Motorcycle insurance in Spain for expats
Licensed Broker
DGSFP Registered
Riding a motorbike or scooter in Spain gives you freedom – but you're legally required to have the right insurance. We help expats get motorcycle insurance that actually matches how they ride: city scooters, weekend trips, or bigger bikes for touring. You get clear explanations in English, support with the paperwork, and access to several insurers in Spain.
Example for basic third-party cover on a standard scooter. Final price depends on bike, rider profile and location.
Who is it for?
Expats, residents and long-stay visitors in Spain who own or plan to buy a motorbike or scooter, and need legal road insurance with clear cover and English support.
Activation time
Once the quote is accepted and documents are approved, cover can often start the same day or within 24–48 hours, depending on the insurer.
Documents needed
ID or passport, NIE or residency details, driving licence, bike registration papers, no-claims bonus proof (if available), and address in Spain.
Languages available
We explain everything in English and Spanish. Some insurers also offer policy documents in other languages.
Motorcycle insurance plans in Spain
Choose the level of cover that matches your bike and how you ride
Third-party – Essential
BEST FOR:
- • Older or lower-value scooters and bikes
- • Riders mainly concerned with meeting legal requirements at minimum cost
NOT RECOMMENDED FOR:
- • New or high-value motorcycles
- • Riders who worry about theft or damage to their own bike
Third-party, Fire & Theft – Plus
BEST FOR:
- • Daily commuters with mid-range scooters or motorcycles
- • Riders parking on the street or in shared garages
NOT RECOMMENDED FOR:
- • Brand new, high-value bikes (that need full comprehensive)
- • Those wanting full own-damage cover for any accident
Fully Comprehensive – Premium
BEST FOR:
- • New, high-value or financed bikes
- • Riders who want the broadest protection available
NOT RECOMMENDED FOR:
- • Very low-value or occasional-use scooters
- • Tight budgets purely focused on legal minimum
What affects motorcycle insurance costs?
Understanding what influences your premium helps you find the right balance between cover and cost.
Key factors that affect your premium
- Engine size: Larger cc bikes cost more to insure than scooters
- Rider age: Younger riders typically pay higher premiums
- Riding experience: Years of riding and licence type affect pricing
- Location: Urban areas often have higher theft/accident rates
- Parking: Garage parking can reduce premiums vs street parking
- Annual mileage: Lower annual kilometres may qualify for discounts
Example profiles
Get a personalised quote based on your bike and riding profile
How it works
Getting motorcycle insurance in Spain is straightforward with our expert guidance
Share your bike and rider details
Tell us about your motorcycle or scooter, where you live in Spain, your riding history and licence. This takes just a few minutes and can be done fully online.
Compare motorcycle insurance options
We check offers from multiple insurers in Spain and show you the difference between third-party, fire & theft, and comprehensive cover, all explained in clear English.
Choose your cover and complete the paperwork
Once you choose a plan, we help you finalise the application, share any needed documents and confirm start date. You always see the terms before accepting.
Ride legally and confidently in Spain
You receive your policy documents and proof of insurance. If you ever need help with a claim, accident or question, you contact us and we guide you through the process.
Ride with confidence across Spain
From city commutes to coastal tours, we've got your cover sorted
Documents needed for motorcycle insurance
Have these ready when requesting a quote to speed up the process
We help with Spanish motorcycle paperwork
Document checklist
Importing a bike?
If you're re-registering a foreign bike to Spanish plates, we can help you find temporary cover while you complete the process.
What does motorcycle insurance cover?
Understanding what's included, what's optional and what's not covered in motorcycle insurance policies in Spain.
Included
- Mandatory third-party liability (damage/injury you cause to others)
- Legal defence and claim handling
- In many policies: roadside assistance from kilometre 0 or after a short distance
- Fire damage (in fire & theft and comprehensive tiers)
- Theft or attempted theft (in fire & theft and comprehensive tiers)
- Own damage to your bike in accidents (fully comprehensive tiers)
- Cover while riding in Spain and often in other EU countries (check policy limits)
Optional add-ons
- Higher levels of roadside assistance and towing
- Personal accident cover for the rider
- Passenger injury cover
- Accessories and gear cover (helmet, jacket, luggage, etc.)
