How to Choose a Car Insurance Company in Spain as an Expat
Moving to Spain and buying a car is exciting, but choosing where to insure it can feel confusing. This 2026 guide walks you through how car insurance works in Spain, what to look for in a company, and how to avoid common traps when you're new to the country.
Key Takeaways
In Spain, the legal minimum is third-party liability; most expats are better off with extended third-party or comprehensive cover. Don't just look at price: claims support, English-speaking service and experience with expats matter more when something goes wrong.
- The legal minimum in Spain is third-party liability (seguro de responsabilidad civil)
- Most expats are better off with extended third-party or comprehensive cover
- Claims support and English-speaking service matter more than price when something goes wrong
- A licensed broker can compare several insurers and help with documents like no-claims certificates
- Always check excesses, exclusions and breakdown cover before you say yes to a policy
How Car Insurance Works in Spain
The Legal Minimum: Third-Party Liability
Spanish law requires at least third-party liability cover (seguro de responsabilidad civil). This pays for damage or injury you cause to others while driving. Driving without it is illegal and can lead to large fines and your car being taken off the road.
Third-party-only policies are normally the cheapest. They can work for older, low-value cars where repairing or replacing your own vehicle isn't worth the premium.
Higher Levels of Cover: Extended Third-Party and Comprehensive
Most expats prefer extra protection beyond the legal minimum. Spanish insurers usually offer stepped tiers such as:
Third-Party with Glass
Adds windscreen and window cover to basic liability
Extended Third-Party
Adds theft, fire and sometimes breakdown assistance
Comprehensive ("todo riesgo")
Includes your own damage as well – with or without excess
The company you choose should be clear about what is and isn't included in each tier. If the product grid or wording feels vague, treat that as a warning sign.
Who Actually Underwrites Your Policy?
In Spain, you'll often see three "layers" in the buying process:
When you compare companies, always ask which insurer ultimately backs the policy and how claims are handled in practice.
What to Look for in a Car Insurance Company
Language and Day-to-Day Support
For most expats, this is the deciding factor. Even if you speak some Spanish, explaining an accident or a technical claim detail is easier in your main language.
Look for:
- Clear documentation in English
- Access to support staff who can answer questions in English by email, phone or WhatsApp
Claims Handling and Real Response Times
A low premium is pointless if you can't reach anyone when you need help.
Good signs:
- Stated response times (for example, under two hours during business hours)
- Transparent claims process, ideally with a short "how to claim" page
- Real expat reviews that talk about how claims were handled, not just price
Experience with Expats, Foreign Plates and Licences
Expats face extra questions: UK or non-EU licences, foreign plates, rented accommodation, part-year residency and more. A company that rarely deals with foreigners may struggle with this.
Ask directly:
- • Do you regularly insure non-resident drivers?
- • Can you use a no-claims certificate from abroad?
- • Do they understand the process of moving from foreign plates to Spanish plates?
If the answers are vague, consider a different insurer or a broker used to expat cases.
Broker vs Going Direct
Why Brokers Often Suit Expats Better
A licensed insurance broker in Spain works for you, not for one insurer. They can:
Compare quotes
From multiple companies side by side
Plain English
Present options you can actually understand
Right level of cover
For your car, budget and risk profile
Document help
No-claims certificates, foreign plates, etc.
This is especially useful if you have a complex situation (foreign plates, several cars, young drivers on the policy, or a history of claims).
When Going Direct Can Work
Going directly to a single insurer can make sense if:
- You have a very standard profile and a Spanish-registered car
- You're comfortable reading Spanish policy wording
- You're confident comparing small print yourself
Even then, it's still wise to compare at least two or three offers before you decide.
Practical Steps to Find the Right Company
Once you know the basics, follow these steps:
Request quotes from several providers
For the same level of cover to make comparison fair
Check excesses, glass cover, theft and breakdown
Compare these side by side – not just the headline price
Ask about no-claims bonus from your home country
Find out how they handle foreign claims history
Confirm the process and timeline
For starting cover and receiving documents
Save emergency and claims phone numbers
On your phone as soon as the policy starts
If you prefer not to do this alone, starting with a broker who already works with top Spanish insurers is often the quickest way to a sensible decision.
Expert reviewed
Written and reviewed by licensed insurance agents Maya Kallio and Marco Elsinger, who have helped over 15,000 expats in Spain since 2012.
Maya Kallio
Licensed Insurance Agent
Since 2012
Marco Elsinger
Licensed Insurance Agent
10+ years
Languages: English, Finnish, Spanish, German
Frequently asked questions
Still have questions? Check these answers or get in touch.
Do I really need a broker to get car insurance in Spain?
No, you don't have to use a broker, but many expats find it much easier. A broker can compare several insurers, explain the differences in English and help you avoid gaps in cover. For straightforward cases with good Spanish and plenty of time, going direct to one insurer can work. If you're unsure how cover levels work or have foreign plates, using a broker such as ExpatInsurances can reduce stress and usually doesn't cost more than buying directly, because the broker is paid by the insurer.
Can I use my UK or foreign no-claims bonus in Spain?
Often yes, but it depends on the insurer. Many Spanish insurers accept a no-claims certificate from abroad to lower your premium, especially when it clearly shows the number of claim-free years and the vehicle type. You normally need an official document from your previous insurer and sometimes a translation. If you're working through a broker, they can tell you which insurers are more flexible with foreign no-claims history and what wording is needed for Spanish underwriters.
How fast can I get covered once I choose a company?
For most standard cases, cover can begin the same day once the insurer has all your details, has issued the policy and payment is arranged. Typically you'll provide personal information, driving licence details and car documents, then receive your policy schedule and proof of insurance by email. If anything about your case is unusual (foreign plates, very high-value vehicle), allow extra time in case the insurer requests more information.
Are small or lesser-known Spanish insurers safe to use?
Many smaller brands in Spain are part of larger insurance groups and are properly regulated. The key is not the size of the logo but whether the company is licensed, supervised by the DGSFP and has a fair claims record. If you're unsure, ask your broker which group stands behind the brand, where claims are administered and whether they've had good experiences with that insurer for expat drivers.
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