Is Motorcycle Insurance Mandatory in Spain?
Yes. Just like cars, all motor vehicles including motorcycles, scooters and mopeds must have at least compulsory third-party liability insurance (seguro obligatorio de responsabilidad civil).
Riding Without Insurance Is:
- • Illegal
- • Punishable with fines, possible impound of the bike
- • A huge financial risk if you cause an accident
Types of Motorcycle Insurance in Spain
Spanish insurers usually offer the same structure as for cars, but tailored to bikes:
1. Third Party Only – "Terceros"
This is the legal minimum cover:
- • Covers bodily injury and property damage you cause to others
- • Includes the compulsory civil liability required by law
- • Does not cover damage to your own bike, nor theft
2. Third Party + Theft + Fire – "Terceros ampliado"
Includes everything from third party, plus:
- • Theft of your bike (under certain conditions – usually if properly locked/secured)
- • Fire damage (e.g. garage fire, electrical fire)
3. Fully Comprehensive – "Todo riesgo"
The broadest cover, usually includes:
- • Third-party liability
- • Theft and fire
- • Damage to your own bike, even if the accident is your fault
You can often choose:
- • With excess (con franquicia) – you pay the first part of any damage (e.g. €300), premium is lower
- • Without excess (sin franquicia) – insurer pays from €1, premium is higher
Coverage Comparison: Third Party vs Extended vs Comprehensive
| Coverage Type | Third Party | Extended (TP+) | Comprehensive |
|---|---|---|---|
| Damage to others | |||
| Theft | |||
| Fire damage | |||
| Weather/natural events | |||
| Windscreen damage | |||
| Own damage (your fault) | |||
| Legal defence | |||
| Roadside assistance | |||
| Personal accident cover | |||
| Helmet & gear cover |
Included | Not covered | Optional add-on
Motorcycle Insurance Costs by Bike Type (2026)
Insurance costs vary significantly by engine size, bike type, and coverage level. Here are typical annual premiums for Spain:
| Bike Type | Third Party | Extended (TP+) | Comprehensive |
|---|---|---|---|
| Scooter (50-125cc) | €80-150/year | €120-220/year | €200-400/year |
| Motorcycle (250-500cc) | €120-220/year | €200-350/year | €350-600/year |
| Motorcycle (500-900cc) | €180-320/year | €300-500/year | €500-900/year |
| Sports Bike (900cc+) | €250-450/year | €400-700/year | €700-1500+/year |
| Touring / Adventure | €200-350/year | €350-550/year | €550-1000/year |
Age Discounts
Age 30-55: best rates. Under 25: +30-60% surcharge. Over 65: +10-20%.
No-Claims Bonus
5+ claim-free years: up to 50% discount. EU/UK bonus often partially recognised.
Regional Variation
Madrid/Barcelona: +20-40%. Rural areas: -10-20%. Coastal: average.
What Does Motorcycle Insurance Typically Cover?
Exact cover depends on the insurer and the plan, but common elements include:
Third-Party Liability
- • Injury to other road users (drivers, passengers, pedestrians)
- • Damage to other vehicles, buildings, street furniture
Legal Defence and Bail
- • Legal assistance in case of an accident
- • Defence costs up to a limit
- • Sometimes legal help for fines / traffic offences
Personal Accident Cover (Optional)
- • Personal accident insurance for the rider (and occasionally passenger)
- • Death and disability benefits
- • Medical expenses following an accident
Roadside Assistance (Optional)
- • Tow truck if your bike breaks down or won't start
- • Help if you run out of fuel, lose keys, etc.
- • Sometimes extended to other European countries
Motorcycle Insurance vs Car Insurance – Key Differences
While the basic structure is similar, bikes have their own specifics:
Some insurers have special products for large bikes (touring / sports) or offer cheaper rates for scooters or smaller engines used mostly in cities.
What About Foreign Plates and Non-Residents?
Common expat scenarios:
You brought a foreign-registered motorcycle
- • If you are permanently moving to Spain, you normally have to re-register the bike on Spanish plates (matriculación) within a certain time frame
- • Insuring a foreign-plated motorcycle long term in Spain is not straightforward and often not possible with standard Spanish policies
For short term stays or road trips, your home-country insurance + Green Card may be enough – but check carefully.
