What is a no claims bonus certificate?

Moving to Spain often means arranging a new car insurance policy, and one of the first questions many expats have is what is a no claims bonus certificate. A no claims bonus (NCB) certificate, or proof of a no claims discount (NCD) as it is sometimes called, is an official document issued by your insurer confirming how many consecutive years you have driven without making an at-fault insurance claim.

It serves as evidence of your safe driving history and can help you qualify for lower insurance premiums when taking out a policy with a new insurer. In Spanish, it is called the Bonificación por No Siniestralidad or Prima de No Reclamación.

Whether you are relocating permanently to Spain, spending several years in the country, or simply changing insurance providers, understanding how no claims bonuses work can help you save money and avoid unnecessary surprises during the application process. Read on to discover essential information for expats in Spain.

How does the no claims bonus work in Spain?

Spain operates a no claims bonus system similar to many other European countries. Drivers who avoid making claims over consecutive years are generally rewarded with discounts on their car insurance premiums. The exact way these discounts are calculated varies between insurance companies, as there is no single nationwide system. 

Each insurer has its own underwriting criteria and may calculate discounts differently depending on your driving profile, age, vehicle, previous claims history and where you live. 

How much discount can you earn?

The longer you remain claim-free, the greater your potential discount. Many insurers gradually increase the discount for every claim-free year, often up to a maximum level after several years. 

Although percentages differ between providers, drivers with a long history of safe driving can often enjoy significant savings compared to someone purchasing insurance for the first time. Some insurers may also place a cap on the maximum number of claim-free years they recognise. 

It's important to remember that price is not determined solely by your no claims history. Other factors, such as the type of vehicle, annual mileage, parking location, driver age and level of cover, also influence your premium. 

What happens to your NCB if you make a claim?

Not every claim automatically removes your no claims bonus, as there are many different types of car insurance claims. The outcome depends on the circumstances and your insurer's policy. Through the process of making an insurance claim on your car, you will learn the full details.

If you are found responsible for an accident, your bonus may be reduced or reset, leading to higher premiums at renewal. However, if another driver's insurer accepts full responsibility, your no claims record may remain unaffected.

Some insurers also offer optional no claims bonus protection. This allows eligible drivers to make a limited number of claims without losing all of their accumulated discount, although the overall premium may still increase due to the claim itself.

Can you transfer a no claims bonus certificate from another country to Spain?

For many expats, this is one of the most important questions when arranging Spanish car insurance.

The good news is that some Spanish insurers will consider no claims histories earned abroad. However, acceptance is entirely at the insurer's discretion, and policies vary considerably between companies.

Even if your previous driving record is excellent, there is no guarantee every insurer will recognise it.

Which countries do Spanish insurers recognise?

Many insurers are more likely to accept certificates issued by insurers from European countries or other markets with established insurance systems. Recognition may also depend on the language of the certificate and whether the insurer can easily verify its authenticity.

If your certificate comes from outside Europe, some insurers may request additional supporting documentation or choose not to recognise it.

Because requirements vary, it's always worth checking with your chosen insurer before cancelling your existing policy abroad.

What documents do you need to provide?

In most cases, insurers will ask for:

• Your official no claims bonus certificate.
• Your previous policy number.
• The name of your former insurance company.
• Dates showing your period of uninterrupted insurance.
• Information about any claims made during the covered period.

Some insurers may request a certified translation if the certificate is not written in Spanish or English. Providing complete documentation early in the quotation process can help avoid delays.

What if your certificate has expired?

Many insurers only accept certificates that have been issued recently, often within the last six to twelve months. If your document is older, it may no longer be considered valid.

If possible, request an updated certificate from your previous insurer before moving to Spain or before your existing policy ends. This ensures you have the most up-to-date proof of your driving history available when applying for insurance.

How to get your no claims bonus certificate

Obtaining your certificate is usually straightforward, provided your insurer offers one. Read below how to request your NCB certificate from your current insurer, and what to do if your insurer won't provide one.  

Requesting it from your current insurer

Most insurance companies can issue a no claims bonus certificate upon request. Depending on the provider, you may be able to:

• Download it through your online customer account.
• Request it by email or telephone.
• Receive it automatically when your policy ends.

Before leaving your home country, it's worth requesting the document even if you are not immediately changing insurers. Having it available can simplify the process if you later decide to insure your vehicle in Spain.

What to do if your insurer won't provide one

If your insurer does not normally issue certificates, ask whether they can provide an official claims history letter instead.

Some Spanish insurers will accept alternative documentation, provided it clearly confirms:

• The dates your policy was active.
• Your claims history.
• The number of claim-free years.
• The insurer's official details.

If no documentation is available, your new insurer may treat you as a new customer without previous no claims history, potentially resulting in a higher premium.

How Caser handles no claims bonuses for expats

At Caser Expat Insurance, we understand that many international residents arrive in Spain with years of safe driving experience that they don't want to lose.

Depending on your individual circumstances and the documentation you provide, previous driving history from abroad may be taken into account during the car insurance quote process. Every application is assessed individually, helping ensure expats receive fair consideration based on their insurance history.

Our team can also explain what documentation is required, whether translations may be necessary, and what options are available if your previous insurer cannot provide a standard certificate.

With English-speaking support and experience helping expats arrange insurance in Spain, Caser makes the process as straightforward as possible.

Final comments on the no claims bonus certificate in Spain 

Understanding what is a no claims bonus certificate is an important step when arranging car insurance after moving to Spain. By obtaining the correct documentation before relocating and checking whether your chosen insurer recognises overseas driving history, you could benefit from valuable premium discounts based on your years of safe driving. 

For expats in the process of driving in Spain, the Spanish government website offers a handy list of resources for vehicles, covering everything from bringing your car from another European country to Spain to Spain's traffic rules. However, if you're looking for more information on car insurance and claims, consult our expert team at Caser Expat Insurance.