Is your car policy ready for the summer holidays?

BDO employees
Summer is just around the corner, and more and more employees are heading to their holiday destinations in electric company cars due to which a clear and up-to-date car policy is more important than ever. Without clear rules, questions quickly arise about vehicle use and charging and parking costs abroad. With the rapid electrification of company cars and the rise of mobility budgets, a traditional car policy is no longer sufficient. In this article, we set out the main points of attention and recent developments for you in a clear overview, so you can update your car policy in time. 
 

How to know when it’s time to adjust your car policy? 

  1. You do not yet have clear guidelines on charging abroad

It is important to establish rules on charging abroad. As a rule, charging cards are not limited to a specific territory, for example Belgium. To avoid unpleasant surprises, it is therefore important to clearly set out the arrangements in the car policy. 
 
Depending on the employee’s profile, you may choose to make charging abroad the employee’s responsibility. It is also advisable to make arrangements regarding the use of fast-charging points. 

When drafting these guidelines, always take the applicable social security and tax legislation into account.   
  1. You do not have a consistent and clear arrangement for reimbursing home charging
Since the end of 2024, at home charging can also be reimbursed through a flat-rate formula. This formula is possible if the employee has a charging point with a specific communication system and if the car policy provides that electricity charged at home will be reimbursed. The reimbursable amount is updated every quarter. 

Home charging can still be reimbursed on the basis of the actual costs as well. 
 
Also clearly define who bears the installation and maintenance costs of the home charging point and under which conditions. 
  1. You still apply outdated reimbursement rates
If you use the flat-rate formula, you should always include the most up-to-date amounts. 

  From 01/04/2026 up to and including 30/06/2026
Flemish Region €0.3191/kWh
Brussels-Capital Region €0.3555/kWh
Walloon Region €0.3636/kWh
Important: these rates are maximum amounts. As an employer, you may therefore grant a lower reimbursement. 
  1. You have not yet started preparing for the obligations relating to the mobility budget 
The mobility budget allows employees to convert the benefit of a company car into a budget that they can spread across three pillars. On 9 January, the Council of Ministers approved a preliminary draft law requiring companies with 15 or more employees that offer company cars to also introduce a mobility budget as of 2027 depending on the number of employees within the company. 
 
You should therefore link your car policy to a broader mobility budget policy. Clearly and briefly define the entry rules, any waiting periods, for example until the end of ongoing lease contracts, and how the administration and communication will be handled. This helps prevent discussions, ensures compliance with future regulations and prepares you well for implementation. 

Do you still need to adjust your policy before summer?

Get in touch with: