A first on the Belgian insurance market: ING Belgium and NN launch insurance cover for hidden defects in used cars
Two in three Belgians would feel more confident buying a used car with insurance against hidden defects
Brussels - Insurer NN and ING Belgium launch insurance cover to protect people against hidden defects that come to light after buying1 a used car from a private individual. Included in ING Omnium Car Insurance and ING Mini Omnium Car Insurance, the new cover is a first on the Belgian insurance market. This cover addresses a genuine need, according to a survey of 1,000 Belgians. Hidden defects are among the biggest concerns when buying a used car. Seven in ten Belgians consider insurance against hidden defects useful. Two in three respondents said such insurance would even increase confidence when purchasing a used car.
Second-hand cars are firm fixture in Belgium. In the survey, almost six in ten respondents drive a used car themselves or have one in their household. These figures are in line with analyses by FEBIAC. People considering buying a car are also clearly looking at the used-car market. Four in ten Belgians planning to buy a car for private use within the next three years say they are likely to go for a used car, while almost three in ten are still undecided between new and used. This is hardly surprising, as half of all prospective buyers expect to spend less than 20,000 euros on their next vehicle.
Not every purchase offers the same level of protection. Buyers purchasing a used car from a professional dealer benefit from at least one year of statutory warranty. This protection does not apply to purchases between private individuals. Yet one in four respondents who have previously bought a used car chose that channel for their most recent purchase. This lack of protection is reflected in the way many Belgians approach buying a used car: almost seven in ten expect to feel doubt and nearly two in three anticipate feelings of stress.
Purchase protection included in ING Omnium and Mini Omnium Car Insurance
To give these buyers greater peace of mind, ING Belgium, together with insurer NN, is introducing cover for hidden defects as part of the ING Omnium and Mini Omnium Car Insurance2. This innovative cover is a first on the Belgian insurance market and is primarily designed for used cars sold between private individuals.
If a hidden mechanical or technical defect emerges within three months of purchase or during the first 5,000 kilometres driven, the cover can contribute up to 2,000 euros towards repair costs. Legal assistance cover has also been strengthened. In disputes relating to the purchase of a used vehicle, the maximum amount of cover has increased to 12,500 euros, providing customers with additional support when asserting their rights.
Cédric Lebegge, Head of Private Individuals at ING Belgium: “For many Belgians, buying a car is one of the most significant purchases they make after buying a home. Yet people buying a used car from a private individual do not benefit from the same protection as when purchasing from a professional dealer. Together with insurer NN, we are changing that. By introducing cover for hidden defects within our ING Omnium Car Insurance and ING Mini Omnium Car Insurance, we are bringing an innovative new form of protection to the Belgian market. Our ambition is simple: to give customers greater certainty and protect them from unexpected costs, allowing them to make a purchase on the private used-car market with confidence.”
Hidden defects are a major concern for Belgian used-car buyers
The new cover addresses concerns that are widely shared among prospective buyers of used cars. When asked what would worry them most if they were to buy a used car today, 61% of Belgians cited hidden technical or mechanical defects, while for 40% this would even be their primary concern. Unexpectedly high repair costs shortly after purchase also rank high on the list of concerns (43%).
These concerns are not unfounded. Three in ten respondents who have ever purchased a used car3 report having experienced unexpected technical or mechanical problems shortly after the purchase. Engine-related issues are mentioned most frequently (22%).
The financial impact of such unexpected problems can also be significant. Among respondents who encountered this type of issue, more than a quarter said that their most expensive repair cost more than 1,000 euros. For 12%, the bill exceeded 2,000 euros.
Additional protection increases confidence
The survey confirms the potential of insurance against hidden defects. Seven in ten Belgians describe this type of insurance as either “very useful” (31%) or “rather useful” (41%).
For two in three respondents, insurance against hidden defects would also increase confidence when buying a used car. Among French speakers, that figure rises to three in four.
What is covered by the purchase protection and what is not? The purchase protection covers, from the moment a new insurance policy takes effect upon the purchase of the second-hand vehicle, functional hidden defects affecting the vehicle’s essential components, such as the engine, gearbox, suspension, airbags and various electrical and electronic components. Exclusions include normal wear and tear, cosmetic damage such as scratches or paint damage, accident damage, vehicle modifications such as tuning, and problems caused by inadequate maintenance, improper use or negligence. You can find the full conditions, exclusions and limitations of the above insurances in the General Terms and Conditions as well as the Insurance Product Information Document (IPID) at all ING branches and on ing.be. Read the information before subscribing. How old may the vehicle be? The vehicle may not be more than six years old on the purchase date. Does mileage matter? Yes. At the time of purchase, the vehicle may not have more than 100,000 kilometres on the odometer. What are the compensation limits? If a hidden technical or mechanical defect covered by the policy becomes apparent during the coverage period, the insurance can contribute to the repair costs up to €2,000 per claim. A €600 deductible applies to each claim. For how long does the cover apply? The cover applies during the first three months after purchase or the first 5,000 kilometres driven, whichever comes first. What changes regarding legal assistance cover? Legal assistance cover has been extended. In disputes relating to the purchase of a used vehicle, the maximum amount of cover increases to EUR 12,500. When must a claim be reported? The hidden defect must be reported to insurer NN Non-life within eight days of its discovery. |
About the survey: Online survey conducted by iVox between 8 and 24 August 2026 among 1,000 Belgians aged 18 to 70. The sample is representative in terms of gender, age and region. The maximum margin of error for a sample of 1,000 respondents is 3%.
Gianni De Muynck
1 The cover applies during the first three months after purchase or the first 5,000 kilometres driven, whichever comes first.
2 ING Car Insurance is a comprehensive car insurance policy (non-life) governed by Belgian law and developed by NN Non-life. The insurance contract is concluded for a one-year term and is renewable annually.
3 The proportion is higher among French-speaking respondents (37% versus 26% among Dutch-speaking respondents) and among men (35% versus 25% among women).
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