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expatinsurances.es - Insurance for Expats in Spain
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Available across Spain

Get car insurance in Spain

Car parked on a narrow Spanish village street, representing car insurance for expats in Spain

Licensed Broker

DGSFP Registered

Compare car insurance from top Spanish insurers with English support. Get quotes in minutes and cover activated fast. Licensed broker serving expats since 2011-2012.

From€180/year

Starting price for basic third-party. Most policies range €250-600/year.

4.8/5
15,000+ expats helped
EN • ES • FI • SV • DE

At a glance

Who it's for

Expats, non-residents, tourists & Spanish residents

Activation time

Fast activation – often within 24 hours

Documents needed

ID, driving license, vehicle docs (ficha técnica)

Languages

English, Spanish, Finnish, Swedish, German

Compare car insurance tiers in Spain

Choose the right level of protection for your needs. All prices are estimates and vary by vehicle and driver.

Third-Party (Basic)

€180-350/year
Third-party liability
Legal defense
Windscreen cover
Fire & theft
Own damage
Breakdown assistance

BEST FOR:

  • • Older vehicles (10+ years)
  • • Low-value cars
  • • Minimum legal requirement

NOT RECOMMENDED FOR:

  • • New or valuable vehicles
  • • Frequent long-distance drivers

Third-Party + Windscreen

€250-450/year
Third-party liability
Legal defense
Windscreen cover
Fire & theft
Own damage
Breakdown assistance

BEST FOR:

  • • Medium-value vehicles
  • • Drivers on highways
  • • Stone chip protection

NOT RECOMMENDED FOR:

  • • Very old cars
  • • Premium vehicles
Most Popular

Extended Third-Party

€400-700/year
Third-party liability
Legal defense
Windscreen cover
Fire & theft
Own damage
Breakdown assistance

BEST FOR:

  • • Most expat drivers
  • • Good value coverage
  • • Balanced protection

NOT RECOMMENDED FOR:

  • • Very low-value vehicles

Comprehensive (All Risks)

€600-1,200+/year
Third-party liability
Legal defense
Windscreen cover
Fire & theft
Own damage
Breakdown assistance

BEST FOR:

  • • New vehicles
  • • High-value cars
  • • Financed vehicles
  • • Maximum protection

NOT RECOMMENDED FOR:

  • • Very old vehicles
  • • Very tight budgets

Car insurance cost in Spain and what affects your quote

Car insurance in Spain is priced based on your car, where you live, and your driver profile. Request a quote and we will arrange the best-fit policy for your situation.

Price drivers

  • Driver profile: age, years licensed, claims history
  • Location: Spanish postcode
  • Vehicle: value, engine size, repair costs, safety features
  • Usage: annual mileage, commute or occasional driving
  • Parking: garage or street
  • Plate status: Spanish plates, foreign plates, temporary registration

Example profiles

Older car (10+ years) and low mileage: usually third-party or third-party with glass
Medium-value car and motorway driving: usually third-party with glass or extended third-party
New or financed car: usually comprehensive with or without excess
Import or plate change in progress: cover depends on the current registration status

Request a quote and we will come back with the best option for your case.

"Many first-time buyers in Spain overinsure older vehicles. For a car over 10 years old with low mileage, third-party with glass usually offers the best value."

Maya Kallio

Licensed Insurance Agent, DGSFP

How it works

Getting car insurance in Spain as an expat is simple with our streamlined process

01

Get a quote

Fill out our simple form with your details and vehicle information. Takes just 2-3 minutes.

02

Compare options

We'll send you personalized quotes from top Spanish insurers within 2 hours.

03

Choose & pay

Select your preferred coverage and pay securely online or via bank transfer.

04

Get covered

Receive your policy documents via email. Same-day coverage available for most vehicles.

Street sign in Mallorca, Spain - representing driving in Spain for expats

Driving in Spain doesn't have to be complicated

Let us handle the paperwork while you enjoy the roads

Requirements and documents

Most cases are simple. If you are missing something, request a quote anyway and we will tell you what is required for your case.

Checklist

Passport or ID
Driving licence and issue date
Vehicle make, model, and year
Vehicle documents, for example ficha técnica, if available
Spanish address and postcode
NIE if requested by the insurer

No NIE yet?

You can still request a quote. We will confirm what is needed before activation.