- Windscreen and fairing cover (depending on bike type)
- Cover for modifications or custom parts (if declared and accepted)
- Breakdown cover outside Spain or extended EU protection
Not covered
- Riding without a valid licence or under the influence of alcohol/drugs
- Racing, track days or certain extreme riding activities
- Using the bike for delivery or courier work (unless specifically insured)
- Undeclared modifications that affect performance or value
- Normal wear and tear or mechanical breakdowns (not caused by an insured event)
- Use outside agreed territories (e.g. outside Spain/EU if not covered)
"Many first-time buyers overinsure older scooters. For a bike over 8 years old with low mileage, third-party with theft usually offers the best value-for-money balance."
Maya Kallio
Licensed Insurance Agent, DGSFP
Can you get motorcycle insurance in Spain?
We help riders in various situations find the right cover
Non-resident riders
You can get motorcycle insurance as a non-resident if your bike is registered in Spain. We work with insurers who understand temporary stays and visa holders.
Read our non-resident guideEU & UK licence holders
EU licences are accepted directly. UK licences work for a period after arrival, but may need exchanging for residency. We explain what applies to you.
Licence requirements guideImporting a motorcycle
Bringing a bike from another country? You'll need to re-register to Spanish plates. We can arrange temporary cover while you complete the process.
Transfer plates guideCover for every type of rider
Scooters, touring bikes, commuters – we match cover to your riding style
Why choose us?
Here's why thousands trust us with their insurance
We understand expat riders in Spain
Licences from different countries, multi-language documents and unfamiliar local rules can make motorcycle insurance confusing. We specialise in helping expats make sense of it all.
Multiple insurers, clear comparisons
Instead of talking to one company at a time, we compare several insurers and explain their motorcycle cover options in plain English – so you can focus on riding, not paperwork.
Support with licences and registration
We help you understand how your current licence (UK, EU or other) works in Spain, and what insurers need to see to offer cover.
Flexible cover for scooters and big bikes
Whether you ride a 125cc scooter in the city or a larger touring bike on weekends, we help match the cover level to how and where you actually ride.
Claims support when something goes wrong
If you have an accident, theft or damage, you don't have to deal with it alone. We can guide you through the claim process and help you prepare the right documents.
Advice in your language
You get explanations in English and Spanish so you always know what is and isn't included before you commit.
Understanding excess (franquicia) on motorcycle claims
Voluntary excess
- You choose to pay more towards claims (e.g. €150–€300)
- Reduces your monthly or annual premium
- Good option if you rarely make claims
- You can usually adjust this when renewing
Zero/low excess
- Pay nothing or minimal amount when claiming
- Higher monthly premium cost
- Good for riders who want certainty
- Often available as an add-on to comprehensive policies
The right excess level depends on your budget and how often you expect to claim. We explain the trade-offs clearly.
What to do after a motorcycle accident in Spain
Ensure safety first – move out of traffic if possible
Call 112 for emergencies or injuries
Take photos of the scene, damage and number plates
Fill in the parte amistoso (accident report form)
Exchange details with other parties involved
Contact us for claims guidance and support
Report accidents to your insurer within 7 days.
Where does your motorcycle insurance cover you?
Spain
Full coverage across all autonomous communities. Your policy is valid throughout the country.
EU countries
Most policies include third-party cover across the EU via the Green Card system. Check comprehensive limits before travel.
Outside EU
Coverage may be limited or require an extension. Always check with us before riding to Morocco, Turkey or other non-EU destinations.
Check your specific policy for territorial limits. We can advise on extending cover for longer trips.
