Planning to drive in Spain? Ensure you’re protected with our comprehensive guide to car insurance in Spain.
If you are thinking of driving in Spain, it is important to stay on the right side of the road as it is a legal requirement to have car insurance.
To assist you in comprehending the car insurance market in Spain, this guide explores the fundamental topics, which include:
Linea Directa.
Today, with Linea Directa., select the appropriate premium for you and your driving requirements, whether you drive a car in the city or you are intending to embark on a journey through the stunning Spanish countryside. Consult the insurance specialists at Linea Directa. and ensure you are adequately insured before operating a vehicle in Spain.
An overview of car insurance in Spain
If you want to insure all vehicles in Spain, including scooters, motorbikes, RVs, trucks, and cars, you need at least third-party liability coverage. However, bicycles do not require insurance. Anyone caught driving without insurance can be fined up to €3,000 by the Spanish police.
To enroll the automobile, it is necessary to obtain auto insurance in Spain. In the absence of Spanish enrollment, it is permissible to operate non-domestic vehicles for a restricted duration (3-6 months) but it is mandatory to possess at least third-party coverage. While insurance providers typically only protect roadworthy automobiles, all vehicles must be insured, including those that are parked or not in use.
Insurance is applied to the vehicle, similar to many countries, rather than the driver. Although premiums may change, policies can often be transferred to another vehicle in the event of a sale. You have the option to add drivers to the policy, although premiums may be affected by those aged under 25 or with a poor driving record.
Car insurance is one of the largest non-life insurance markets in Spain, regulated by DGSFP – Pensiones de Fondos y Seguros de General Direccion (Funds Pensiones de Seguros y General Direccion – DGSFP) y Seguros de General Direccion (Funds de y Seguros de General Direccion – DGSFP) y Seguros de General Direccion (Funds de y Seguros de General Direccion – DGSFP) y Insurance, which regulates insurance companies in Spain.
Find additional details in these guides on insurance in Spain, driving in Spain, and obtaining a Spanish driving license.
Motorcycle insurance
Insurance Directa Linea includes Spain among its motorcycle insurance providers. It is necessary to have a valid driver’s license in Spain in order to purchase coverage for your vehicle, depending on its classification. Additionally, you can also opt for extended policies that provide coverage for roadside assistance and theft. Spain requires anyone riding a scooter, moped, or motorcycle to have at least third-party liability insurance.
Can you use car insurance from another country in Spain?
You will need to check with your insurer for international coverage. If you move from one EU country to Spain, you can continue to use your existing insurance policy.
If you are relocating from a non-EU country to Spain, you will need to buy car insurance and register your car once the period ends. However, non-EU citizens may be able to use car insurance from their home country for a limited period of 3-6 months.
Types of car insurance in Spain
The three primary categories of automobile insurance in Spain are:.
Third-party liability (responsabilidad civil obligatoria or seguro obligatorio)
A standard policy won’t cover any of your own costs. This typically covers all costs and damages, including legal costs, personal injuries, vehicle damages, and costs incurred by third parties.
It is often not worthwhile to drive if you have an inexpensive or older car. When purchasing this type of insurance, be mindful of exclusions and coverage, so you can tailor your third-party insurance to include extras such as roadside assistance.
Third-party fire and theft (responsabilidad civil obligatoria, incendio y robo)
Acts as an English paraphrasing tool, utilizing contextually suitable synonyms to substitute words in the provided paragraph. The paragraph states that vandalism, theft, accidents, natural disasters, storm damage, and fire damage are typically covered by insurance. This coverage also extends to your own vehicle’s certain amount of damage, as well as claims for third-party damages covered under the standard policy.
Similar to typical third-party liability policies, you have the flexibility to customize this insurance to suit your specific needs.
Comprehensive (todo riesgo)
This type of insurance provides coverage for both you and other individuals involved, regardless of whether the accident was caused by your own negligence. It is important to note that insurance companies typically refuse to provide compensation if you are found to be in violation of the law, such as driving under the influence, so it is crucial to exercise caution.
If you drive every day or if you have an expensive car that will cost a lot to repair, it is sensible to have Comprehensive insurance as the risks associated with driving increase with the rise in premiums. However, do not forget that there are particular risks associated with your driving.
Car insurance costs
In 2016, the average annual cost of car insurance in Spain was slightly above €350, which was just higher than the average across the European Union. Since 2005, insurance premiums have decreased from an average of over €450. Third-party insurance coverage can be as low as €150, although it typically ranges between €250 and €300. Fully comprehensive policies are expected to cost €400 or more per year.
