Covering the full scope of insurance matters, DLA Piper has handled numerous notable M&A deals in the sector, as well as work concerning bancassurance distribution models, cross-border projects, insurance technology, and outsourcing. Pierre Berger, co-head, advises Belgian and foreign multinationals on complex regulatory issues, insurance litigation matters, and fintech-related issues. Fellow co-head, Virginie Frémat, acts for insurers and corporate clients in complex disputes. Julie De Pauw is knowledgeable in cyber insurance, environmental liability, general liability, and professional liability insurance work. Alexander Hamels left for an in-house role in January 2026.
Insurance in Belgium
DLA Piper
Responsables de la pratique:
Pierre Berger; Virginie Frémat
Autres avocats clés:
Julie De Pauw
Les références
‘Pierre Berger and Virginie Fermat have excellent teams and are leaders in the Belgian market for insurance work. Alexander Hamels is a stand out lawyer below partner level and definitely one to watch. A great insurance practice in the DLA Piper insurance sector network.’
‘Leading Corporate Insurance Practice in Belgium. Great experience with multi-jurisdictional transactions with substantial regulatory touch points.’
‘DLA Piper Belgium perfectly masters the insurance environment in Belgium.’
Principaux clients
AIG Europe SA
Airbus
Accenture
Alan SA
Allianz Global Corporate & Speciality SE
Allianz Global Life DAC
Amonis
Aon Belgium BV
Aviva
Argenta Assuranties NV
Arena NV
Assuralia
Athora Belgium NV
Axa Belgium NV
Axa Partners
AXA XL Insurance Company
Baloise Belgium NV
Becobra
Berkley Select
Berkshire Hathaway Specialty Insurance
Berkshire Hathaway European Insurance
Belfius
Bipar
BDB Europe
Bpost NV
Brokers in Excellence
Chubb
Cigna Life Insurance Company of Europe
Cigna Europe Insurance Company (Europe) SA
Companjon
Credendo
DKV Belgium
Dual International Limited
Edmond de Rothschild
ERGO Insurance
Erik De Voogd
Enstar (EU) Ltd
Europaeiske Rejseforsikring A/S
Euroclear NV
FM Global
Fortegra Europe Insurance Company SE
Gothaer Allgemeine Versicherung
HDI
Howden Insurance Brokers Ltd
ING Belgium
KBC Insurance
Liberty Mutual Insurance Europe SE
Lombard International Assurance SA
Lloyd’s Market Association
Marsh Belgium NV
Marsh & McLennan Companies Inc
Mercer (Belgium) SA
Michelin
Mithras Underwriting Europe
MS Amlin Insurance SE
Mutuelle d’Assurances des Instituteurs de France
Patronale Life
PetExpert
REEL Europe
RSA
Ryan Specialty
Qover NV
Securex
Society of Lloyd’s
Standard de Liège SA
Starstone Insurance SE
Swiss Life Luxembourg SA
Tokio Marine
Transact Risk Partners
VALE Insurance Partners Europe B.V.
Volvo Personvagnar AB
Wealins SA
Zurich Global Ventures NV
Zurich Insurance Company ltd
Zurich Insurance Europe AG
Zurich Insurance plc
Principaux dossiers
- Provided regulatory and corporate advice to various insurance and insurance intermediary groups with internal restructurings and redomiciliations to Belgium, such as the redomiciliation of Fortegra and a Liechtenstein based insurer to Belgium, including obtaining an insurance license from the NBB, and the creation of a new company, a demerger and a cross-border merger for Marsh.
- Advised leading global insurer Chubb in complex environmental liability disputes related to PFAS contamination.
- Advised Brokers in Excellence, an investment fund of Baltisse, on multiple acquisitions in the insurance brokerage space, covering the full deal lifecycle, and Howden on the cross-border transfer of a reinsurance brokerage portfolio from Belgium to Luxembourg, involving complex regulatory, contractual, and operational aspects.
Lydian
Lydian has expertise across reinsurance, direct insurance, corporate insurance, regulatory and compliance matters, and distribution or claims work. Insurance litigator Hugo Keulers and firm managing partner Sandra Lodewijckx lead the team. Jo Willems acts for insurance companies and their claim managers in insurance distribution, product and professional liability, and professional indemnity litigation cases. Marijn De Ruysscher focuses on claims work, while Héloïse Fostier has notable experience in corporate insurance projects, life insurance, and issues related to insurance premium tax.
Responsables de la pratique:
Hugo Keulers; Sandra Lodewijckx
Autres avocats clés:
Jo Willems; Marijn De Ruysscher; Héloïse Fostier
Les références
‘Lydian stands out due to its deep insurance market knowledge and pragmatic approach.’
