Car Insurance

Expat Car Insurance You Can Rely On!

If you are looking for car insurance in Spain, then Abbeygate Insurance is a great place to start. Abbeygate has been providing expats car insurance products for over 25 years. We know that finding the right cover at the best price can be difficult, so we guarantee to save you money on your premium.

In addition to our low premiums, we offer several key benefits, including all policy documents and services in a language that you can understand, confirmation of cover emailed to you, protected no claims bonus available and an exceptional 24/7 breakdown recovery service.

We also offer a variety of discounts, including discounts for young drivers and drivers with a good driving record. Plus, our professional insurance advisors are always happy to help if you have any questions, need a quote or just some advice. Here is a summary of what you can expect with our competitive car insurance:

• Protected No Claims
• Free Insurance Quotes
• Breakdown Cover for your family and vehicle
• Personal belongings in the vehicle covered
• Accidental damage, Fire, theft, and total loss cover
• Emergency Rescue 24/7
• Europe Wide Cover
• Glass Cover
• Healthcare Expenses
• Personal Injury and Death Cover

Click Here To Get A Free Quote For Our Expat Car Insurance Today! 

Introduction To Car Insurance Spain

Car insurance cover is a legal requirement in Spain. All vehicles must be covered by a third-party liability insurance policy from Spanish insurers. This includes motorcycles and scooters. If you are caught driving without insurance, you can face a fine of up to €3,000.

The Spanish insurance system requires that all cars be registered. You can travel abroad for short periods of time without registering your car in Spain, but you will need third party insurance. Even if a car is parked in an empty area or is inactive, it must have liability coverage.

Third Party Car Insurance

Third party insurance is the most basic type of insurance in Spain. And it's required by law in Spain. This type of insurance is written as "Responsibilidad Civil Obligatoria" or “Seguro Obligationo”.

This type of insurance policy covers you for the losses sustained in an accident, no matter what kind of car you are in. This is generally for a limited period, but you can pay an extra to get unlimited third-party coverage.

This policy is very basic insurance which is allowed in Spain. However, it is important to make sure that you are getting the exact coverage you need when travelling in Spain.

Third Party Fire And Theft

Third Party Fire and Theft insurance is a great option for those looking for car insurance in Spain. It offers protection from fire and theft, as well as liability for civil obligation. This type of insurance is available for all types of cars and there are no separation between them.

Spanish road traffic and road systems can be difficult for the outsider, so it's important to have this type of insurance if you get into an accident. You will need to provide documentation to the court that shows you are liable for any civil obligations.

Fully Comprehensive Package

Fully Comprehensive insurance protects you from the costs of repairing or replacing your car if it is stolen or damaged in an accident, as well as any third-party fees.

It also covers you for breakdown cover, any property damage you may cause to someone else's property while driving your vehicle and medical expenses. The phrase “Todo Riesgo” means "every risk" in Spanish.

However, always remember to check with your insurance company to see what the best deal is as well as the optional extras that are available.

Cancellation Of Vehicle Insurance

In Spain, it's vital to understand that auto insurance will renew once the contract term has expired. This implies that if you wish to cancel your policy or change insurers, you must notify your existing insurer first.

Every insurance company has its own policies and standards regarding cancellations, so double-check with them before making any decisions.

To cancel a contract, the policy holder must usually give two months' notice, however you will not be reimbursed for any prepaid charges.

Vehicle No Claims Bonus (NCB) And Penalties In Spain

As a driver in Spain, you will be eligible for a no-claims bonus up to a maximum of 5 years. Those who do not make a claim will get an additional discount for each year. Each insurance company has its own no-claims policy.

If you change companies, you can carry over your no-claims bonus to the new firm if you can show proof of your previous no-claim record. NCB's earned in other EU countries are generally accepted by a Spanish insurance company for a cheap quote.

Click Here To Get A Free Quote For Our Expat Car Insurance Today!

FAQ's

Can I insure a car in Spain as a non-resident? 

There are several things to consider when insuring a car in Spain as a non-resident. You will need to have proof of ownership of the vehicle, as well as a valid driving license from your home country. You will also need to be registered with the Spanish authorities and have your residency permit in order.

In Spain is the vehicle insured or the person driving it?

In Spain it’s the car that’s covered and not the person driving it. The law in Spain states that all cars owners must have an insurance which is a “Responsabilidad Civil Obligatoria”. This means that if you are driving a car in Spain, that car must be insured to at least Third-Party Liability.

If you are caught driving a car that has not been insured, you will be fined. The fine is currently €600 for first time offenders and increases to €1,500 for second time offenders. Your license may also be suspended for up to six months.

Can you drive in Spain on UK insurance? 

No, you need specific Spanish car insurance when driving in Spain. This is because different countries have different laws and regulations surrounding car insurance, so your UK policy might not cover you in Spain. Make sure to get your insurance before your trip so that you're properly protected.

What documents do I need to insure a car in Spain? 

Most Spanish insurance companies will need the following documents:

• Your passport or ID card
• The car's registration certificate known as the “permiso de circulación”
• The car's insurance certificate known as the “certificado de Seguro”
• Your driver's license
• Proof of address in Spain known as the “certificado de empadronamiento”

If you are a foreigner living in Spain, you will also need to provide proof of your residency status in the form of a residence permit or EU citizenship card.

Can I insure my UK registered car in Spain? 

Vehicle registration and insurance for UK-plated cars in Spain

If you bring a UK-plated vehicle to Spain it must be transferred to Spanish plates within three months. Abbeygate can provide a temporary policy to cover you while the transfer process is carried out.

If you are moving to Spain permanently you must insure your vehicle with a Spanish company because UK insurance will no longer be valid once you have left the country.

If you are keeping your car in the UK and only spending time in Spain you should remain covered by your UK policy.

Can anyone drive an insured car in Spain? 

Yes, anyone including a young driver can drive an insured car in Spain if they are over the age of 18 and have a valid driver's license. If you are buying a car, you will need to provide proof of motor insurance when you pick up the vehicle.

What happens to my car insurance if I leave UK? 

If you're moving to Spain permanently, you'll need to insure your own vehicle with a Spanish company. This is because to insure UK registered cars you need a Spanish policy and the UK insurance policy will no longer be valid once you've left the country.

However, if you're planning on keeping your car in the UK and just spending some time in Spain, then you should be covered.

Can I take my car to Spain permanently or is it just Spanish registered vehicles? 

Yes, you can take your car to Spain permanently. You will need to register it with the Spanish authorities and get Spanish car insurance. It is legally required to pay import duty on your car if it is not already registered in Spain.