In Spain, residing in bustling cities like Madrid and Barcelona leads to higher insurance premiums. The premiums for Spanish insurance policies are also influenced by factors like driver profile, age, vehicle value, and age, as is the case in many other countries.
By voluntarily increasing your excess or deductible, you have the ability to lower your annual premiums. While most policies have a compulsory excess amount, it is possible to obtain comprehensive packages without any excess. However, these comprehensive packages will be more costly compared to standard comprehensive policies. In addition, certain insurers provide temporary policies for a duration of 3-6 months, but these policies come with a higher monthly rate.
Making a complaint about a Spanish car insurance company
If you wish to file a complaint against a Spanish car insurance firm, you should adhere to these guidelines:
Roadside assistance in Spain
Several insurance firms in Spain provide breakdown support as an optional add-on. Certain comprehensive plans also incorporate this as a default feature.
In Spain, overseas entities like the RAC also offer breakdown cover. The RACE, which is the Spanish Royal Automobile Club, is a membership association that you may opt to become a part of.
However, if you lack insurance, RACE can provide assistance for a fee. In the event of a breakdown on Spanish roads, it is important to contact your insurance provider and relocate your vehicle to the closest secure location, such as a roadside lay-by.
RACE membership typically covers the cost of towing, which is an alternative transportation for the driver and passengers of the car in case of emergency repair. It also includes roadside assistance, which is available in other countries and costs around €16.50 per month.
Additional forms of car insurance in Spain
Besides the regular third-party and comprehensive policies, numerous companies also offer additional safeguard. Below are some of the commonly encountered types:
Car insurance bonuses and penalties in Spain
In Spain, a no-claims bonus system operates where drivers can reduce their year-on-year premiums if they don’t file any claims. Each company will have its own no-claims schedule, and you will earn a 5% discount for each year without any claims. The maximum discount is around 65%.
If you can provide evidence of your no-claims history, you have the option to switch providers and transfer your accumulated no-claims periods from previous insurers. Spanish insurers generally acknowledge no-claims periods earned in other EU countries. Nevertheless, the recognition of favorable driving records from specific non-EU countries may differ among insurers.
If you possess a record of mishaps, insurance rates are prone to rise. Anticipate paying a hefty amount if you, on the other hand, do not have any claims during specific periods, which can result in reduced costs.
Applying for car insurance in Spain
Most car insurance companies now allow customers to apply online in order to simplify the application process. However, a few smaller companies may still ask you to apply by email or over the phone.
The majority of insurers will request the following as a minimum necessity:
Once your insurance company processes your application, you should receive a green card and an EU accident insurance certificate, which serves as proof of insurance when using your Spanish car insurance overseas. It’s worth having a copy of these documents in your vehicle, even though there is no longer a legal requirement to show proof of insurance at any given time.
Car insurance companies in Spain
Some options for Spanish car insurance providers are:.
If you’re having trouble selecting among insurance companies, Acierto.Com can assist you in comparing their services. You can also utilize our Spanish Business Directory to discover alternative insurers.
How to choose Spanish car insurance
When looking for car insurance in Spain, it is a good idea to shop around and take into consideration a wide range of factors rather than just automatically choosing the cheapest policy.
Making a claim with a Spanish car insurer
When submitting a claim, certain expectations will be placed upon you. When obtaining an insurance policy, it is important for companies to provide a clear explanation of their claims procedure. Typically, individuals will have their own unique claims procedure to follow.
If you have comprehensive insurance and are making a claim for damage to your own car, the insurance company will usually assess the damage before paying out, typically only covering a percentage of the vehicle’s value. Spanish companies normally write off the vehicle if repairs cost more than the assessed value.
You should report thefts to your insurer and the police right away. Insurance companies will typically require you to wait 30 days before paying out in the event of a car theft. This is usually within 2-5 days of the accident. You will usually have a set time period in which to file a claim.
Canceling a contract or changing provider
If you wish to switch to another company or cancel, you will need to inform your provider as the car insurance policies in Spain automatically renew after the contract period ends.
Typically, companies have their own terms and conditions for cancellation. You can usually cancel a contract mid-contract with a notice period of two months. However, you probably won’t be refunded any upfront paid amounts. So, be careful not to lose out on that. Premiums in Spanish are usually payable yearly or every six months.
You can typically cancel without any fees for the subsequent reasons:.
Your insurance company has the legal right to decline the renewal of the contract if they provide you with a 15-day notice when it is time for it to expire.
Nowadays, some companies enable customers to cancel their services online. Therefore, if you have the intention to cancel your insurance, it is customary for you to write an email or letter to your insurance company, informing them of your decision and the reasons behind it.