Choosing car insurance in Spain can be complex with so many choices. It is a legal requirement to insure all vehicles in Spain to at least a third-party liability level. The penalty for anyone caught driving without insurance can be up to €3,000 – enough to make any wallet wince! Remember, car insurance is applied to the vehicle, not the driver, so you need a policy for each vehicle. So, if you do choose to buy a car in Spain, you’ll need to be insured. Read on to learn more about choosing the perfect cover.
Types of Spanish Car and Moto Insurance
In Spain, car insurance is compulsory for all vehicles, regardless of their age or condition. The law requires all vehicles to have minimum third-party liability coverage (civil liability).
Failure to comply with this law can result in fines, penalties, and even license suspension.
Why Car Insurance is Essential for Expats
As an Expat living in Spain, you’re already navigating a new country, culture, and language. But you’ll want to ensure you’re protected from unexpected expenses when it comes to driving. Without car insurance, you could be left with a financial burden in the event of an accident or theft. Here are just a few reasons why car insurance is a vital investment for Expats in Spain:
- Financial Protection: Car insurance provides financial protection in the event of an accident or theft. Without insurance, you could be left with hefty repair bills or even lawsuits.
- Compliance with Spanish Law: As mentioned earlier, car insurance is mandatory in Spain. Not having insurance could lead to legal and financial consequences.
- Peace of Mind: Having car insurance can provide peace of mind when driving in Spain. You can rest assured that you are protected in the event of an unexpected incident.
Types of Car and Moto Insurance in Spain
Several types of car insurance are available in Spain, each with its own coverage and benefits. Here are the three main types:
| Type of Insurance | Description |
| Third-Party Liability Insurance (Seguro a Terceros) | Covers damages to other people’s property or injuries caused by the policyholder. |
| Comprehensive Insurance (Seguro a Todo Riesgo) | Covers damages to the policyholder’s own vehicle and third-party liabilities. |
| Cover with Options | Additional coverage for specific risks or events, such as theft and fire insurance. |
Third-Party Liability Insurance (Seguro a Terceros)
Third-Party Liability Insurance, also known as “seguro a terceros” in Spanish, is a mandatory type of car insurance in Spain, covering damages to other people’s property or injuries caused by the policyholder.
Coverage and Benefits
Third-Party Liability Insurance covers all damage and costs incurred by third parties, including
- Vehicle damage
- Personal injury
- Legal expenses
It typically does not cover any damage to you or your vehicle. You can, however, pay for add-ons to include extras such as roadside assistance.
This type of insurance is generally a good option if you have an inexpensive car, so it is not too risky. Replacing your vehicle with a comparable model won’t break the bank if repairs cost more than the car.
Comprehensive Insurance (Seguro a Todo Riesgo)
Comprehensive Car Insurance, also known as “Seguro a Todo Riesgo” in Spanish, covers damage to your vehicle, including accidents, theft, fire, and other incidents. This type of insurance provides a broader range of coverage than Third-Party Liability Insurance, which only covers damages to third-party property or individuals.
Coverage and Benefits
Comprehensive Car Insurance in Spain typically covers the following:
- Damage to your vehicle due to accidents, theft, fire, or other incidents
- Medical expenses for you and your passengers
- Legal defense and compensation
- Replacement or repair of your vehicle’s parts and accessories
- Rental car coverage in case your vehicle is being repaired
- Towing and transportation services
What is Not Covered by Comprehensive Car Insurance in Spain?
While Comprehensive Car Insurance provides broad coverage, some exceptions and exclusions exist. These may include:
- Normal wear and tear on your vehicle
- Damage caused by lack of maintenance or neglect
- Damage caused by intentional acts or reckless behavior
- Damage caused by natural disasters such as earthquakes or floods (unless specifically included in the policy)
Additional Insurance Options For Cars and Motos
In addition to the mandatory third-party and comprehensive car insurance options, there are several additional coverage options you can consider to expand your car insurance coverage in Spain.
