Car Insurance Glossary Spain
Essential Spanish car insurance terms explained in plain English. Understand your policy, know your rights, and navigate the system with confidence.
Policy Types
(3 terms)Seguro a terceros
Third-party insurance
Third-party insurance (seguro a terceros) is the minimum legal requirement in Spain. It covers damage you cause to other people, their vehicles, and their property. It does NOT cover damage to your own vehicle. This is the most basic and cheapest type of car insurance.
Why it matters for expats:
If you're driving an older car (10+ years) or a low-value vehicle, third-party insurance often makes financial sense. However, you'll pay for your own repairs out of pocket if you're at fault in an accident.
Todo riesgo
Comprehensive (all risks)
Comprehensive insurance (todo riesgo) covers damage to your own vehicle in addition to third-party liability. This includes collision damage, theft, fire, vandalism, and natural disasters. It's the most complete coverage available.
Why it matters for expats:
Recommended for new vehicles, financed cars, or any vehicle where repair costs would be significant. The premium is higher, but you're protected against most scenarios.
Seguro a terceros ampliado
Extended third-party
Extended third-party insurance (seguro a terceros ampliado) adds additional coverage to basic third-party. Typically includes fire, theft, windscreen, and roadside assistance, but NOT collision damage to your own vehicle.
Why it matters for expats:
This is the most popular choice among expats in Spain. It offers a good balance between price and protection—especially useful if you want theft and fire coverage without paying for full comprehensive.
Financial Terms
(3 terms)Franquicia
Excess or deductible
The franquicia (excess/deductible) is the amount you pay out of pocket before your insurance kicks in when making a claim. For example, with a €300 franquicia, you pay the first €300 of any claim.
Why it matters for expats:
A higher franquicia means lower premiums but more out-of-pocket costs when you claim. Consider your financial situation and driving history when choosing. Many expats choose €300-€500 excess to balance premium costs.
Prima
Premium (the amount you pay)
The prima is the amount you pay for your insurance policy, typically quoted annually in Spain. Payment options usually include annual (often with a discount), bi-annual, or monthly installments.
Why it matters for expats:
Paying annually usually saves 5-10% compared to monthly payments. Spanish insurers often quote the annual price, so divide by 12 to understand your monthly cost.
Bonificación
No-claims bonus discount
Bonificación is the discount you earn for each year without making a claim. In Spain, this can reach up to 50% off your premium after several claim-free years. Some insurers also recognize no-claims history from other countries.
Why it matters for expats:
We help transfer your no-claims history from the UK, EU, and other countries where possible. This can significantly reduce your premium from day one. Keep documentation from your previous insurer ready.
Coverage Types
(5 terms)Lunas
Windscreen and glass cover
Lunas coverage pays for repair or replacement of windscreen, side windows, and rear glass. In Spain, this is often offered as an add-on to third-party policies or included in comprehensive.
Why it matters for expats:
Stone chips are common on Spanish highways, especially in summer. Windscreen replacement can cost €300-€600+, so this add-on often pays for itself. Check if your policy includes lunas before adding it.
Robo
Theft coverage
Robo coverage protects against theft of the vehicle or its contents. In Spain, this typically covers total theft and sometimes partial theft (parts, stereo). Some policies require specific anti-theft devices.
Why it matters for expats:
Certain areas of Spain have higher vehicle theft rates. If you park on the street or in unsecured areas, theft coverage provides important peace of mind. Check what anti-theft requirements your policy has.
Incendio
Fire coverage
Incendio covers damage to your vehicle from fire, including engine fires, arson, and fire spreading from other sources. This is usually included in extended third-party and comprehensive policies.
Why it matters for expats:
Engine fires can happen unexpectedly, and summer wildfires are an increasing risk in parts of Spain. Fire coverage is relatively inexpensive and provides important protection.
Asistencia en carretera
Roadside assistance
Asistencia en carretera provides help when you break down, including towing, flat tire changes, battery jump-starts, fuel delivery, and lockout assistance. Coverage radius varies by policy.
Why it matters for expats:
Essential if you drive in rural Spain or aren't confident dealing with mechanics in Spanish. Most policies cover towing up to a limit (often 50-100km). Check if European coverage is included for cross-border trips.
Defensa jurídica
Legal defense
Defensa jurídica covers legal costs if you need to defend yourself after an accident or pursue a claim against another party. This includes lawyer fees, court costs, and expert witnesses.
Why it matters for expats:
Legal proceedings in Spain can be lengthy and expensive. This coverage is especially valuable if you're not fluent in Spanish, as it typically includes translation costs and access to lawyers who can communicate in English.
Claims & Process
(4 terms)Siniestro
Claim or incident
A siniestro is any incident covered by your insurance policy—this includes accidents, theft, damage, and any event that may result in a claim. In Spanish insurance, 'declarar un siniestro' means to file a claim.
Why it matters for expats:
When something happens, you need to 'declarar un siniestro' (report a claim) to your insurer. Time limits often apply, so report incidents quickly. We can help you through the claims process in English.
Parte amistoso
Friendly accident report
The parte amistoso (also called parte europeo de accidente) is a standardized European accident form that both drivers fill out at the scene. It documents what happened and helps insurers process claims faster.
Why it matters for expats:
Keep a blank form in your glovebox—we can provide one in English/Spanish. Fill it out calmly at the scene, draw a clear diagram, and never sign if you disagree with the other driver's account.
