Car Insurance in Spain for Expats 2026 Guide

Yes. Every vehicle must be insured at least with third-party liability (seguro a terceros). This is required by law regardless of whether you drive daily or keep the car parked. Even vehicles stored in private garages technically need insurance, though enforcement focuses on road use.

Yes. You'll need an NIE number (foreigner identification) and a valid driving license. Some insurers accept non-residents with passport and proof of Spanish address, though options are more limited and premiums higher. Working with a broker experienced in expat cases opens more market access.

Basic third-party starts at €180-350/year for experienced drivers with Spanish history. New-to-Spain expats typically pay €300-500 for third-party, €450-800 for comprehensive. Young drivers under 25 can expect €650-1,200. Your quote depends on age, vehicle, region, and driving history documentation.

Sometimes yes, but it varies by insurer. You'll need an official letter from your previous insurer (in English or translated) showing years insured and claims history. Some Spanish insurers accept 3-5 years of foreign no-claims, others ignore it entirely. Brokers know which insurers are flexible.

Driving without insurance is a serious offence. Fines range from €601 to €3,005, plus potential vehicle impoundment. If you cause an accident uninsured, you're personally liable for all damages—which could mean hundreds of thousands in injury claims. The traffic police (DGT) actively check insurance status.

Legally, yes—even parked vehicles must be insured in Spain. Practically, if stored in a private garage and officially de-registered (baja temporal), some insurers offer reduced 'parked vehicle' rates. But any car with active registration needs full third-party minimum, even if you're abroad for months.

EU licenses are valid indefinitely for residents, though Spain recommends exchanging after 2 years. UK licenses (post-Brexit) are valid for 6 months from residency, then must be exchanged. Other non-EU licenses typically have 6-12 month validity depending on bilateral agreements. Check before your deadline—expired licenses mean no valid insurance.

Usually yes—most policies include basic roadside assistance (asistencia en carretera). However, the level varies: basic policies might only cover towing within 50km, while comprehensive often includes Spain-wide recovery, replacement vehicle, and travel home if stranded. Check the specific limits in your policy.

Third-party (terceros) only covers damage you cause to others—their car, property, and injuries. Your own vehicle damage isn't covered. Comprehensive (todo riesgo) adds coverage for your own car including collision, theft, fire, weather damage, and usually glass. The price difference can be €200-500/year depending on your vehicle value.

Yes, but options are limited and temporary. Some specialist insurers cover foreign plates for 30-90 days while you're re-registering. After that, most won't insure foreign plates. The legal position is also risky—if resident over 6 months, you should have Spanish plates. We recommend temporary cover only as a bridge during the re-plating process.

Yes. Third-party liability automatically covers injuries to your passengers (up to policy limits, typically €50-70 million). This is mandatory coverage. However, if you want specific benefits like personal accident cover for the driver or higher limits for occupants, check whether your policy includes these extras or if you need to add them.

First, complete a joint accident report (parte amistoso) with the other driver—forms are provided by insurers. Take photos, note witnesses, and call police if there are injuries or disputes. Report to your insurer within 7 days. For theft or vandalism, file a police report (denuncia) first. Most insurers have 24h helplines and apps for faster claims.