Insurance on the Costa del Sol for expats
Living on the Costa del Sol means holiday homes, seasonal stays, and rental properties – but also specific insurance questions. From non-resident cover and Airbnb insurance to pool liability and extended absence protection, we help you find the right insurance for your Costa del Sol property.
Quick overview – insurance in Costa del Sol
- Popular with holiday home owners, retirees, and property investors
- Coastal villas, apartments, and short-term rental properties
- High demand for landlord insurance, second home cover, and pool protection
Costa del Sol at a glance (for insurance)
Who lives here?
Holiday home owners, retirees, seasonal residents, and property investors – the Costa del Sol attracts non-residents and long-stay expats.
Typical properties
Coastal villas, holiday apartments, townhouses, and rental properties – often used seasonally or rented out via Airbnb and short-term lets.
Most requested cover
Landlord insurance, holiday let cover, second home insurance, and non-resident car insurance with extended absence protection.
What expats ask us
'Can I insure my villa when I'm back in the UK?', 'What cover do I need for Airbnb?', 'Does my insurance work if the property is empty for 60+ days?', 'How do I insure a pool?'
How living in Costa del Sol affects your insurance
Home insurance on the Costa del Sol
Costa del Sol properties face unique challenges: coastal weather, extended empty periods, and often rental use. Whether you own a villa in Marbella, an apartment in Fuengirola, or a townhouse in Nerja, you need insurance that covers buildings, contents, pools, and works when you're away. If you rent out your property, standard home insurance won't cover you.
Learn more about home insurance in Spain.
Landlord & holiday let insurance
Many Costa del Sol owners rent their properties via Airbnb, Booking.com, or long-term lets. This requires specialist landlord or holiday let insurance. You need cover for guest liability, damage caused by renters, loss of rental income, and legal expenses. Tourist rental licenses (VFT/VUT) often require proof of insurance.
Car insurance on the Costa del Sol
If you keep a car on the Costa del Sol for seasonal use, you need insurance that accounts for extended periods when you're away. Non-resident car insurance allows longer absences than standard policies. Whether you have a Spanish-registered vehicle or temporarily import one, we help you find cover that fits your usage pattern.
See our car insurance for expats in Spain.
Health insurance for Costa del Sol residents
Many Costa del Sol expats split time between Spain and their home country. If you're a permanent resident or planning to spend extended periods here, private health insurance gives you access to English-speaking doctors and private hospitals in Málaga, Marbella, and Fuengirola. Some policies even cover you for visits back home.
Explore private health insurance in Spain.
Popular insurance types in Costa del Sol
Choose the insurance that fits your situation in Costa del Sol. All policies available in English with local expertise.
Home & landlord insurance
Specialist cover for second homes, holiday properties, and rental villas. Includes extended absence protection, pool liability, and rental income protection.
Best for: Holiday homes and rental properties
View home insurance
Health insurance for expats
Private health cover with access to English-speaking doctors in Málaga, Marbella, and Fuengirola. Options for seasonal and permanent residents.
Best for: Retirees and long-stay residents
View health insurance
Non-resident car insurance
Car insurance for seasonal use with extended absence protection. Covers Spanish-registered vehicles and temporary imports from the UK/EU.
Best for: Holiday home owners and seasonal residents
View car insurance
Travel insurance
Annual multi-trip cover for frequent flights between the Costa del Sol and your home country. Includes medical emergencies and trip cancellation.
Best for: Seasonal residents and frequent travelers
View travel insurance
Business & rental property insurance
Public liability for property rental businesses, pool maintenance, and holiday let operations. Includes guest liability and rental income protection.
Best for: Property investors and rental businesses
View business insuranceFrequently asked questions – insurance in Costa del Sol
Common questions from expats living in Costa del Sol.
Can I insure my Costa del Sol holiday home if I live abroad most of the year?
Yes, but you need specialist non-resident or second home insurance. Standard policies often have occupancy clauses limiting how long a property can be empty. We work with insurers who understand non-resident ownership patterns.
What's the difference between holiday home insurance and landlord insurance?
Holiday home insurance covers properties you use personally (even if empty part-time). Landlord insurance covers properties you rent out long-term. If you rent via Airbnb or short lets, you need specialist holiday let or short-term rental cover.
Do I need special insurance if I rent my Costa del Sol villa on Airbnb?
Yes, absolutely. Standard home insurance excludes short-term rental activity. You need holiday let insurance that covers guest liability, damage caused by renters, and legal requirements for tourist rental licenses (VFT/VUT).
Is home insurance more expensive on the Costa del Sol due to flood risk?
Coastal properties can have higher premiums due to weather exposure (storms, flooding, salt damage). Properties close to the sea or in flood zones may require additional coverage. We compare quotes from insurers familiar with coastal risks.
What happens if my property is damaged while I'm away for months?
Many standard policies have occupancy clauses requiring regular checks or limiting empty periods to 30-60 days. Non-resident policies allow longer absences but may require key-holding services or regular inspections.
Does my home insurance cover swimming pools and outdoor structures?
Pools, terraces, garden structures, and boundary walls should be included in buildings cover. Make sure your policy covers pool liability (in case someone is injured) and damage to pool equipment and filters.
Can I get car insurance in Spain if I only use my vehicle during holidays?
Yes, but you need to declare seasonal or low-mileage use. Some insurers offer flexible policies for non-residents who use their vehicles only during certain months. By law, all vehicles must be insured year-round.
Related guides
Learn more about insurance in Spain
Ready to get the right insurance for Costa del Sol?
Speak with our English-speaking team about your specific needs in Costa del Sol. We'll compare quotes from multiple insurers and find the best fit for you.