. Belgian law requires USAA to report your license plate number to a vehicle registration database used by local police forces and insurers to verify coverage. Failure to do so could result in a fine and seizure of your vehicle.

USAA will email you an International Motor Insurance Card to register a vehicle in Belgium for the first time through Supreme Headquarters Allied Powers Europe (SHAPE) or the U.S. Embassy or U.S. Consulate.

To register with local civilian or transit plates, a pink registration application form must be obtained from an inspection office, a car dealer or customs office. An original International Motor Insurance Card and a yellow or white insurance sticker for the pink form is also required.

An International Motor Insurance Card is your proof of insurance for the term of the policy. You'll receive a renewal every year the policy remains active. This card must always be carried in the vehicle.

Taxes in Belgium are charged on all auto insurance policies and are payable monthly to Belgian tax authorities:

• Insurance Premium Tax
• Motor Vehicle Insurance Charge
• National Institute for Health and Disability
• Belgium Red Cross

Refer to your declarations documents for details.

Be prepared

• Most countries may require you to complete an accident report form. In your vehicle, you should carry a blank copy of the European Accident Statement form will open a new window.
• European countries may require or recommend you have warning triangles, reflective vests and/or a first-aid kit in case of an accident. Check local driving regulations to find out more.
• Keep a copy of your Green Card handy as proof of insurance.

At the Scene of an Accident

1. Dial 112 for emergency service in Europe. You may be required to contact the police when injuries or serious accidents are involved, it's a hit-and-run, or if the other party is uncooperative and at fault for the accident.
2. Don't sign anything except the European Accident Report, which allows each driver to explain what happened but doesn't assign blame.
3. Take pictures of the accident scene and damaged vehicles, including license plates. If possible, get the following details from the other driver: name, driver's license number, address and phone number, insurance carrier, policy number and vehicle registration.
4. Use a translation app to assist with communicating in the local language.
5. In a one-car incident, find the owner of any damaged property to complete a report. If none can be found, leave a note at the scene, and report it at the nearest police station.

After an Accident

1. File your claim online. Or use the USAA Mobile App. Contact a USAA claims representative within 5 business days.

Once you've removed your name from the vehicle registration and taken all the insurance documents from inside the vehicle, you can cancel your insurance at any time. But you must pay a premium for any coverage you've received. If you're shipping your vehicle to the U.S., you'll need to keep it covered by your Belgian policy until it arrives.

You'll need to transfer your coverage to a stateside policy. When your vehicle arrives at a port in the U.S., contact USAA.