Motorcycle Insurance Glossary Spain
Essential Spanish motorcycle insurance terms explained in plain English. Understand your moto policy, know your rights, and ride with confidence.
Terms by category
Policy Types
(4 terms)Seguro a terceros moto
Third-party motorcycle insurance
Third-party motorcycle insurance (seguro a terceros moto) is the minimum legal requirement for riding in Spain. It covers injury and damage you cause to other people and their property but does NOT cover damage to your motorcycle or injuries to yourself.
Why it matters for expats:
Required by law to ride any motorcycle in Spain. If you're riding an older or lower-value bike, this basic coverage may be sufficient. However, you'll pay for your own repairs and medical costs if you're at fault.
Todo riesgo moto
Comprehensive motorcycle insurance
Comprehensive motorcycle insurance (todo riesgo moto) provides the highest level of protection. It covers third-party liability plus damage to your own motorcycle from accidents, theft, fire, vandalism, and natural events—regardless of who is at fault.
Why it matters for expats:
Essential for new, expensive, or financed motorcycles. While premiums are higher, you're fully protected against most scenarios. Many expats choose this for peace of mind, especially with premium bikes.
Terceros ampliado moto
Extended third-party motorcycle
Extended third-party motorcycle insurance adds theft, fire, and often roadside assistance to basic third-party coverage. It does NOT cover collision damage to your bike if you're at fault, but protects against the most common non-collision risks.
Why it matters for expats:
Popular choice for mid-value motorcycles. You get protection against theft (a significant risk for motorcycles) and fire without paying comprehensive rates. Good balance of coverage and cost.
Seguro ciclomotor
Moped/scooter insurance (under 50cc)
Insurance specifically for ciclomotores—mopeds and scooters under 50cc. These vehicles have different legal requirements and typically lower premiums than larger motorcycles. Still requires minimum third-party coverage.
Why it matters for expats:
If you're riding a small scooter for city commuting, you need specific ciclomotor insurance. Rates are typically €100-€250/year. Great for getting around Spanish cities affordably.
Financial Terms
(4 terms)Franquicia moto
Motorcycle excess/deductible
The franquicia is the amount you pay out of pocket when making a claim before your insurance covers the rest. Motorcycle policies typically offer franquicia options from €150 to €600. Higher excess means lower premiums.
Why it matters for expats:
Motorcycle repairs can be expensive. Consider your financial situation when choosing excess levels. A €300 franquicia is common—high enough to reduce premiums but manageable if you need to claim.
Prima moto
Motorcycle insurance premium
The prima is the total annual cost of your motorcycle insurance. Premiums in Spain depend on engine size, bike type, rider age and experience, location, and claims history. Sport bikes typically cost more to insure than touring or commuter motorcycles.
Why it matters for expats:
Motorcycle premiums in Spain range from €150/year for basic scooter coverage to €800+ for comprehensive sport bike insurance. Annual payment often saves 5-10% compared to monthly installments.
Bonificación moto
No-claims motorcycle bonus
The bonificación is your discount for claim-free years. Spanish insurers offer up to 50% discount for long-term riders without claims. Some insurers accept no-claims proof from other countries.
Why it matters for expats:
We help transfer your motorcycle no-claims history from other countries where possible. Bring documentation from your previous insurer showing claim-free years to maximize your discount.
Valor convenido
Agreed value
Valor convenido is when you and the insurer agree on your motorcycle's value at policy start. If the bike is stolen or written off, you receive this agreed amount rather than market value at time of loss.
Why it matters for expats:
Important for classic, rare, or customized motorcycles that may be worth more than standard market valuations. Ensures you receive fair compensation for a unique bike.
Coverage Types
(5 terms)Robo moto
Motorcycle theft coverage
Robo moto covers theft of your motorcycle. This includes total theft and attempted theft damage. Many policies require anti-theft devices like disc locks, chains, or alarms. Coverage may be reduced if security requirements aren't met.
Why it matters for expats:
Motorcycles are high-theft targets in Spain. Theft coverage is essential, especially in urban areas. Check your policy's security requirements—using approved locks can be mandatory for claims.
Equipamiento y accesorios
Gear and accessories coverage
Coverage for riding gear (helmets, jackets, gloves, boots) and motorcycle accessories (GPS, luggage systems, aftermarket parts). Standard policies have limits; additional coverage may be available for valuable equipment.
Why it matters for expats:
Quality riding gear costs hundreds of euros. Check if your policy covers gear in case of accident or theft. Consider adding extra coverage if you have expensive equipment—some policies cap gear coverage at €500-€1000.
Asistencia en carretera moto
Motorcycle roadside assistance
Motorcycle-specific roadside assistance including breakdown towing, flat tire help, fuel delivery, and accident recovery. Coverage distance varies by policy, typically 50-150km. Some policies include European coverage.
Why it matters for expats:
Motorcycle breakdowns can leave you stranded. Unlike cars, you can't easily get a temporary spare tire fitted roadside. Good assistance coverage includes transport for both you and your bike.
Daños propios
Own damage coverage
Daños propios covers damage to your own motorcycle in an accident, regardless of fault. This is what separates comprehensive from third-party insurance. Includes collision damage, single-vehicle accidents, and falls.
Why it matters for expats:
Without daños propios, you pay for your own repairs if you drop your bike or have a single-vehicle accident. Essential for expensive motorcycles where repair costs could be significant.
Accidentes del conductor
Rider personal accident cover
Coverage for the rider's injuries, including medical expenses, disability, and death benefits. This protects you as the rider, separate from liability coverage which protects others you might injure.
