Car Insurance in Spain
Car insurance in Spain is mandatory. The good news is that getting car insurance in Spain with the right coverage is legally required, so there's no escape! Car drivers MUST always be covered when driving in Spain. This applies to all car models, and even vans that are not classified as motor vehicles. Drivers of large trucks or buses must also have their vehicles insured in order to travel legally. Read on for a bit of information on getting car insurance in Spain...
It is important to note that car insurance in Spain comes in different forms and at different prices. Before taking out a car insurance policy in Spain, expats should consider the type of policy they want to take out and whether they need specific types of coverage. If you don't need a comprehensive auto insurance policy, your coverage options will be somewhat limited. There will be an option to choose a third-party fire and theft policy or a fully comprehensive one.
Spanish law states that all British expats living in Spain are required to take out a comprehensive car insurance policy in Spain to protect them in the event of an accident. However, UK motor insurance companies also offer some form of liability protection. In Spain, civil liability cover is known as PIP, which means "passive offence". A typical PIP policy in Spain provides coverage for injury or damage to another person or their property that has been caused by an accident you cause. Some common types of PIP coverage include:
A very good idea when you live in Spain is to insure yourself for a "young driver" policy. There are many Spanish insurance companies that specialize in insurance for young drivers and it is easy to find one. If you already have a parent or other close relative with a PIP, ask them for a good company in Spain that they use. You can also search the Internet and check with the Highway Board for information on companies that insure drivers under 25. Premiums for insurance for young drivers are generally very low compared to those for insurance for older drivers, which is another reason why it makes economic sense to do so.
Another aspect of insuring your vehicle in Spain is making sure you have adequate off-road vehicle insurance. One of the reasons why so many British expats choose to live in Spain is the availability of excellent off-road vehicles such as passenger cars, sports cars and SUVs. These vehicles are susceptible to theft and if you don't have adequate off-road coverage, you may pay the price. Insuring your off-road vehicle in Spain can be very simple. Most insurers offer off-road vehicles as standard as part of any basic policy. Plus, there are often special additions you can add to your off-road policy, like extra theft protection.
If you want to insure your car in Spain for your peace of mind, you may want to consider adding liability insurance to your Spanish car insurance policy. Liability insurance protects you in case of damage caused to one of your own passengers or any other person involved in your car while driving in Spain. You can often get this type of insurance as part of your basic policy, although it's helpful to know how much liability insurance would cost before you purchase your policy.
Some Spanish car owners and motorists do not have adequate insurance coverage because they do not shop around and compare prices with various insurers. It's worth making an effort to shop around as much as possible in order to get the best rates and co-payments possible. Many Spanish car insurers offer online quotes that are very competitive; However, it's still worth seeing if you can find a good deal elsewhere. For example, if you live in the UK and your parents bought a property in Spain, you may be able to take out liability insurance in your own name in the UK, even if you have never owned a car in Spain or the UK. However, you will not be able to take out liability cover if your car is insured in Spain.
Another way to reduce your car insurance premiums in Spain is to install burglar alarms and immobilizers. These devices can also help you reduce the cost of your monthly insurance premiums. Last but not least, make sure you pay your premiums on time each month. Failure to pay leftovers is a criminal offence in Spain and you could have your coverage deactivated for up to twelve months.