Introduction: Why Home Insurance Matters for Expats in Spain
Whether you are buying or renting property in Spain, understanding home insurance is essential. Spanish home insurance is affordable, flexible, and often required for mortgage agreements. Even when it is not mandatory, it provides financial protection against common risks such as water leaks, storms, and theft.
Since 2012, ExpatInsurances.es has helped expats protect their homes and belongings with insurance plans tailored to international residents. This guide explains everything you need to know for 2026.
Is Home Insurance Required in Spain?
If You Are Buying a Property
Home insurance is not legally required in Spain, but mortgage lenders typically demand a minimum level of coverage. This must include:
- Fire protection
- Structural protection
- Liability coverage
If You Are Renting a Property
Home insurance is optional for renters, but highly recommended. You can choose:
- Contents insurance
- Personal belongings coverage
- Liability insurance in case you cause damage
If You Own a Second Home
Holiday homes should always have insurance due to increased risks such as:
- Water leaks when the home is empty
- Break-ins during low season
- Storm or weather damage
How Much Does Home Insurance Cost in Spain in 2026?
Home insurance prices in Spain remain stable and competitive compared to other European countries. Costs depend on your location, property type, size, and coverage level.
| Property Type | Typical Price 2026 | What It Includes |
|---|---|---|
| Apartment (small to medium) | €95 to €180 per year | Water leaks, fire, theft, liability |
| Apartment (large) | €150 to €260 per year | Extended structural and contents coverage |
| House or villa | €180 to €450 per year | Structure, garden, external buildings |
| Rental contents only | €40 to €95 per year | Personal belongings, glass, electronics |
| High-value property | €300 to €700 per year | Premium coverage and low deductibles |
Prices vary by region. Coastal areas and large cities often have slightly higher premiums due to increased risk factors.
Regional Home Insurance Prices Across Spain
Home insurance costs vary significantly by region due to local risk factors like weather patterns, crime rates, and property values.
Costa del Sol
€120–280/year
Higher theft risk in tourist areas. Beach properties may need flood add-ons.
Madrid
€100–220/year
Urban apartments with community insurance. Lower weather risk but higher property values.
Barcelona
€110–250/year
Coastal and urban mix. Higher premiums for ground-floor apartments.
Valencia
€95–200/year
Mediterranean climate. Some flood risk in certain zones (DANA weather).
Canary Islands
€130–300/year
Island logistics affect claims. Holiday home policies common.
Rural Andalucía
€80–180/year
Lower property values but consider extended theft protection for remote fincas.
What Home Insurance Covers in Spain
Standard Coverage
Most home insurance policies include coverage for:
- Fire and smoke damage
- Water leaks and pipe damage
- Electrical incidents
- Storm, wind, and hail
- Theft and burglary
- Broken windows and glass
- Liability insurance for damages caused to neighbours
- Emergency home assistance
Contents Insurance
This covers:
- Furniture
- Electronics
- Personal belongings
- Clothing
- Appliances
Optional Add-Ons
Depending on your needs, you can add:
- High-value item coverage
- Jewelry protection
- Garden and exterior coverage
- Holiday home protection
- Extended theft protection
- Legal assistance
Buildings vs Contents vs Combined: Which Do You Need?
Understanding the difference between buildings, contents, and combined insurance helps you choose the right protection level.
| Feature | Buildings Only | Contents Only | Combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| Typical annual cost | €80–180 | €40–95 | €95–320 |
| Structural damage | |||
| Personal belongings | |||
| Liability coverage | |||
| Water leak repairs | Partial | ||
| Best for | Owners with community insurance | Renters | Homeowners |
Choose Buildings Only If:
- • Your community insurance covers contents
- • You're a landlord with unfurnished property
- • Minimal personal belongings to protect
Choose Contents Only If:
- • You're renting your home
- • Landlord covers the building
- • Short-term stays or furnished rentals
Choose Combined If:
- • You own your home outright
- • You have a mortgage requirement
- • Maximum protection needed
How to Choose the Right Home Insurance in 2026
For Homeowners
Look for:
- Full structural protection
- Replacement value (not depreciated value)
- Water leak coverage without high deductibles
- Fast repair service
For Renters
Focus on:
- Contents insurance
- Personal liability
- Accidental damage protection
- Glass and window breakage
For Landlords
Select:
- Third-party liability
- Rental income protection
- Damage caused by tenants
- Emergency repairs
For Holiday Homes
Choose:
- Unoccupied property protection
- Weather damage coverage
- Alarm and security-based policies
- Fast claim response in remote areas
Hidden Costs to Watch For in Home Insurance
Beyond the annual premium, several factors can affect your total cost of ownership.
Excess/Deductible
Standard excess is €90–150 per claim. Lower excess policies cost more but save money on small claims.
Underinsurance Penalty
If your property is insured for less than its rebuild value, claims may be reduced proportionally.
Vacancy Clauses
Some policies void theft coverage if the property is unoccupied for 30+ days without notification.
Security Requirements
Theft claims may require proof of security measures like deadlocks or alarms.
Documentation Fees
Some insurers charge for policy amendments, certificates, or duplicate documents.
Payment Method
Annual payment is typically 5–10% cheaper than monthly installments.
Common Mistakes to Avoid in 2026
Watch out for these common mistakes:
- • Choosing the cheapest policy without checking deductibles
- • Not verifying coverage for water leaks, which are the most common claims in Spain
- • Insuring the home for market value instead of reconstruction value
- • Forgetting contents coverage if you rent your home furnished
- • Not requesting the English version of the policy document
Mistake: Market Value Insurance
Insuring for market value instead of rebuild cost can leave you significantly underinsured.
Solution: Always insure for reconstruction value plus contents replacement.
Mistake: Ignoring Community Insurance
Not checking what your community already covers leads to paying for duplicate protection.
Solution: Request your community's policy summary before buying individual coverage.
Mistake: No Contents Inventory
Without documentation, proving ownership and value of stolen items becomes difficult.
Solution: Keep photos and receipts for valuable items in cloud storage.
Mistake: Late Claim Reporting
Waiting too long to report damage can result in claim denial or reduced payments.
Solution: Report incidents within 7 days, 24-48 hours for theft.
How to Get Home Insurance in Spain in 2026: Step by Step
1Request a Quote
We help you compare prices from Spain's top insurance companies.
2Choose Your Coverage Level
We guide you through structural, contents, and liability options.
3Receive Your Policy in English
All documents can be delivered in English and formatted for your needs.
4Activate Your Coverage
Most policies activate instantly once payment is confirmed.
5File Claims Easily
You can open claims through mobile apps, customer service hotlines, or online forms.
How to Make a Home Insurance Claim in Spain
Knowing the claims process before you need it ensures faster resolution when incidents occur.
Document the Damage
Take photos and videos of all damage before cleanup. Note the date, time, and circumstances.
Report to Authorities (If Applicable)
For theft or vandalism, file a police report (denuncia) within 24 hours. You'll need this for the claim.
Contact Your Insurer
Report the claim via phone, app, or online portal. Have your policy number ready.
Assessor Visit
For larger claims, an assessor (perito) will visit to evaluate damage. This usually happens within 48–72 hours.
Receive Settlement
Once approved, repairs are arranged or payment is made within 5–15 working days.
Water Leak Emergency?
Water leaks are the most common claims in Spain. Most policies include 24/7 emergency plumber services at no extra cost.
Call your insurer's emergency line immediately—they'll dispatch help within hours.
Ready to Protect Your Home in Spain?
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