Non-Resident Holiday Home Owners
If you own a property in Spain and keep a bike here just for holidays:
- • You still need at least third-party insurance 365 days a year, even if you only ride it a few weeks
- • You may want theft cover if the bike is stored in a garage or parking area that's not 100% secure
What Affects the Price of Motorcycle Insurance in Spain?
Insurers look at:
General rule: Sporty, powerful bikes + young riders + city street parking = higher premiums. Smaller scooters + older riders + secure garage = usually cheaper.
Optional Extras for Motorbike Cover
Depending on the insurer you can add:
Helmet and gear cover
Damage to approved equipment after an accident
Accessory / modification cover
Custom exhausts, luggage systems, etc.
Roadside assistance from km 0
Even from home, not just a certain distance away
Replacement bike
While yours is in repair (less common but exists)
Tip: If you've invested a lot in accessories and gear, make sure you declare them and check if they're covered.
Tips for Expats Choosing Motorcycle Insurance in Spain
Be clear about your usage
Commuter bike, weekend toy, touring bike? Year-round riding or mainly summer?
Decide your priority
Cheapest legal cover? Protection against theft? Full protection for your own bike?
Check language & claims handling
Does the insurer or broker provide English / German / Finnish support? How do you report an accident?
Ask about EU/UK cover
If you travel outside Spain, check which countries are included and for how long.
Compare more than just price
Look at: limits, excess, extras, breakdown cover, theft conditions.
Motorcycle Insurance Costs by Region (2026)
Premiums vary significantly by location due to theft rates, traffic density, and claim frequency:
| Region | 125cc Scooter (TP) | 600cc Bike (TP+) | 1000cc+ (Comprehensive) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Barcelona / Catalonia | €100–€180 | €200–€350 | €400–€700 |
| Madrid | €90–€160 | €180–€320 | €380–€650 |
| Costa del Sol (Málaga) | €80–€140 | €160–€280 | €320–€550 |
| Costa Blanca (Alicante) | €75–€130 | €150–€260 | €300–€520 |
| Balearic Islands | €85–€150 | €170–€290 | €340–€580 |
| Canary Islands | €70–€120 | €140–€240 | €280–€480 |
Note: Prices based on rider aged 30-50 with 5+ years license and no claims. Urban areas within each region typically cost 15-25% more.
Seasonal Considerations for Motorcycle Insurance
Winter Storage (November–February)
- • Some insurers offer reduced premiums for declared winter storage
- • Bike must remain in secure location (not ridden)
- • Theft cover remains active; riding cover suspended
- • Not all insurers offer this—ask specifically
Summer Touring (June–September)
- • Check EU travel extension for trips to France, Portugal
- • Ensure roadside assistance covers destinations
- • Green Card may be required for some countries
- • Consider increased luggage/gear cover for touring
Common Motorcycle Insurance Mistakes to Avoid
Undervaluing Your Bike
Insuring for less than market value means you'll receive less in a total loss. Check current values and insure accordingly.
Not Declaring Modifications
Exhausts, suspension, engine mods must be declared. Undeclared mods can void your policy entirely.
Assuming Home Country Cover Works
UK policies typically only cover 90 days in EU. For residents, Spanish insurance is legally required.
Ignoring Anti-Theft Requirements
Many theft claims require approved locks, alarms, or secure storage. Check requirements before a claim.
Skipping Gear Coverage
Quality helmets and gear can cost €1,000+. Basic policies don't cover them—add gear protection.
Choosing Price Over Coverage
The cheapest policy may have high excess, limited roadside assistance, or no theft cover. Compare carefully.
Motorcycle Insurance Claims Process in Spain
At the Scene
Take photos of damage, exchange details with other parties, call police if injuries occur or for theft. Get a denuncia (police report) for theft claims.
Report Within 7 Days
Call your insurer's 24/7 line or report via their app. Provide policy number, accident details, and any photos taken.
Assessment
A perito (assessor) evaluates damage. Use approved repair shops for faster processing, or get approval for your preferred mechanic.
Settlement
Repair costs paid directly to shop, or payout made minus excess. Typical timeline: 2-6 weeks for straightforward claims.
Final Thoughts
For many expats, the motorcycle is one of the best parts of living in Spain – but also a major asset. The right motorcycle insurance in Spain:
- Keeps you legal on the road
- Protects your finances after an accident
- Gives you options for theft, breakdown and gear cover
With a policy tailored to your bike, riding style and residency status, you can enjoy the Spanish roads with much more peace of mind.