How to get car Insurance in Spain for non-residents: A complete Guide

Moving to Spain, buying a second home, or spending extended periods enjoying the Spanish lifestyle often comes with an important practical question: how do you insure a car if you are not a resident?

For many international drivers, navigating the Spanish insurance system can feel confusing at first. Requirements may differ from those in your home country, paperwork can seem unfamiliar, and not all insurers offer the same flexibility to non-residents.

In this article, I’ll aim to clarify the process and help you understand how to get Car Insurance in Spain for non resident drivers, what documents you need, what types of policies are available, and how to choose the right cover for your situation. I’ve seen various friends go through the process, and as always, the power is in knowing the right questions to ask, even before knowing where to go to find the solutions. So let´s start from the beginning…

Why Car Insurance Is Mandatory in Spain

In Spain, car insurance is legally required for all vehicles, regardless of whether the owner is a resident or not. At a minimum, every vehicle must be covered by Seguro Obligatorio, which provides third-party liability protection. This means that even if you only use your car occasionally or keep it at a holiday property, it must still be insured as long as it is registered in Spain and capable of being driven on public roads.

Driving without valid insurance can result in heavy fines, vehicle immobilisation and additional penalties if an accident occurs. Therefore, for non-residents, ensuring correct coverage is not only a legal requirement but also an essential step in protecting yourself financially.

Types of Car Insurance Available in Spain

Understanding the available policy types is essential when choosing the right cover. You can explore coverage options directly on the Caser Expat Auto Insurance page, but here is a brief summary of the key options.

• Third-Party Insurance (Seguro a Terceros): This is the minimum legal requirement and covers damage or injury caused to third parties and legal defence and civil liability. It does not cover damage to your own vehicle.
• Third-Party with Additional Cover: Often chosen by non-residents, this option includes the same as above, but you can also upgrade the policy to include additional cover for things like fire and theft protection, windscreen repair or replacement and roadside assistance.
• Fully Comprehensive Insurance (Todo Riesgo): The most complete option, covering third-party liability, damage to your own vehicle, even if you are at fault and usually has an optional excess (franquicia) to reduce premiums. This is ideal for newer or higher-value vehicles.

Can Non-Residents Get Car Insurance in Spain?

Non-residents can legally take out car insurance in Spain, but there are some important nuances. Not all insurers offer policies to non-residents, and those that do may request additional documentation. The key factor is not residency itself, but whether the car is registered in Spain, the driver holds a valid driving licence, and the insurer can verify your identity and address. Caser Expat offers solutions specifically adapted to international drivers and property owners who spend time in Spain but do not hold Spanish residency.

Documents You Will Need as a Non-Resident

Providing accurate and complete documentation helps avoid delays and ensures your policy is valid from day one. To apply for car insurance in Spain for non resident drivers, insurers typically request the following:

1. Identification

• Passport or national ID card (EU citizens)
• NIE (Número de Identidad de Extranjero), even if you are not resident

2. Driving Licence

• EU/EEA licence: accepted without restrictions
• Non-EU licence: may require an International Driving Permit (IDP) or official translation, depending on country of origin and length of stay

3. Vehicle Documentation

• Permiso de Circulación (vehicle registration certificate)
• Ficha Técnica (vehicle technical inspection document)
• ITV certificate (if applicable)

4. Address Details

• Spanish address (holiday home or second residence)
• In some cases, an address in your country of origin

How Premiums Are Calculated for Non-Residents

Insurance premiums in Spain are calculated using several factors, including driver’s age and driving experience, claims history (if available), vehicle value, age, and engine size, location where the car is kept and annual mileage and usage.

Being a non-resident does not automatically mean higher premiums, but limited Spanish insurance history can sometimes affect the pricing. Choosing an insurer experienced with international clients can make a significant difference.

Can You Insure a Foreign-Registered Car?

In most cases, Spanish insurers only insure vehicles registered in Spain. If you plan to keep a foreign-registered car in Spain for more than six months, you may be required to re-register it locally. For short stays, your foreign insurance and Green Card system may apply. However, for long-term use, registering the car in Spain and arranging local insurance is usually the safest and most compliant option.

For official guidance on vehicle registration and driving rules, you can consult the Spanish traffic authority – the Dirección General de Tráfico or DGT.

Common Mistakes Non-Residents Should Avoid

When arranging Car Insurance in Spain for non resident drivers, these are some frequent pitfalls:

• Assuming EU insurance automatically covers long stays
• Driving with an expired or non-valid licence
• Failing to declare all regular drivers
• Choosing minimum cover without understanding exclusions

Taking time to review policy terms and asking questions before signing can prevent costly surprises later.

How to Get a Quote Easily

One of the simplest ways to compare options is by using an online insurance calculator. Caser’s tool allows you to adjust coverage levels and see prices transparently before committing. You can get an instant quote using the Caser Expat Auto Insurance quote calculator. This is particularly useful for non-residents who prefer to organise everything remotely before arriving in Spain.

Insuring Your Car with Confidence

Arranging car insurance as a non-resident in Spain does not have to be complicated. With the right information, correct documentation, and an insurer experienced in working with international drivers, the process can be straightforward and stress-free.

Whether you use your car year-round or only during holidays, having the right Car Insurance in Spain for Non Resident drivers ensures you stay compliant with Spanish law while protecting yourself, your vehicle, and others on the road.

By understanding your options and choosing a reliable provider, you can enjoy driving in Spain with complete peace of mind, leaving you free to focus on what really matters - enjoying your time in the country.

Happy motoring!