Moving to another country can be an exciting adventure. However, to get off to a good start, it is essential to know the legal requirements of your "new home". That's why we've decided to talk today about what car insurance for foreigners in Spain is like.
Specific car insurance for foreigners in Spain
Currently, most insurance companies operating in Spain have created specific car insurance policies for foreigners. In addition, it is worth noting that these policies usually have some extra coverage that include some exclusive services that ensure that the vehicle and the driver are properly protected against almost any mishap.
Thus, it is possible to insure cars, classic vehicles and even buggies. These policies are characterised by exceptional guarantees and coverages and include, for example: towing from kilometre 0, defence against traffic fines or, in the event of death, funeral expenses and repatriation to the country of origin, normally within the European Union, for all the occupants of the vehicle.
In addition, these insurances have a number of extra advantages for foreigners who take them out:
- Personal insurance advisor.
- 24-hour travel assistance every day of the year.
- Personalised attention in English.
- Immediate location of workshops by telephone and online.
In many of the companies with which we operate in Meridional, expatriate policyholders will have a replacement vehicle available in the event of breakdown, accident or theft, in some cases without any additional premium or free coverage for standard accessories, without the need to be expressly declared.
At Meridional we will explain in detail all the extra coverage available to you in our trusted companies.
Why is it important to have car insurance?
In Spain, as in many other countries, having car insurance is a legal requirement. But, beyond the legality, have you ever thought about what could happen if you have an accident? Insurance can save you a lot of headaches, and many more if we add the possible difficulties with the language or not having some really useful coverage in a foreign country for a little more money.
Read on and you will discover how much a good insurance can save you and above all you will find out all the necessary legal requirements and how to solve the most common conflicts.
Car insurance requirements for foreigners in Spain
Anyone who has taken up residence in Spain - even if they do not have Spanish nationality - can have access to car insurance in our country. In fact, as is also the case with Spaniards, it is compulsory to have insurance in order to be able to drive a vehicle, so it will be one of the most urgent procedures you will have to carry out.
The difference with Spanish citizens lies in the documentation you need to provide when requesting a car insurance quote.
To obtain car insurance in Spain, you will need some documents, such as your driving licence, your DNI or NIE (Foreigner's Identification Number), and the vehicle documentation, so now is the time to start the paperwork.
For this, in addition to the fact that most companies require that the vehicle be registered or re-registered in Spain, they request a series of documents aimed at certifying that the potential insured resides in the country:
Residence Card
This is a DNI for foreigners and is used to identify the individual within Spain. The information is very similar to our national document: country of birth, city of residence, date of birth, etc. It is essential to take out the policy, so it cannot be substituted by a passport or by the DNI of the country of origin.
Driving licence and registration certificate
It is clear that the presentation of the driving licence is essential in order to be able to continue with the procedure. If the document presented is not from a member country of the European Union, the driver will have to make an appointment with the nearest Provincial Headquarters of the DGT and carry out the relevant administrative procedures for its homologation, regardless of whether the country of origin has trade agreements with Spain.
On the other hand, it is necessary to present the vehicle's registration certificate, a document that contains all the details of the driver and the car itself. If the car is new, the purchase invoice may also be requested.
Technical data sheet of the car
This document contains all the technical data of the vehicle: registration, car model, cylinder capacity and power, etc. If the car is a second-hand car, this document must specify all the modifications it may have undergone and the results of the various mandatory inspections of each MOT (Technical Vehicle Inspection) it has undergone.
Types of car insurance cover for foreigners in Spain
Third-party cover
Third party cover is the most basic type of car insurance in Spain. This insurance covers civil liability, which means that if you cause an accident, the insurer will pay for damages and injuries to third parties. However, this insurance will not cover any damage to your own vehicle.
Extended third party cover
Extended third party cover adds to the basic cover a series of additional guarantees, such as cover against theft, fire, and glass breakage. Some policies of this type may also include roadside assistance.
Full or comprehensive cover
Full coverage insurance, also known as comprehensive insurance, offers maximum protection. As well as covering liability and damage to third parties, this insurance covers damage to your own car, even if you are responsible for the accident. Many comprehensive policies also include extras such as a replacement car, roadside assistance, or compensation for disability or death due to an accident.
How to transfer your insurance to your car in Spain
If you move to Spain from another EU country, you may have the option of transferring your existing car insurance. However, this depends on your insurer and the legislation that applies depending on where you are coming from.
At Meridional we can help you in this process and advise you.
On the other hand, it is becoming increasingly common for insurers to respect the home country bonuses of the insured through the provision of "no claim bonuses".
If you are moving to Spain from a country outside the European Union, you will probably have to obtain Spanish car insurance directly.
In this case, you should follow the steps we have already described in this article or better save time by letting Meridional advise you to get the best insurance at the best price, and also with our bilingual staff so you don't get lost in the translation.
How to find car insurance in Spain
There are many car insurers in Spain, ranging from large, well-known international companies to highly professional national insurers.
From Meridional, and following the guidelines of our partner Coseba, one of the largest insurance brokerages in Spain, we will give you some tips to find the right insurer for you:
- Do your research and compare: Use online insurance comparators to get an idea of available rates and coverage. Don't just go with the first offer you see, do your research and compare several options.
- Read reviews: The opinions of other customers can give you an idea of the quality of an insurer's service. Search for reviews online and pay attention to comments about customer service and claims handling.
- Look for special offers for foreigners: Some insurers offer special offers or services for foreigners. For example, they might offer assistance in your language or help you with the necessary paperwork. Don't hesitate to ask each insurer about such offers.
- Choosing the company: Once you have chosen an insurer and a policy, it is vital that you have a good understanding of the terms of your insurance. This includes knowing what is and is not covered, what your excess is (if you have one), how to make a claim, and what to do in the event of an accident.
You can do all that, or you can come or call Meridional and in a faster and more effective way, know the best car insurances for foreigners that exist in the market.
Don't hesitate to ask us to explain any term or clause you don't understand. Remember that at Meridional and Coseba we are always ready to help you understand your policy.
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Advantages and disadvantages of taking out insurance in Spain
Among the advantages, you will find that car insurance in Spain tends to be cheaper than in many other European countries. However, you may also find it difficult to understand the terms and conditions if you are not fluent in Spanish.