Key motorcycle insurance terms in Spanish
Understanding these terms helps when reading your policy or dealing with insurers
"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."
Marco Elsinger
Licensed Insurance Agent, DGSFP
Expert reviewed
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
Frequently asked questions
Is motorcycle insurance mandatory in Spain?
Yes. Any motorcycle or scooter that is registered and used on public roads in Spain must have at least third-party liability insurance. Riding without insurance is illegal and can lead to fines, vehicle seizure and other penalties.
Can I insure my motorbike in Spain if I'm an expat?
In most cases, yes. As long as your bike is legally registered and you hold a valid licence, we can usually find suitable cover. Your residency status, licence origin and riding history will affect which insurers and prices are available.
Does my foreign licence work for motorcycle insurance in Spain?
It depends on your licence and how long you've been in Spain. EU licences are generally accepted. UK and other non-EU licences may have time limits or exchange requirements. We help you check this and find insurers who are comfortable with your situation.
What's the difference between third-party, fire & theft, and comprehensive?
Third-party covers damage and injury you cause to others. Fire & theft adds cover for your own bike if it's stolen or damaged by fire. Comprehensive includes cover for accidental damage to your own bike as well, even when you are at fault, subject to policy conditions.
Is my motorbike covered outside Spain?
Many policies include cover in other EU countries for temporary trips, but details vary. If you plan to ride across borders, tell us in advance and we'll make sure the policy fits your travel plans.
Can I insure a scooter or motorbike used for deliveries?
Standard motorcycle insurance is usually for private use only. If you use your bike for work (deliveries, courier, food apps), you likely need a specific commercial policy. Let us know how you use the bike so we can suggest the right type of cover.
What affects the price of motorcycle insurance in Spain?
Insurers look at your age, riding experience, claim history, where you live, the type and value of the bike, annual mileage and where it's parked (street vs garage). We help you understand what matters most and where you might be able to save.
Does motorcycle insurance cover my helmet and gear?
Not always by default. Some policies include a small amount of cover for protective gear; others require you to add specific accessories/gear cover. If your equipment is valuable, let us know so we can choose the right options.
Can I add another rider to my motorcycle insurance?
Often yes, but it depends on the insurer and the other rider's age and experience. Adding a young or inexperienced rider may increase the premium. We can ask insurers about named rider or occasional use options.
What should I do after an accident with my motorbike?
First, make sure everyone is safe and call emergency services if needed. Then collect details from others involved, take photos if possible and contact us or your insurer as soon as you can. We'll guide you on how to file the claim and what documents are needed.
Can I transfer my no-claims bonus from another country?
Some insurers accept proof of no-claims from other countries; others don't. If you have evidence of claim-free years, send it to us and we'll use it where possible to get better prices.
How quickly can my motorcycle insurance start?
If all documents are in order and the insurer accepts the risk, cover can sometimes start the same day or within 24–48 hours. We'll confirm the exact start date before you ride.
Related guides
Learn more about insurance in Spain
Non-Resident Car Insurance in Spain – UK Plates & Foreign Vehicles
Complete guide for non-residents driving in Spain – temporary insurance and driving on UK plates
Car Insurance Cost in Spain – 2026 Price Guide for Expats
Complete breakdown of vehicle insurance costs in Spain – what you'll pay and money-saving tips
Transfer Foreign Car to Spanish Plates – Complete 2026 Guide
Step-by-step process for re-registering your foreign vehicle to Spanish plates
Based on 623+ reviews from expats across Spain
Moved from the UK with my 650cc bike and had no idea how insurance worked here. They explained the options clearly and set me up with comprehensive cover in English.
James R.
Málaga
Jun 2024
We use our scooters every day for work and errands. They helped us find a good balance between price and protection, and were very quick with answers.
Ana & Luis
Valencia
Aug 2024
I ride mostly on weekends and wanted something more than the minimum. They compared several insurers and found a fire & theft plan that made sense for my bike.
Thomas G.
Barcelona
Sept 2024