‘Lydian is our go to provider in Belgium for complex coverage issues. Technically excellent and highly trusted.’
‘Hugo Keulers is an outstanding lawyer with over 30 years’ experience in the Belgian market.’
Principaux clients
Aegon NV
Alecto Consulting BV
Ageas SAAG Insurance NV
Allia Insurance Brokers
Allianz CommercialAlpha/Enstar Insurance plc
Amlin Insurance SE
AprilARAG SE – Branch Belgium
Arc Europe SA
Arval Belgium NV
Assuralia
Aviva
Baloise Belgium NV
Beazley Furlonge Ltd
Beluga Insurance Solutions NV
Belfius Bank NV
Belfius Insurance NV
Berkley Insurance
Berkshire Hathaway Specialty
BNP Paribas Cardif NV
Booking.com Inc
CannGen Insurance Europe BV
Canopius
Chubb Insurance
Concordia NV
DELA Natura-en levensverzekeringen NV
DKV NV
Ergo Insurance NV
Ethias SA
Euler Hermes NV
Fidelis Insurance
Furness Professional Risks Europe SRL
Gallagher
Gemini Corporation
Great Lakes Insurance SE (Munich Re Group)
HDI Global SEHDI Global Specialty SE
Hilton Food Group BV
Hiscox Europe Underwriting Limited
HomeServe France SAS
International Professional Risks Europe SRL
International Transport Intermediaries Club (ITIC) Ltd
KBC Verzekeringen NV
KU Leuven
Liberty Mutual Group
London Steam-Ship Owners’ Mutual Insurance Association (LSSO) Ltd
Markel
MSIG
Mitsui Ltd
Nationale Nederlanden NV
Next Wave Insurance LLC
OCM-CDZ
P&V Verzekeringen CVBA
Probitas 1492 Pty Ltd
QBEQover NV
Randstad
RiverStone
Royal & Sun Alliance Insurance (Global) Ltd
SD Worx
SEB Life International Assurance Company
Sompo
Starr Insurance Company Inc
STIB-MIVB
Trip vzw
TT Club Mutual Insurance Limited Ltd
UKFD (United Kingdom Freight Demurrage and Defence Association) Ltd
USAA
VALE Insurance Partners
Wakam
Zurich Insurance Company Ltd
Zurich Insurance Plc
Zurich Insurance Plc, Belgium Branch
Principaux dossiers
- Advised Magotteaux, Aeon and MSIG Europe on claims relating to the flooding in Valencia on October 2024.
- Advised Clyde & Co and their clients, the underwriters of an event cancellation insurance contract, on recourse potential against their underwriting agent Circles Group SA following the cancellation of a number of concerts by Stromae in 2023.
- Advised Norton Rose Fulbright on all insurance regulatory matters in Belgium involving a deal between the Belgian listed financial sector company Ageas SA and private equity firm Bain Capital to acquire UK insurer Esure, for £1.3bn.
ALTIUS
ALTIUS covers the entire scope of insurance matters, advising insurance companies, re-insurers, and insurance intermediaries on dispute resolution, regulatory compliance, M&A and joint ventures, trade practices, and other commercial issues. Alexander Hansebout specialises in liability and insurance disputes, as well as advising on cross-border risks and excess insurance policies. Stijn Van Schel has notable expertise in disputes relating to construction of industrial machinery, while Audrey Zegers assists clients with regulatory and compliance issues.
Responsables de la pratique:
Alexander Hansebout; Jérôme Vermeylen
Autres avocats clés:
Stijn Van Schel; Audrey Zegers
Principaux clients
AG Insurance
Amplifon
Aviva Plc
Bastion Insurance Company
Cigna
elipsLife
Mapfre and Mapfre Re
Principaux dossiers
- Advised Cigna Life Insurance Company of Europe, on compliance with Belgian regulatory requirements relating to the continuing education and professional development of insurance distribution staff.
- Advised German car insurance company, Car-Garantie in a growing number of coverage disputes and on its information obligations under the Insurance Distribution Directive in Belgium.
- Regularly advises Amplifon on its consumer credit and insurance intermediary activities in Belgium.
CMS
Covering the full scope of insurance law, CMS handles dispute resolution, regulatory issues, and transactional matters for insurance clients. Kim van Zummeren is a new addition to the team, specialising in dispute resolution, insurance, and commercial law. Benoît Vandervelde assists insurers in their relationship with regulatory authorities, while Tom De Cordier focuses on data privacy advisory, transactional, and litigation work for insurance practices. Pierre-Axel Chabot and Jean-François Goffin are also key team members.