Reclamación
Claim (formal request)
Reclamación refers to the formal process of claiming compensation from your insurance or another party's insurance. This includes submitting documentation, damage assessments, and following up on the claim.
Why it matters for expats:
The claims process in Spain can feel bureaucratic. Having an English-speaking broker means you have support navigating the process, ensuring proper documentation, and following up on your behalf.
Perito
Insurance assessor
A perito is a qualified assessor appointed by the insurance company to evaluate damage after an accident or incident. They determine the cost of repairs and whether the vehicle is a write-off.
Why it matters for expats:
If you disagree with the perito's assessment, you can request a second opinion. Keep your own photos and estimates as evidence. We can help you navigate disputes with assessors.
People & Roles
(3 terms)Tomador
Policyholder
The tomador is the person who takes out and pays for the insurance policy. This can be different from the vehicle owner or the main driver. The tomador is responsible for premium payments and policy administration.
Why it matters for expats:
In Spain, the tomador doesn't have to be the vehicle owner. This is useful for family situations or when a company insures employee vehicles. However, for claims purposes, proper documentation is essential.
Asegurado
Insured person
The asegurado is the person whose interest is protected by the insurance—typically the vehicle owner. They are the beneficiary of the policy and can make claims even if they didn't take out the policy.
Why it matters for expats:
Make sure you understand whether you're the tomador, asegurado, or both. This affects who can make changes to the policy and who receives claim payments.
Conductor habitual
Regular/named driver
The conductor habitual is the person who drives the vehicle most often. Spanish insurers assess risk partly based on this person's profile (age, experience, claims history). Additional drivers can usually be added to the policy.
Why it matters for expats:
Always declare the correct conductor habitual—misrepresentation can void your policy. If multiple people drive regularly, check if they need to be added as named drivers or if your policy covers occasional other drivers.
Documents
(4 terms)Ficha técnica
Vehicle technical document
The ficha técnica is the official Spanish vehicle registration document containing technical specifications: make, model, engine size, weight, emissions, etc. It's required for insurance and registration.
Why it matters for expats:
You'll need your ficha técnica to get insurance quotes and register your vehicle. If you're importing a car, you'll receive this after the ITV inspection and homologation process.
Permiso de circulación
Vehicle registration permit
The permiso de circulación is proof of vehicle ownership and registration in Spain. It shows the owner's details and must be carried when driving. It's different from the ficha técnica.
Why it matters for expats:
Along with your driving license and insurance documents, you should always carry your permiso de circulación. Police can request it during traffic stops.
ITV
Vehicle inspection (MOT equivalent)
ITV (Inspección Técnica de Vehículos) is the mandatory vehicle inspection in Spain—similar to the UK MOT. New cars are exempt for 4 years, then require inspection every 2 years until 10 years old, then annually.
Why it matters for expats:
Your insurance may be affected if your ITV expires. Some policies won't pay claims if the vehicle failed or missed its ITV. Keep your ITV certificate current and in the vehicle.
Carta verde
Green Card (international motor insurance)
The carta verde (Green Card) is an international certificate of motor insurance that proves you have minimum legal coverage when driving abroad. Since Brexit, UK drivers need this to prove insurance in the EU.
Why it matters for expats:
If your car is insured in Spain, the Green Card is typically included at no extra cost and allows you to drive throughout Europe. Always carry it when crossing borders.
Related guides
Car Insurance Cost Spain
What expats actually pay—€350-€750/year typical. Factors that affect your premium.
Read guideNon-Resident Car Insurance
Insurance options for UK plates, foreign plates, and non-residents in Spain.
Read guideTransfer Foreign Car to Spanish Plates
Step-by-step guide to re-registering your vehicle and getting Spanish plates.
Read guideReady to get car insurance in Spain?
Now that you understand the terminology, let us find you the right coverage. We explain everything in English and handle the Spanish paperwork.
Get Car Insurance QuotesCommon questions
Why are car insurance terms different in Spain?
Spain has its own insurance system and terminology. While the concepts are similar to UK/EU insurance, the Spanish terms (like franquicia, todo riesgo, siniestro) are used in all policies and communications. Understanding these terms helps you choose the right coverage and handle claims effectively.
What's the difference between franquicia and excess?
They're the same thing—franquicia is simply the Spanish word for excess/deductible. It's the amount you pay out of pocket before your insurance covers the rest. Common amounts in Spain are €150, €300, or €500.
Do I need todo riesgo or is terceros ampliado enough?
It depends on your vehicle's value and your risk tolerance. Terceros ampliado (extended third-party) covers theft, fire, windscreen, and roadside assistance—often enough for vehicles over 5-7 years old. Todo riesgo (comprehensive) adds collision damage to your own car, recommended for newer or financed vehicles.
What is a parte amistoso and do I need one?
The parte amistoso is a European standard accident report form. You should keep one in your car—both drivers complete it at the scene of an accident. It speeds up the claims process significantly. We can provide you with an English/Spanish version.
Can I transfer my no-claims bonus (bonificación) to Spain?
Yes, many Spanish insurers recognize no-claims history from the UK, EU, and some other countries. You'll need a letter from your previous insurer confirming your claims-free years. We help maximize this discount when arranging your quote.
What documents do I need to carry when driving in Spain?
You should always carry: (1) Your driving licence, (2) Insurance documents (at minimum, the policy number), (3) ITV certificate if applicable, (4) Vehicle registration (permiso de circulación). Police can request these during traffic stops.