Why it matters for expats:
Motorcycle accidents often result in rider injuries. This coverage provides compensation for medical treatment, time off work, and permanent disability. Check the coverage limits and what's included.
Claims & Process
(4 terms)Siniestro moto
Motorcycle claim/incident
A siniestro is any insured event involving your motorcycle—accident, theft, damage, or injury. 'Declarar un siniestro' means reporting a claim to your insurer. Time limits apply, usually 7 days for most incidents.
Why it matters for expats:
Report incidents promptly to avoid claim complications. Take photos at the scene, get witness details, and if another vehicle is involved, complete the parte amistoso (accident form).
Siniestro total
Total loss/write-off
When repair costs exceed a percentage of the motorcycle's value (typically 75-80%), it's declared siniestro total (write-off). You receive the insured value minus excess, and the insurer takes the damaged bike.
Why it matters for expats:
Motorcycle write-offs are more common than cars due to the nature of bike damage. Understand your policy's write-off threshold and whether you have agreed value or market value coverage.
Parte amistoso moto
Friendly accident report
The standardized European accident form used when motorcycles are involved in collisions with other vehicles. Both parties complete the form at the scene, documenting what happened for insurers.
Why it matters for expats:
Keep a blank form with your documents. Fill it out carefully—your signature affects your claim. If you disagree with the other party's account, note this and don't sign their version.
Perito moto
Motorcycle damage assessor
A qualified assessor who evaluates motorcycle damage after accidents. They determine repair costs, whether parts need replacement or repair, and if the bike is a write-off.
Why it matters for expats:
Motorcycle damage assessment requires specialist knowledge. If you disagree with the assessment, request a second opinion. Keep your own photos and get independent repair estimates.
People & Roles
(2 terms)Conductor habitual moto
Main/regular rider
The conductor habitual is the primary rider of the motorcycle. Insurers assess risk based on this person's age, experience, and claims history. The policy may cover occasional other riders or require them to be named.
Why it matters for expats:
Accurately declare the main rider—misrepresentation can void coverage. Young or inexperienced riders typically pay higher premiums. Check if occasional riders (partners, friends) are covered under your policy.
Segundo conductor
Second/additional named rider
An additional person named on your motorcycle policy who is covered to ride the bike. Adding a segundo conductor affects premiums based on their risk profile (age, experience, claims history).
Why it matters for expats:
If someone else regularly rides your motorcycle, they should be named on the policy. Unnamed occasional riders may be covered with restrictions—check your policy terms carefully.
Documents
(4 terms)Permiso de circulación moto
Motorcycle registration document
The official registration document proving motorcycle ownership in Spain. Required for insurance, roadside checks, and any official transactions. Must be carried when riding.
Why it matters for expats:
Always carry your permiso de circulación when riding. Police regularly check documents. Without it, you may face fines even if the bike is properly registered.
Ficha técnica moto
Motorcycle technical document
The official document containing your motorcycle's technical specifications: make, model, engine size, power output, emissions, weight, etc. Needed for insurance quotes and registration.
Why it matters for expats:
Your ficha técnica determines your insurance premium—larger engines and higher power typically cost more to insure. Keep this document safe; you'll need it for insurance renewals.
ITV moto
Motorcycle inspection (MOT equivalent)
ITV (Inspección Técnica de Vehículos) is the mandatory motorcycle inspection in Spain. New bikes are exempt for 4 years, then require inspection every 2 years. Bikes over 10 years need annual inspection.
Why it matters for expats:
Valid ITV is required for insurance claims. An expired ITV can void your coverage. Mark your calendar for inspection dates and book early—ITV stations get busy.
Carnet de moto
Motorcycle license
Your motorcycle license (carnet de moto) determines what bikes you can ride. Spain uses EU categories: AM (mopeds), A1 (125cc), A2 (restricted), A (unrestricted). Your license type affects insurance eligibility.
Why it matters for expats:
You must hold the correct license for your motorcycle's category. Riding without proper license voids insurance and carries serious penalties. EU licenses are valid; non-EU may need exchange.
Ready to get motorcycle 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 Motorcycle Insurance QuotesCommon questions
Is motorcycle insurance mandatory in Spain?
Yes, minimum third-party liability insurance (seguro a terceros moto) is required by law for all motorcycles and scooters ridden on public roads in Spain, including mopeds under 50cc.
Why is motorcycle insurance more expensive than car insurance?
Motorcycles have higher accident and theft rates than cars. Riders are more vulnerable to injury, and bikes are easier to steal. However, smaller scooters and experienced riders with no-claims history can find affordable coverage.
Does my policy cover my riding gear?
Many policies include limited gear coverage (€500-€1000) for helmets, jackets, and gloves damaged in an accident. Check your policy's 'equipamiento' section and consider adding extra coverage if you have expensive gear.
What anti-theft devices are required for theft coverage?
Requirements vary by insurer but typically include disc locks, chains, or alarms. Some insurers require approved devices and may reduce payout if security requirements aren't met. Check your policy's specific requirements.
Can I transfer my no-claims bonus from another country?
Many Spanish insurers accept no-claims proof from EU countries and sometimes beyond. We help transfer your motorcycle no-claims history where possible. Bring documentation from your previous insurer.
What license do I need to ride in Spain?
Spain uses EU license categories: AM for mopeds, A1 for 125cc, A2 for restricted power bikes, and A for unrestricted. EU licenses are valid; non-EU licenses may need to be exchanged depending on agreements with your home country.
Related guides
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UK Motorcycle Third-Party Insurance Spain
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Temporary Motorcycle Insurance Spain
Short-term coverage for visiting riders and seasonal use.