Coverage overview

Understand what's included, what's optional, and what's not covered in Spanish car insurance

Included

  • Third-party liability (required by law)
  • Legal defense costs
  • Damage to third-party vehicles
  • Injury to third parties
  • Property damage coverage
  • EU Green Card included

Optional add-ons

  • Windscreen & glass cover
  • Fire and theft protection
  • Own damage (collision)
  • Roadside assistance
  • Replacement vehicle
  • Personal accident cover
  • No-claims bonus protection
  • Enhanced legal defense

Not covered

  • Intentional damage
  • Racing or competitions
  • Driving under influence
  • Unlicensed drivers
  • Wear and tear
  • Mechanical breakdowns
  • Driving outside coverage territory without extension

Non-residents and foreign plates

Eligibility and requirements depend on your registration status and how the car is used in Spain. Send your details and we will confirm what is possible and arrange the best available cover.

Non-residents

If you are not resident in Spain, cover may be possible depending on your plate status and usage. We will confirm the correct approach for your case.

Read the full guide

Foreign plates

Foreign plates can require a different insurer setup, especially if you are relocating or registering the vehicle in Spain. We will guide you and arrange the right cover.

Read the full guide

UK plates

UK plate cases vary based on whether you are visiting or becoming resident and whether you plan to re-register the vehicle. We will confirm eligibility and arrange the best option.

Read the full guide

Green plates

Temporary plates are time-limited and rules depend on your situation. We will confirm what cover is possible and for how long.

Read the full guide

Short-term cover

Short-term cover may be available for specific situations. Availability depends on vehicle type and registration status. We will confirm quickly.

Read the full guide
Coastal fortress in Spain - representing protection wherever you drive

Protection wherever you drive in Spain

From Costa del Sol to the Pyrenees

Why choose us for car insurance in Spain?

We understand the unique needs of expats. Here's why thousands trust us with their car insurance.

Licensed & Regulated

Registered with DGSFP (Spain's insurance regulator). Your protection is our priority.

13+ Years Experience

Serving expats in Spain since 2011-2012. Over 15,000 satisfied customers.

Quick Turnaround

Most policies activated within 24-48 hours. Rush service available for urgent cases.

True Multilingual Support

Native support in English, Spanish, Finnish, Swedish, and German.

No-Claims Bonus

Transfer your no-claims discount from your home country (where applicable).

EU Green Card Included

Drive across Europe with confidence. Green Card included at no extra cost.

Excess (franquicia) on comprehensive policies

Comprehensive with excess

Best for drivers who want a lower premium
  • Lower premium
  • You pay an agreed amount if you claim
  • Good for experienced drivers and lower claim risk

Comprehensive without excess

Best for drivers who want maximum simplicity
  • Higher premium
  • Lower out-of-pocket cost in many claim situations
  • Good for new cars and financed cars

Tell us what you prefer and we will recommend the best structure.

Get Your Quote

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Fill in these quick details and we'll contact you within 2 hours during business hours

Vehicle & Driver Details

Help us prepare your quote faster

Format: DD/MM/YYYY

Format: DD/MM/YYYY

Optional. Helps us prepare your quote faster.

Accident in Spain. What to do first

Step 1

Check safety and call 112 if needed

Step 2

Take photos of both cars, plates, road signs, and damage

Step 3

Fill in the accident report if possible (parte amistoso)

Step 4

Exchange details and policy information

Step 5

If there is disagreement, ask for police assistance

Step 6

Contact us and we will guide your next steps

Even small accidents should be documented properly.

Driving outside Spain

Spain

Your policy covers you in Spain based on the terms of your contract.

EU and EEA

Many policies extend cover across EU and EEA countries. We will confirm the exact territory for your policy.

Outside EU

Some destinations can require additional documentation. We will confirm what is needed based on your travel plans.

Rules can vary by insurer and destination. We will confirm this case by case.

"Claims handling is where broker value really shows. We liaise with Spanish insurers on your behalf, translate correspondence, and ensure you're not left waiting. That peace of mind is worth it."

Maya Kallio

Licensed Insurance Agent, DGSFP

expatinsurances.es licensed insurance team
DGSFP Licensed

Expert reviewed

Last reviewed: 1 January 2026

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, Swedish

Car insurance FAQs for expats in Spain

Can I insure a UK-plated car in Spain?

Yes, but only temporarily. UK-plated cars can be insured in Spain for up to 6 months while you complete the registration process. After that, you must re-register the vehicle with Spanish plates. We can help you find temporary cover for UK-plated vehicles.

Can I insure a car with temporary plates (Green plates)?

Yes, we accept temporary plates (Green plates) for insurance. However, the temporary plates must be replaced with permanent plates within 2 months of starting the policy. This is perfect for expats who have just imported their vehicle or purchased a car in Spain.

Do I get a no-claims bonus from day one?

Yes! We give you a full no-claims bonus from day one - no certificate needed from your previous insurer. This means you benefit from reduced premiums immediately, making Spanish car insurance more affordable for expats who have a clean driving record.

What documents do I need to insure my car as a non-resident?

