Vehicle / Car Insurance in Spain
Turner Insurance News • January 31, 2018
Insuring a car in Spain?
Find out about the types of vehicle / car insurance available in Spain and how to make a claim. Also, find out what the cover provides and how to insure a foreign car in Spain. All vehicles must have at least third party insurance. Proof of insurance must be carried at all times. There are penalties for drivers of vehicles without valid insurance.
Types of Insurance
Spanish insurance policies may vary from the standards of other countries, including EU countries. For example, when a car is considered a write-off in Spain, the insurance company will only refund a percentage of the value.
It is obligatory for all cars to have at least third party, fire and theft insurance (part comprehensive). This is called: seguro a terceros or responsabilidad civil obligatoria
Fully comprehensive “all risks” insurance (Seguro a todo riesgo) is available and often obligatory when leasing a car or buying on hire purchase.
Optional driver and passenger insurance (Seguro de ocupantes) provides compensation for loss of earnings and death. Special insurance may be required for exceptional contents and accessories.
Helpful Links
The Spanish insurance system operates on a no-claims bonus (bonification/sistema bonus-malus). In order to benefit, evidence of no prior claims will need to be provided. It can significantly reduce the cost of insurance. A premium may be reduced by electing to pay an excess (franquicia or deducible).
Claiming after an accident
To find out about what to do after a motor vehicle accident in Spain, see the Angloinfo guide Road Accidents in Spain
If an accident is caused by an uninsured vehicle, injured party or owner of damaged property is entitled to compensation from the Insurance Compensation Pool (Consorcio de Compensación de Seguros).
If the car is registered in another country, a Green Card must be displayed.
