Why "Third-Party in Spain" Usually Starts with Your UK Policy
For a UK-plated motorcycle that stays registered in the UK, the cleanest route is normally UK insurance that provides EU riding cover. The UK government states that UK vehicle insurance provides the minimum third-party cover to drive in the EU (including Ireland) and other listed countries.
That does not mean every policy gives you the same real-world protection. Minimum third-party is the legal baseline, but your insurer may set practical conditions such as how you prove cover, who can ride, and what counts as a "temporary trip."
The Key Point
Spanish insurers typically require Spanish registration and residency documentation. Trying to buy "Spanish motorcycle insurance" for a UK-plated bike that stays UK-registered often wastes time and money. The fastest, most reliable route is confirming your UK policy covers Spain.
The only safe approach: Check your policy documents or ask your insurer for a written confirmation of cover for Spain, including the specific dates you'll be riding there.
What "Third-Party" Actually Covers on a Spain Trip
Third-party liability is meant to protect other people and property if you cause an accident. It does not protect your own bike for damage, theft, or your own medical costs.
What Third-Party DOES Cover
- • Injury to other people in an accident you cause
- • Damage to other vehicles, property, or infrastructure
- • Legal defence costs if you're sued
- • Passenger injuries (depending on policy)
What Third-Party DOESN'T Cover
- • Damage to your own motorcycle
- • Theft of your motorcycle
- • Your own medical expenses
- • Vandalism or fire damage to your bike
- • Breakdown or mechanical failure
So if your goal is simply "be legal in Spain," third-party is enough. If you want protection against theft, damage to your bike, or assistance if something goes wrong, you need additional cover.
Spanish Insurance Requirements
Spain has among the highest minimum insurance requirements in Europe. Understanding these helps you confirm your UK policy is adequate.
| Coverage Type | Spanish Minimum | UK Typical | Compliant? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Personal Injury (per claim) | €70,000,000 | Unlimited | |
| Property Damage (per claim) | €15,000,000 | £20,000,000+ | |
| EU Cover Included | Required | Standard (minimum) |
Good news: UK motorcycle insurance policies typically meet or exceed Spanish minimums. The main concern is confirming your cover is valid for the duration and nature of your trip, not the limits themselves.
Do You Need a Green Card for Spain with a UK-Registered Bike?
For EU driving, you do not need to carry a Green Card for Spain. GOV.UK explicitly says a Green Card is not needed for driving in the EU, including Ireland.
EU Countries (No Green Card Required)
Your UK insurance provides minimum cover automatically. No Green Card needed for:
Spain, France, Portugal, Italy, Germany, Austria, Belgium, Netherlands, and all other EU/EEA countries.
Non-EU Countries (Green Card May Be Required)
If your route includes countries outside the EU Green Card-free zone, you may need a Green Card:
Morocco, Tunisia, Turkey, Serbia, Bosnia, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Albania.
Digital Green Cards: From 1 January 2025, UK motorists can use a digital Green Card as proof of insurance in Green Card system countries where it's required.
For Spain specifically: Even if a Green Card isn't required, you still want clear proof of cover you can show quickly if stopped.
What Proof of Insurance Should You Carry in Spain?
Spain's public administration guidance on motor insurance validity and proof of cover describes carrying proof such as the receipt for the current insurance period showing insurer, registration number, cover period, and compulsory cover indication.
Certificate of Motor Insurance
Your UK insurance certificate showing you're covered for the motorcycle. Keep digital and printed copies.
Written Confirmation of EU Cover
A letter from your insurer confirming Spain is included for your specific travel dates.
V5C Registration Document
Proof you're the registered keeper of the motorcycle. Carry the original or a certified copy.
Driving Licence
Your full UK motorcycle licence. An IDP isn't required in Spain but can help with identification.
Keep it simple: One folder on your phone with digital copies + one waterproof document holder with paper backups. If stopped, being able to show documents quickly prevents long roadside delays.
The 2 Realistic Routes for a 5-Week Spain Tour on UK Plates
UK Policy with EU/Spain Cover Confirmed (Most Common)
This is usually the fastest and cleanest. The UK government position supports that minimum third-party cover applies for EU driving.
Your job is to confirm the details with your insurer:
- • Do you have EU cover for the full 5-week travel period?
- • Does your policy treat 5 weeks as a temporary trip?
- • What level of cover applies abroad (third-party only, or full comprehensive)?
- • Are there any special conditions for riding in Spain?
- • Can you get written confirmation for your travel dates?
Change/Replace UK Cover if Your Insurer Restricts EU Riding
Some insurers limit what they include abroad or make it harder to document. If your current insurer won't confirm Spain cover in writing (or the trip length doesn't fit their rules), the fix is usually switching UK policy/provider.