You'll need: (1) Valid ID or passport, (2) Valid driving license from your home country or International Driving Permit, (3) Vehicle registration document (ficha técnica), (4) Date of birth and postal code (required for quotes), (5) NIE number (for most insurers), (6) Proof of address in Spain. We can guide you through the process if you're missing any documents.

Is temporary car insurance available for 1-30 days?

Yes, short-term car insurance is available for temporary visits or vehicle imports. Policies can be arranged from 1 day to 6 months. This is ideal for tourists, short-term residents, or those in the process of registering their vehicle. Contact us for quick temporary cover quotes.

How does the no-claims bonus transfer from my home country?

Most insurers in Spain will recognize your no-claims bonus from EU countries, the UK, and some other countries. You'll need a letter from your previous insurer confirming your claims-free years. Discounts typically range from 10-40% depending on your history. We'll help you maximize your discount when getting quotes.

Is roadside assistance included in Spanish car insurance?

Roadside assistance is usually NOT included in basic third-party cover. It's typically available as an optional add-on or included in extended third-party and comprehensive policies. Coverage usually includes breakdown recovery, flat tire assistance, battery jump-start, and towing. Check your policy details or upgrade for peace of mind.

Do I need a Green Card to drive in Europe?

Since Brexit, UK drivers now need a Green Card to prove insurance when driving in the EU. However, if you have Spanish car insurance, the Green Card is typically included at no extra cost and allows you to drive throughout the EU. Always carry your Green Card when traveling outside Spain.

What's the difference between third-party and comprehensive insurance?

Third-party insurance covers damage you cause to others (required by law). Comprehensive insurance covers damage to your own vehicle as well, including fire, theft, vandalism, and collisions. Comprehensive is recommended for new or valuable vehicles, while third-party may be sufficient for older cars.

Can I cancel my car insurance policy in Spain?

Yes, you can cancel your policy, but terms vary by insurer. Most policies auto-renew annually. You can usually cancel with 1-2 months' notice before renewal. If you cancel mid-term, you may receive a partial refund minus admin fees. When selling your car or leaving Spain, notify your insurer promptly to stop payments.

How long does it take to get car insurance in Spain?

Once you've provided all required documents, most policies can be activated the same day or within 24 hours. The quote process typically takes 2-4 hours. Rush service is available for urgent cases. Make sure you have all your documents ready to speed up the process.

Is breakdown cover worth it in Spain?

Breakdown cover is highly recommended, especially for older vehicles or if you drive frequently on highways and rural areas. Spain has hot summers that can strain vehicles, and remote areas may have limited services. The cost is usually €30-80/year and provides peace of mind, particularly for expats unfamiliar with local mechanics.

Related guides

Learn more about insurance in Spain

Buying a Second-Hand Car in Spain – Registration, Taxes & Insurance

DGT checks, ITV (MOT), transfer taxes, and how to arrange insurance from day one when buying used

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Non-Resident Car Insurance in Spain – UK Plates & Foreign Vehicles

Complete guide for non-residents driving in Spain – temporary insurance, matriculation deadlines, and driving on UK plates

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UK Registered Car in Spain While Registering – Insurance Options

Insurance options for UK-plated cars during Spanish plate registration – avoid coverage gaps and timing issues

Read more

Temporary Car Insurance in Spain – Short-Term Cover Options

Flexible short-term car insurance for visitors, test drives, and temporary vehicle use in Spain

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Transfer Foreign Car to Spanish Plates – Complete 2026 Guide

Step-by-step process for re-registering your foreign vehicle to Spanish plates – ITV, homologation, and all required documents

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Car Insurance Cost in Spain – 2026 Price Guide for Expats

Complete breakdown of car insurance costs in Spain – what you'll pay, factors affecting price, and money-saving tips

Read more

Helpful pages

Our Insurance Partners

Meet the Spanish insurers we work with

Read more

Make a Claim

Get help with your insurance claim

Read more

Contact Us

Speak to an insurance expert

Read more

Customer Reviews

4.8/5

Based on 1,200+ reviews from expats across Spain

Verified Customer

Excellent service! They helped me get car insurance within hours of my arrival in Spain. English support was fantastic.

Sarah M.

Barcelona

Oct 2025

Verified Customer

Best insurance broker for expats. They compared multiple quotes and saved me over €200 compared to going direct.

James T.

Málaga

Nov 2025

Verified Customer

Transferred my UK car to Spanish plates and they handled the insurance transition seamlessly. Very professional team.

Lisa K.

Costa del Sol

Dec 2025

Verified Customer

Quick response, clear explanations, and genuine expertise. They knew exactly which insurer would accept my situation.

Michael R.

Valencia

Dec 2025

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