One of the first things you think about when buying a car is contracting insurance. This should also be reviewed on an annual basis. We can help you find reasonably priced car insurance, whether it is fully comprehensive, or third party fire and theft and the most basic of covers. We can also help you find a policy with a firm that speaks English and is extremely helpful if there is ever a problem.
Interestingly, most policies in Spain cover any driver as long as over 25 years old and with a clean driving license, so any member of your family can use the car if they meet this criteria.
Please note that if you wish to cancel an insurance policy you have to provide your insurance company with two months’ notice of non-renewal, which is law in Spain, otherwise they will automatically renew.
Spanish insurance policies can be transferred to another vehicle and you do not get a refund on a cancelled policy. Neither can policies usually be paid for monthly. Occasionally in two six month’s payments with a slight amount of interest added on top.
When looking for car insurance here in Spain, the same rules apply here in Spain as they would do back home, including common sense. Use the rule, if it looks too good to be true, then it usually is! After your home, your car is probably the most expensive item you own, so it’s important to ensure that you have the correct cover.
You should also look for other benefits as well, for example working with an international insurance company who will provide as standard a replacement vehicle in case of theft or accident. Also check out different types of coverage, in particular the age of young drivers. Larger international companies will be 25, some are 28, others 30 and some 40. Also ask about the upper age limit of drivers as some companies will want any drivers over the age of 70 to be named and have had a recent medical. Look out for a policy which adapts to meet your needs, not the other way around, as you will be asked to pay for extras. Every company is different but below gives a guide to cover.
1. Basic Cover
Includes damage caused to third parties and the following covers:
- Mandatory and Voluntary Liability.
- Legal Defence and Damage Claims.
- Roadside Assistance.
- Legal Assistance (Processing of Fines).
- Personal Accident.
2. Basic Cover Fire Windscreen
- Includes the aforementioned covers, plus fire cover for the vehicle.
3. Basic Cover Theft Fire
- Includes the aforementioned covers, plus vehicle theft cover.
4. Fully Comprehensive with no Deductible
- Gives the full cover and services of the policy.
5. Fully Comprehensive with a Deductible
- Gives the full cover and services of the policy.
- If you have chosen this mode, bear in mind that the value of the deductible will be deducted from each claim for own damage and/or theft cover.
- Depending on the deductible chosen, you will obtain a discount on the insurance price. The higher the deductible, the higher the discount.
- Optional Covers: There are two optional covers:
- Suspension of Driving licence.
- Replacement Vehicle in case of accident or theft.
Other benefits you should look out for
- Total coverage to driver and passengers in case of accident. Provision of roadside assistance.
- Good drivers can earn a no-claims discount of up to 65%?
- The value of the vehicle is considered “as new” for total loss, fire or theft claims during the first two years.
- Help with processing fines.
- Personal Accident Cover for the driver (indemnity and monthly income).
- Extended Travel Assistance Cover: (24 hours a day, 365 days a year).Extended Roadside Assistance cover (24 hours a day, 365 days a year). The customer is given a card with the assistance telephone numbers, enclosed with the policy, for Spain and abroad.
- Roadside assistance from kilometre zero.
- Free choice of vehicle repair shop.
- Damage caused to the interior upholstery of the insured vehicle, when the policyholder has helped a victim in an accident, for up to maximum of €300.
- Creation of the “Designated Driver” category. This is a new concept in the market, for which the main appeal to customers, who meet the requirements for this category, lies in a reduction in the price of their insurance.
Contact us for more information. We work with an excellent local insurance agent and will put you in touch with them.