Do I Need To Take Out Car Insurance in Spain?

The short answer of course is yes although it is surprising just how many people are not sure whether they are obliged to take out car insurance in Spain.

Firstly let’s cover the question from the position of somebody who does not live in Spain but who intends to travel with their vehicle or car to Spain for a short visit.

In this instance it is essential that you either contact your insurance company, broker or simply read the documentation to see if you will be covered to drive your car abroad in Spain.

Many car insurance policies include a limited period for which you can drive abroad.

For many people who have cars registered in the United Kingdom you will find you will be allowed to drive on the continent, in Europe, for up to 90 days. Check the small print because often it is a requirement of your insurance policy that you notify your insurer in advance of the dates that your car will be out of the country.

Secondly let’s cover this question from the position of somebody who is resident and living permanently in the country of Spain. In this instance there is absolutely no doubt that it is compulsory and obligatory to insure your car for use on the Spanish roads. In Spanish the translation is seguro obligatorio.

The minimum car insurance in Spain is the third-party cover.  Third-party car insurance covers any claim by third parties but does not cover damage to the driver’s own car. If you are concerned about the value of your car or vehicle then consider taking out comprehensive car insurance Spain which includes everything you need to protect yourself against damages, theft, fire and any personal injury claims.

What Are the Risks of Not Taking Out Car Insurance?

Many people in Spain to drive without any insurance whatsoever. Of course this is not only illegal but extremely dangerous. If you are involved in accidents in Spain you could find yourself being taken to court and sue for an extremely large amount if the other party involved in the accident has suffered personal injuries and requires extensive medical treatment and attention on a long-term basis.

Not only that but he could be facing a fine of at least €3000 or possibly even be sent to prison if you are a persistent offender. Why take the risk?

If you do a bit of research on the Internet you will very quickly be able to fill out a few on some websites will be e-mailed quotes the same day. The cost of insuring your car in Spain is really not so expensive and certainly not worth going to prison for by not having any insurance.

If you have any experience of living in Spain you will be familiar with the frequent checks and stops that the police carry out at many junctions and roundabouts. Often they may just look in your boot but just as often they will ask for the documentation for your car, including wanting to see the cover note.

You can even be fined if it is not obvious that you have paid for your car insurance even though you may have the policy documentation! So if you have gone to the bank to pay your car insurance keep the payment slip with your documents.

If you have brought your car to Spain and it is registered in the United Kingdom and still has UK licence plates then once you have been in Spain for six months you are legally obliged to import the car into Spain and reregister it on to Spanish license plates.

We get many questions about insurance concerning UK registered vehicles. Because of this we have a separate page entitled Can I Insure My UK Registered Car in Spain? but the short answer is that your car has to be insured somewhere whether it be the United Kingdom or Spain.

There are a number of insurance companies and insurance brokers in Spain who offer Spanish car insurance on UK registered vehicles although this is very much a grey area so we highly recommend you do your research and make the decision yourself with which you feel most comfortable bearing in mind the risks involved.