Penalties for driving with no car insurance in Spain are heavy and can include imprisonment.
Car insurance in Spain is somewhat more expensive than in the UK, however, fully comprehensive nearly always includes breakdown and recovery.
There are several differences in Spain and UK policies
1. Other drivers
Anyone can drive your vehicle in Spain, on your insurance without having to be named, providing that they have a current, clean driving licence and they have your permission to drive the vehicle
2. No claims discount
The maximum allowed in Spain is 4 years
NCD protection IS available in Spain
3. Cancelling your insurance
If you wish to cancel your car insurance at the end of the current term, you must notify your insurance company in writing by registered letter and usually give two months’ notice. You may cancel your insurance before the term has expired if the premium is increased, the terms are altered, or your car has been declared a write-off or stolen. If you cancel your policy during the term of the insurance, such as if you sell your car, and don’t take out another policy, your insurance company is not obliged to give you a refund.
4. Breakdown cover
Most policies include breakdown cover. 75% of Spaniards have adopted this service.
The breakdown service normally covers the policy holder, spouse, single dependent children, and parents and grandparents living under the same roof. The 24-hour telephone number of the breakdown service’s head office is shown on a card, which should be kept in your vehicle.
If you have an accident or break down, you simply call the emergency number and give your location, and a recovery vehicle is sent to your aid. Although accidents are covered anywhere in Spain, in the event of a breakdown you must be a certain distance from your home, usually 15 or 25km (9 or 15mi). |