| Insurance Type | Description |
| Theft and Fire Insurance (Seguro de Furtivos y Incendios) | Provides additional coverage for your vehicle in the case of theft, fire, or attempted theft or arson. |
| Roadside Assistance (Asistencia en Carretera) | Covers emergency services such as towing, battery jump-starts, and fuel delivery. Optional and can be added to your comprehensive insurance policy. |
| Glass Insurance (Seguro de Cristales) | Covers damage to your vehicle’s windshield, side windows, and rear window. |
| Tyre Insurance (Seguro de Neumáticos) | Covers damage to your vehicle’s tyres, including punctures, blowouts, and damage caused by potholes. |
| Rental Car Insurance (Seguro de Coche de Alquiler) | Pays for a rental car if you need to rent a vehicle while your vehicle is being repaired. |
| Personal Accident Insurance (Seguro de Accidentes Personales) | Provides coverage for medical expenses, disability, or death resulting from an accident. |
Important: Not all car insurance policies in Spain offer these additional coverage options, so be sure to check with your broker to see what options are available.
How Car Insurance Works in Spain
Spain has a comprehensive insurance system that provides financial protection to drivers and third-party victims in the event of an accident.
Spanish Car Insurance Rules and Regulations
The Spanish car insurance system is regulated by the Spanish Ministry of Transport, Mobility, and Urban Agenda (Ministerio de Transportes, Movilidad y Agenda Urbana). The governing body responsible for overseeing the insurance industry is the Spanish Insurance and Pension Fund (Seguros y Fondos de Pensiones Españoles). This organization ensures that insurance companies comply with Spanish regulations and standards.
In Spain, car insurance is mandatory for all drivers, regardless of their nationality or residency status. The minimum insurance coverage required is Third Party Liability (Seguro a Terceros), which covers damages or injuries caused to others in the event of an accident. This includes damage to other vehicles, buildings, and people.
How Much is Car Insurance in Spain?
A comprehensive car insurance policy in Spain can cost between €500 and €1,000 per year. However, this can vary significantly depending on the individual circumstances.
Here are some general guidelines on what you can expect to pay:
- Third Party Liability insurance: €100-€300 per year
- Comprehensive insurance: €500-€1,000 per year
- Additional coverage options (e.g., personal accident cover, roadside assistance): €50-€200 per year
It’s worth noting that car insurance premiums in Spain are often lower than in other European countries due to the country’s relatively low claims rates.
Factors Affecting Car Insurance Costs
Several factors can affect the cost of car insurance in Spain. Including:
- Vehicle Value
- Vehicle type and age
- Driver age and experience
- Car or Moto location and where you store it
- How many kilometers you drive each year (usage)
- Driver credit score
- Driver claims history
- Additional coverage options
This table offers a quick summary of how each factor affects the cost of your car insurance:
| Factor | Description | Impact on Insurance Cost |
| Vehicle Cost | The assessed value of the vehicle | Higher cost for higher value vehicles, lower cost for cheaper vehicles |
| Vehicle Type and Age | Newer vehicles with advanced safety features, older vehicles with higher mileage, luxury vehicles with high-value components | Higher cost for newer vehicles, lower cost for older vehicles, higher cost for luxury vehicles |
| Driver’s Age and Experience | Younger drivers (under 25), experienced drivers with a clean driving record, older drivers (over 65) | Higher cost for younger drivers, lower cost for experienced drivers, lower cost for older drivers |
| Location and Usage | Urban areas, peak hours, commercial use, rural roads, nighttime driving | Higher cost for urban areas, peak hours, commercial use, lower cost for rural roads, nighttime driving |
| Credit Score | Good credit score | Lower cost |
| Claims History | History of claims or accidents | Higher cost |
| Additional Coverage Options | Roadside assistance, personal accident cover, etc. | Higher cost |
Keep in mind that this is an overview, and the actual impact of these factors on your car insurance will vary depending on your specific circumstances.
