This section of our website is based upon either our knowledge of the Insurance industry or the experiences of some of our clients and we would particularly like to thank them for passing this information to us.  We have chosen to publish the information here as we believe you are entitled to an informed choice when selecting the Insurance package that is right for you.

Policy Wording - Policy wording can differ greatly to that in the U.K. which can mean that, where you think you are fully covered you may not be.  We recommend you take out insurance that carries an English written policy or ask your agent to fully explain what is and is not covered.

Spanish Insurance Policies - Many insurance policies are written in Spanish with no English version available meaning that, even if you manage to obtain a copy of your policy (and it appears many people don't), unless you have an excellent understanding of Spanish you are unlikely to know what is and is not covered.

Properties with a Mortgage - If you are purchasing a property on a mortgage, you will need to take out, at the very least, Buildings (and often Life) Insurance.  Many banks insist you take out your insurance with them.  Some will even imply it is a condition of the mortgage that you take the insurance out with them.  IT IS NOT.  Though it is a condition of the mortgage that the property is insured, you are free to purchase your insurance from whoever you wish provided the insurance covers the mortgage and names the bank as beneficiary.  If you take out your insurance with a bank the chances are you will be paying very much more than the normal price for it !

What is and is not Covered - Prior to purchasing your insurance package, we at Expat Insurance in Spain recommend you insist the Insurance Agent or Broker tells you exactly what is and is not covered.  If the Agent or Broker cannot or will not provide this information, we suggest you walk away and purchase your insurance from someone who can.

Vehicles over 10 years old - Many insurance companies in Spain will only cover vehicles over 10 years old on a Third Party Only basis.

Vehicles Registered in the UK - At Expat Insurance in Spain we insure cars, motorbikes, vans and other vehicles that are registered in the UK.  The vehicle can be right or left hand drive.

Spanish Registered Vehicles are Cheaper to Insure than those Registered in the UK - Not Necessarily !!!  Though having a Spanish registered vehicle will give more choice of insurer, in most cases both Spanish and UK registered vehicles cost the same to insure.  The insurance companies used by Expat Insurance in Spain do not differentiate between one or the other.

Breakdown Recovery - Most insurance companies automatically include breakdown recovery as part of the insurance package.  If Breakdown Recovery is not automatically included we recommend you request it, not least because it is illegal to tow a vehicle on the roads in Spain, but also because if you are unfortunate enough to have an accident with no Breakdown Recovery, the police will arrange recovery which can prove expensive.

Protection of your No Claims Bonus - Many insurance companies in Spain now offer protection of your No Claims Bonus.  This is normally an optional extra that costs around 10% more on your policy package.  We recommend that drivers consider taking this option where possible.

Private Medical Insurance - Many people, when they arrive in Spain, fail to appreciate the value of Private Medical Insurance.  Not everyone is automatically entitled to free routine medical treatment in Spain.  We have seen numerous cases where Expatriates believe they are entitled to Spanish health care only to find they are not.  The result can be both financially disastrous and extremely stressful.  At Expat Insurance in Spain we strongly recommend you consider taking out Private Medical Insurance.  If you are not entitled to Spanish medical treatment it is essential.