What usually doesn't work well:
Trying to buy "Spanish motorcycle insurance" for a UK-plated bike that stays UK-registered. Many Spanish policies are built around Spanish registration and residency patterns, so you'll often waste time.
UK Policy vs Spanish Policy: Quick Comparison
| Factor | UK Policy (for UK plates) | Spanish Policy (for UK plates) |
|---|---|---|
| Availability | Easy to arrange | Difficult/impossible |
| Documentation | Standard UK docs | Needs Spanish registration |
| EU Cover | Included (minimum TP) | N/A for UK plates |
| Processing Time | Same day – 1 week | Usually not possible |
| Trip Length Limits | 30–90 days typical | N/A |
| Best For | UK residents touring Spain | N/A for touring |
Third-Party vs Third-Party F&T vs Comprehensive: What Applies Abroad?
Your UK policy may offer comprehensive cover at home but revert to third-party only when abroad. Here's what each level means for your Spain trip:
| What's Covered | Third-Party Only | Third-Party F&T | Comprehensive |
|---|---|---|---|
| Damage to others | |||
| Legal costs | |||
| Fire damage to your bike | |||
| Theft of your bike | |||
| Accidental damage to your bike | |||
| Vandalism | |||
| Typical foreign cover level | As stated | Often reverts to TP | Often reverts to TP |
Important:
Even if you have comprehensive cover in the UK, your policy may only provide third-party cover abroad. If you want full protection in Spain, you'll likely need to pay for a European extension or choose an insurer that offers full cover abroad.
Equipment & Documents: What to Carry When Riding in Spain
Required Documents
- Valid UK driving licence (full motorcycle category)
- V5C registration document (original or certified copy)
- Proof of insurance (digital + paper backup)
- Passport or valid ID
- MOT certificate (if bike is 3+ years old)
Required Equipment
- Reflective vest (to wear if you stop on roadway)
- 2 warning triangles (required if you break down)
- Spare bulbs (for non-LED lights)
- Approved helmet (mandatory)
- GB/UK sticker (if plates don't have GB/UK identifier)
Recommended Extras
- • European Accident Statement forms (blank copies for recording accident details)
- • Contact details for your insurer's European assistance line
- • Copy of your travel/medical insurance if you have separate cover
- • First aid kit (not required but sensible)
- • Headlight beam deflectors if your lights are asymmetric
Common Mistakes That Cause Problems (and How to Avoid Them)
The issues we see most often are boring, but expensive:
Assuming UK Comp Cover Applies Abroad
It often doesn't. Check the policy wording and get written confirmation of what level of cover you have in Spain.
No Clear Proof of Cover If Stopped
Spain's guidance focuses on proof of current cover details. Without it, expect delays, potential fines, and stress.
Waiting Until the Week Before Travel
Your insurer can't issue documents in time. Sort insurance at least 2–4 weeks before departure.
No Breakdown Cover
UK breakdown policies often exclude Europe. Repatriating a broken motorcycle from Spain can cost €1,000+ without cover.
Trying to Buy Spanish Insurance for UK Plates
This rarely works for touring. Spanish policies require Spanish registration and residency documentation.
Exceeding Your Policy's Trip Limits
Many UK policies limit EU cover to 30–90 days. A 5-week trip is fine, but check the exact limits for longer tours.
What to Do If You Have an Accident in Spain
Stop and Ensure Safety
Turn on hazard lights, put on your reflective vest, and set up warning triangles if safe to do so. Check for injuries – call 112 (EU emergency number) if anyone is hurt.
Exchange Details
Exchange names, addresses, vehicle registrations, and insurance details with the other party. Use a European Accident Statement form if you have one – both parties sign it.
Document Everything
Take photos of all vehicles, damage, the scene, road markings, and any relevant signs. Get witness contact details if possible. Note the date, time, and exact location.
Report to Police if Required
In Spain, you must report accidents involving injury to the police (PolicÃa Nacional in cities, Guardia Civil on highways). For minor damage-only accidents, police attendance isn't always required but get a report if there's any dispute.
Contact Your Insurer Immediately
Call your UK insurer's European assistance line as soon as possible. They'll guide you through the claims process and arrange assistance if needed. Keep all documentation.
Emergency Numbers in Spain
- 112 – General EU emergency number (police, ambulance, fire)
- 091 – PolicÃa Nacional (National Police)
- 062 – Guardia Civil (highways and rural areas)
Where Our Broker Help Fits
If you tell us your travel dates, residency status, and what UK cover you currently have, we can tell you the realistic next step:
If your UK cover already works:
We'll tell you what proof to request and what to carry.
If it doesn't:
We'll point you toward the correct insurance route for a UK-plated bike doing a 5-week Spain trip.
If you're moving to Spain:
We can advise on registering the bike in Spain and arranging proper Spanish motorcycle insurance.