Vehicle Type and Age
The type and age of the vehicle can significantly impact the cost of car insurance in Spain. For example:
- Newer vehicles with advanced safety features tend to be more expensive to insure
- Older vehicles with higher mileage may be less expensive to insure
- Luxury vehicles with high-value components may be more expensive to insure
Driver’s Age and Experience
The age and experience of the driver can also impact the cost of car insurance in Spain. For example:
- Younger drivers (under 25) may be considered higher risk and may pay more for insurance
- Experienced drivers with a clean driving record may pay less for insurance
- Older drivers (over 65) may be considered lower risk and may pay less for insurance
Location and Usage
The location and usage of the vehicle can also affect the cost of car insurance in Spain. For example:
- Vehicles driven in urban areas or during peak hours may be considered higher risk and may pay more for insurance
- Vehicles used for commercial purposes or driven by multiple people may be considered higher risk and may pay more for insurance
- Vehicles driven primarily on rural roads or at night may be considered lower-risk and may pay less for insurance
Additional Factors
Other factors that can affect car insurance costs in Spain include:
- Credit score: A good credit score can result in lower insurance premiums
- Claims history: Drivers with a history of claims or accidents may be considered higher-risk and may pay more for insurance
- Additional coverage options: Adding additional coverage options, such as roadside assistance or personal accident cover, can increase the cost of insurance.
By understanding these factors, you can make informed decisions about your car insurance policy and ensure you’re getting the best coverage for your needs.
Tips to Lower Your Car Insurance Costs
While the cost of car insurance in Spain is unavoidable, there are several ways to lower your premiums:
Tip: Use our exceptional car and moto insurance partner for outstanding deals all over Spain. You’ll also benefit from their outstanding customer service.
- Shop around: Compare rates from different insurers to find the best deal.
- Improve your credit score: A good credit score can help you qualify for lower premiums.
- Choose a lower excess: A higher excess can increase your premiums, but it may also reduce your premiums.
- Consider a third-party policy: Basic coverage can be cheaper than comprehensive coverage.
- Consider a no-claims bonus: If you haven’t made any claims in the past few years, you may be eligible for a no-claims bonus.
- Opt for an annual payment: Paying annually can be cheaper than paying monthly.
Car Insurance in Spain for Non-Residents
Requirements for Non-Residents
When it comes to car insurance in Spain, requirements differ slightly depending on whether you’re an EU citizen or a non-EU citizen:
Requirements for EU citizens
- If you’re moving to Spain from another EU country, you can continue using your existing car insurance policy, provided it has international coverage.
- Your insurance policy also needs to have a minimum coverage of €50,000 for third-party liability.
- If your policy doesn’t meet these requirements, you may need to purchase additional coverage or switch to a Spanish insurance provider.
- You may also need to register your car in Spain and obtain a Spanish registration certificate (certificado de matriculación).
Requirements for Non-EU citizens (including the UK)
- Citizens from non-EU countries, including the UK, can use their insurance from their home country for a limited period (3-6 months).
- However, if you’re planning to move to Spain, you must register your car and purchase Spanish car insurance when the grace period expires.
Temporary Car Insurance Options
If you’re planning a short trip to Spain or are only in the country temporarily, you may not need to purchase a full-year insurance policy. Here are some temporary car insurance options:
• Short-term car insurance policies: Can be purchased for periods ranging from 1 day to 1 year
• Green card insurance: Designed for non-EU citizens and provides third-party liability coverage. Typically, green card insurance is purchased for a set period, such as 3-6 months, and can be renewed if necessary.
• International car insurance policies: Some insurance providers offer international policies covering you in multiple countries, including Spain.
| Option | Description | Duration | Coverage |
| Short-term car insurance policies | Can be purchased for periods ranging from 1 day to 1 year | 1 day to 1 year | Third-party liability, damage to the vehicle, personal accident, and injury |
| Green Card insurance | Designed for non-EU citizens, provides third-party liability coverage | 3-6 months, can be renewed if necessary | Third-party liability only |
| International car insurance policies | Covers you in multiple countries, including Spain | Varies depending on the provider and policy | Comprehensive coverage, including third-party liability, damage to the vehicle, personal accident and injury |
Finding the Right Car Insurance in Spain
The Importance of Using a Broker Experienced with Expats
While purchasing car insurance directly from a company is possible, using a broker experienced with Expats has several benefits. A broker can help you navigate the complexities of the Spanish insurance market and ensure that you receive the best coverage for your specific needs. And they’ll complete the process in your chosen language.