Responsables de la pratique:
Kim van Zummeren; Benoît Vandervelde; Tom De Cordier
Autres avocats clés:
Pierre-Axel Chabot; Jean-François Goffin
Les références
‘They have regularly advised on general insurance related issues as well as complex cross-border matters.They are kind and respond quickly.’
‘Benoît Vandervelde has provided excellent and thorough advice on issues related to the compliance of non-life insurance products. We have good experiences with partner Tom De Cordier with regard to data privacy issues.’
Principaux clients
Chubb
Allianz Benelux
AIG
Principaux dossiers
- Advising and representing Chubb in a coverage dispute against Argenta before the court of appeal in Antwerp.
- Advising AIG during the underwriting process for a tax W&I policy covering the biggest Belgian transaction of 2023 and are currently assisting in the underwriting process for a policy for a €100m real estate transaction.
- Currently advising Allianz in various D&O cases following or linked to a bankruptcy.
Philippe & Partners
Philippe & Partners is a full-service business law firm with a notable focus on insurance matters. The team provide insurers, bank-insurers, intermediaries, and wealth planners on litigation, regulatory and governance concerns. Marc Gouden is prepared to handle distribution, life insurance, digitisation, cross-border activity, reinsurance, and transfer of business for insurance clients. Pierre Moreau assists clients with the development of life and non-life policies, group insurance, compliance advice, distribution of insurance products, and insurance taxation. Other key names include Isabelle Cirriez and Ihsan Karatas.
Responsables de la pratique:
Marc Gouden; Pierre Moreau
Autres avocats clés:
Isabelle Cirriez; Ihsan Karatas
Les références
‘The office provides excellent support in both advisory services and guidance during legal proceedings. Cases are well followed up. Communication is also accurate.’
‘Each member of Philippe & Partners delivers accurate, understandable, and thorough legal advice. ’
‘The collaboration with the external legal partner has been highly constructive. Their specialisation in insurance law has proven valuable in navigating complex legal matters.’
Principaux clients
AG Insurance
AGCS (Allianz Global Corporate Solutions)
AIG Europe
Allianz Benelux
Allianz Corporate Global
AR-CO
Athora Belgium
Axa Belgium
BNP Paribas Cardif
BNP Paribas Fortis
Europ Assistance
Fonds des accidents médicaux
NN Insurance Belgium
NN Non-life
P&V Assurances
Principaux dossiers
Simont Braun
The insurance team at Simont Braun advises and represents established and disruptive insurance companies, assisting them through the European and Belgian regulatory landscape. Thomas Derval advises clients on regulatory questions relating to investment and savings insurance products, while Philippe De Prez assists insurance distributors on M&A regulatory issues. Rafaël Jafferali specialises in litigation in the space.
Responsables de la pratique:
Thomas Derval; Philippe De Prez
Autres avocats clés:
Rafaël Jafferali
Les références
‘Very good team that are available, pragmatic and competent in their matters.’
‘This firm has expertise in all matters relating to the Belgian market. Its lawyers are responsive, precise, and professional.’
‘The insurance team at Simont Braun is extremely competent, responsive, and easy to approach. Above all, they are always looking to find a solution that will help their client and are willing to go the extra mile.’
Principaux clients
Revolut
Aion bank
International Sureties
NewB
Stoïk Assurance
Test-Achats
TCA Assurances
Easyvest
Den Hartigh
Principaux dossiers
- Assisting the MGA with its access to the Belgian market including reviewing contractual documentation and regulatory permissions.
- Advised the Den Hartigh Group, a Dutch-Belgian group of insurance intermediaries and underwriters, with the Belgian regulatory aspects of their acquisition by Optio Group, a UK-based insurance group.
Stibbe
Stibbe’s insurance team assists clients with litigation and arbitration, pensions and benefits, M&A, and regulatory matters. The team have increased their focus on insurance technology products, advising on alternative insurance solutions. Practice head Oliver Stevens assists insurance companies, brokers, and corporate policy holders in disputes before courts and arbitral panels. Jan Peeters is experienced in the regulation of activities of investment firms while Sophie Bourgois handles cases relating to major insurance losses.
Responsables de la pratique:
Oliver Stevens
Autres avocats clés:
Jan Peeters; Sophie Bourgois
Les références
‘Stibbe has business lawyers who are well-versed in insurance practice and law. The team took leadership of managing our needs and keeps us well updated and involved.’
‘Oliver Stevens has been a reassuring leader, guiding us through unknown processes. He is very dedicated and has been a valuable partner in our case.’