Benefits of Using an Expat-Friendly Broker
An Expat-friendly broker can offer several benefits, including:
- Expert knowledge of Spanish insurance regulations
- Access to a wide range of insurance providers
- Personalized service tailored to your specific needs
- Ability to communicate in your native language
Car Insurance Spain Comparison
When comparing car insurance policies, it’s essential to consider several factors, including:
- Coverage limits
- Deductibles
- Premium costs
- Additional features such as windshield cover or roadside assistance
What to Look for in a Policy
When selecting a policy, make sure to look for the following:
- Comprehensive coverage that includes damage to your vehicle and third-party liability
- Third-party liability coverage that covers damage to others’ property and bodily harm
- Optional coverage for additional features such as windshield cover or roadside assistance
- Clear and transparent policy wording that outlines your coverage and limitations
By following these tips and using a broker experienced with Expats, you can find the right car insurance policy for your needs in Spain.
Getting Car Insurance Quotes in Spain
What is the easiest way to get quality car insurance quotes in Spain?
Contact our recommended car insurance partner for an easy quote, and you’ll get the help you need throughout the process. They are experts in finding the right coverage for Expats at the right price.
So, how do you get car insurance quotes in Spain? Here are a few steps to follow:
- Determine your insurance needs: Make a list of what you need to be covered in your policy, such as comprehensive coverage, liability coverage, and optional extras.
- Research insurance companies: Look for reputable insurance companies that offer coverage in Spain.
- Get quotes: Use online quotes or calculators to get an estimate of your insurance costs.
- Compare policies: Compare the different policies and prices you receive to find the one that best suits your needs.
- Buy your policy: Once you’ve found the right policy, you can purchase it online or through an agent.
Online vs. In-Person Quotes
Using a broker service may mean waiting a few more hours for your quote, but it is much easier to get the right outcome. You’ll be able to ask questions and get more personalized advice from the broker, ensuring you get the right cover at the best price.
Car Insurance Spain Online Quotes
Online quotes are another way to compare different policies. Visit the website of a reputable insurance company, fill out a form (often in Spanish) with your personal and vehicle information, and receive a stock quote. This way, you can compare prices and coverage levels from different providers.
Applying for Car Insurance in Spain
Note: If you purchase insurance through our partner, they’ll help you with all the application and covering documentation.
Steps to Insuring a Car in Spain
To get started, follow these steps:
- Choose an insurance provider: Research and compare quotes from various insurance providers to find the best deal for your needs and budget.
- Gather required documents: Make sure you have all the necessary documents, which are listed below.
- Fill out the application form: Complete the application form provided by your chosen insurance provider.
- Submit the application: Submit your application and supporting documents to the insurance provider.
- Pay the premium: Pay the premium and receive your insurance policy.
Required Documents for Car Insurance Applications
To apply for car insurance in Spain, you’ll need to provide the following documents:
Vehicle Registration Documents
- The Vehicle Registration certificate (matricula): This crucial document proves your vehicle’s ownership and registration in Spain. It is issued by the Spanish traffic authorities (DGT) and is valid for a specific period, usually 1-5 years.
- Proof of ownership: This can be a certificate of ownership (certificado de propiedad), a transfer document (documento de traspaso), or a bill of sale (factura de venta) issued by the seller or their representative.
Driver’s License and Identification
- Your valid driver’s license
- A valid government-issued ID (e.g., passport, ID card, or residence card)
Additional Driver’s Documents
Additionally, you may need to provide other documents, such as:
- Proof of previous insurance coverage
- Any other relevant information requested by the insurance provider
Moto Insurance in Spain
Understanding Spanish Moto Insurance
Moto insurance, also known as motor insurance or motorbike insurance, covers motorized vehicles, including motorcycles, scooters, and mopeds. Moto insurance is a legal requirement in Spain. The insurance policy provides financial protection to the owner against any losses or damage that may occur due to accidents, theft, fire, or other unforeseen events.
Types of Coverage for Mopeds and Motorbikes
Motor insurance policies for mopeds and motorbikes in Spain typically offer several types of coverage. These may include:
- Third-party liability: This covers damage to other people or property, including bodily injury or death.
- Comprehensive coverage: This covers damage to your vehicle, regardless of fault.
- Fire and theft: This covers damage to your vehicle due to fire or theft.
- Accident and injury: This covers medical expenses and rehabilitation costs in the event of an accident.
Key Considerations for Moto, Moped, and Motorbike Insurance
When choosing a motor insurance policy, there are a few key things to keep in mind:
- Age and experience: If you’re a young rider or have limited experience, you may need to pay higher premiums.
- Vehicle type: The type of moped or motorbike you own can affect the cost of your insurance.
- Location: If you plan to ride your moped or motorbike in urban areas, you may need to pay higher premiums.
Safety Gear and Accessories
In Spain, the safety gear and accessories you use on your moped or motorbike can affect your insurance premiums. Here are some ways in which they may impact your policy:
- Discounts: Many insurance companies in Spain offer discounts to riders who wear protective gear, such as helmets, gloves, and jackets. These discounts can range from 5% to 20% off your premiums.
- Higher premiums: On the other hand, if you install high-performance or high-value accessories, such as custom exhaust systems or high-end GPS devices, your insurance premiums may increase.
- Requirements for specific coverage: Some insurance policies in Spain may require specific safety gear or accessories to be installed in order to cover certain types of incidents or accidents.
How to Get Moto Insurance Quotes in Spain
Some benefits of working with our partner insurance broker include:
- The entire process is managed in English (or Spanish, Catalan, Italian, Swedish, Norwegian, or Dutch if you prefer it.)
- Personalized service: Brokers can provide personalized advice and guidance to help you find the right policy.
- Expert knowledge: Brokers have extensive knowledge of the insurance market and can help you navigate the complexities of Spanish insurance regulations.
- Access to multiple insurers: Brokers often work with multiple insurers, which can give you more options and better coverage.
Alternatively, you can visit the websites of Spanish Moto Insurance companies and get comparison quotes using their online quote tools or call centers.
FAQ – Spanish Car Insurance Guide
Do I need car insurance in Spain?
Yes, it is a legal requirement to have car insurance in Spain. The minimum level of insurance required by law is third-party liability insurance, which covers damage or injury to third parties in the event of an accident.
Can I use my UK car insurance in Spain?
No, your UK car insurance is not valid in Spain. You will need to purchase car insurance from a Spanish provider that meets the legal requirements.
What types of car or moto insurance are available in Spain?
Three main types of car insurance are available in Spain: third-party liability insurance, third-party fire and theft insurance, and fully comprehensive insurance. Third-party liability insurance is the minimum legal requirement, while fully comprehensive insurance provides the most extensive cover.
How much does car or moto insurance cost in Spain?
The cost of car insurance in Spain can vary depending on a number of factors, including the type of insurance you choose, your age and driving experience, and the make and model of your car. Generally speaking, third-party liability insurance is the cheapest option, while fully comprehensive insurance is the most expensive.
Can I insure my car or moto in Spain if I have a foreign driving license?
Yes, you can insure your car in Spain if you have a foreign driving license. Remember, you need to get a Spanish driver’s license if you live in Spain.
How do I choose a car or moto insurance provider in Spain?
When choosing a car insurance provider in Spain, it’s essential to do your research and compare different providers and policies. Look for a provider that offers the level of coverage you need at a price that fits your budget, and check online reviews to see what other customers have to say about their experiences. We recommend using an insurance broker in Spain who is used to working with Expats to help navigate the complexity and language barrier.
I keep hearing that you need a Spanish drivers license to get car insurance in Spain. We’re planning on buying a vehicle in Spain and would rather not have to wait until we can get our Spanish driver’s license to do so.
Hi Mely. I confirmed this with our insurance broker, and you need a valid driver’s license. Foreign driver’s licenses are valid when you arrive in Spain; this means you can buy car insurance when you arrive. We’ll update this article with our partner details next week to make getting car insurance quotes easy for Expats. All the best, Alastair
Thank you.