‘Sophie Bourgois is a stand-out partner. Dedicated, hardworking, not afraid to dig into every detail and ask every important question. Her work has been essential to the team and devotion should be duly noted. ’
Principaux clients
Brussels Airport Company
MS Amlin
Aldi
AG Vespa
Infrabel
SCR Sibelco
De Vlaamse Waterweg
Federale Verzekeringen
A&O Shearman
With a strong insurance regulatory practice, A&O Shearman advises insurers across regulatory, contentious, and M&A matters. The team is jointly led by Tom Schoors, who is experienced in litigation and arbitration, and Christian Bayart, who has expertise in employee benefits and occupational pensions. Sylvia Kierszenbaum left the firm in April 2025.
Responsables de la pratique:
Tom Schoors; Christian Bayart
Les références
‘The team combines an outstanding technical knowledge of insurance matters with a very practical client-friendly delivery. They are used to dealing with large in-house teams and know how to lead a client through complex matters. ’
Principaux clients
Ageas
Athora
Delen Private Bank
Financial Services & Markets Authority
ING
NN (Nationale Nederlanden)
SEB Life International
Swiss Life
ASTREA
ASTREA has marine matters sitting at the core of its insurance practice. Practice head Marc Van Looveren is active across a range of shipping and commodities matters. Ruud De Houwer is another key name.
Responsables de la pratique:
Marc Van Looveren
Autres avocats clés:
Ruud De Houwer
Les références
‘Astrea is a multi-disciplinary law office who can built a team of specialists in order to advice a client and assist with their specific needs.’
‘Marc Van Looveren is not only a experience lawyer but also a great team leader which helps the team to work efficiently.’
Principaux clients
Forvis Mazars Bedrijfsrevisoren BV
Arcadia Commodities Trading
Skuld P&I
NorthStandard
West of England P&I
Euronav – CMBTech
Belgian Federal Government – Department of Science Policy (Belspo)
Belgian Federal Government – Department of Transport and Mobility
Belgian Federal Government – Department of Health and the Environment
Vanguard Logistics
Saga Welco
Briese Schiffahrts / BBC Shipping Chartering
Great White Fleet (Chiquita)
Einride AB
Dole GmbH
Maersk
Spliethof, Transfennica
Fast Forward Freight
Crystal Cruises
Katoen Natie Group
Van Es Group
Noord Natie Holding
SCUA Belgium
Lukoil Benelux BV
Topoil AB
Heros Sluiskil BV
Seafrigo
U.K. Club
Gard
Helvetia
Laboratoria Wolfs
Cargill
LIEBHERR
Marincon
Steelforce
Overseas Distribution Company
Principaux dossiers
- Assisting Arcadia Commodities Trading, the commodities trading branch of the Seatankers group, in seeking appeal against an arbitration award of December 2021.
- Representing the cargo interests of several hundreds of vehicles that were aboard the mv. “GRANDE BRASILE” during a fire in the cargo hold.
- Representing Mazars, an audit & assurance, tax, advisory and consulting services, in a dispute that arose between successive insurers, with regards to providing coverage for a specific claim.
Baker McKenzie BV/SRL
Baker McKenzie BV/SRL’s multidisciplinary team is experienced across regulatory matters, litigation, tax, and corporate matters related to insurance. The team is jointly led by Oliver Van Den Broeke, who advises financial institutions on insurance regulatory matters, and Michael Van Acker, who is an experienced finance lawyer.
Responsables de la pratique:
Olivier van den Broeke; Michael Van Acker
Les références
‘Very high level of service and competence.’
Principaux clients
AG Insurance NV
Alexander Peter Wealth Management
Amazon Insurance
American Express
Assuralia
Baloise Belgium NV
Cardif Lux Vie
Cigna Life Insurance Europe NV
Conservatrix N.V.
Credendo
Dekabank
FCA Capital
Febelfin
Fidelity
Generali Luxembourg
Imperium Insurance
Insurem Insurance Limited
KBC Verzekeringen
Lombard International Assurance
Novus Underwriting
Quilter International Ireland
Principaux dossiers
- Advised Nike Belgium on the insurance and contractual aspects of the construction of windmills at its Laakdal distribution centre, supporting a key sustainability initiative through cross-border legal coordination and risk management.
- Represented Ingram Micro in a complex milestone insurance litigation against insurer Athora in front of the Brussels Court of Appeal and Belgium’s Constitutional Court.
- Advised Credendo in over 25 jurisdictions on the insurance aspects of the cross-border offering of its unfunded risk participations in relation to loan facilities, bonding facilities and documentary credit facilities offered by banks to corporates or to other banks for refinancing purposes.