Road Tax

Road tax in Spain is paid to the local government. The fee is related to the individual vehicle and the area. All vehicles are required to undertake an annual inspection ( called an ITV), to check the condition of the vehicle. Major towns and cities have several ITV stations to which you can take your car.

What are the Motor insurance regulations in Spain?
Spanish motor insurance regulations differ somewhat from UK / Irish regulations and it is advisable in all cases to carefully check the cover that you have for any incidents. One major difference is that when a vehicle is declared a write-off only a percentage of the vehicle's market value is paid by the Spanish insurance company, even when the driver has "fully comprehensive insurance" (todo reisgo).

Under European Community legislation motorists in EU member states must be covered for third party liability. However, there is no Community legislation, which lays down the conditions applicable to third party or comprehensive motor insurance.

This is still a matter for member states, whose national regulations may differ. It is therefore strongly advisable to make sure that an insurance policy held with a Spanish company provides adequate cover for your needs. It can be difficult to secure a more satisfactory settlement retrospectively. Visitors to Spain must have full third party insurance (responsabilidad civil obligatoria / seguro obligatorio) for the vehicle but no longer need a separate "bail bond".

What is the cost of Motor Insurance in Spain?
The basic mandatory third party insurance will cost approximately €200, which will cover injury claims of up €330,000. It is always advisable to take additional cover for legal costs (defensa penal), theft (robo) and Road side assistance (asistencia en viajes).

The majority of ExPats in Spain take out insurance through ExtranDirect or the ExPat Club, which are underwritten by British Insurance companies. If you look in the phone book you will find several British insurance companies such as DirectLine Insurance with offices in the major towns. One major advantage of taking out insurance with these companies is that your ‘No Claims’ bonus from your home country will be fully recognised and factored into the calculation of your premiums. Before you leave for Spain, you should ask your insurer for a letter confirming your ‘No Claims’ bonus (bonificacion/ systema bonus-malus)

If you are under 25 or over 70 you will pay an expensive premium and of course, if you are convicted of driving while intoxicated or under the influence of drugs, you will pay an exceptional insurance premium.

What happens if I’m involved in a Road accident?
An alarming number of Spanish motorists do not have motor insurance, despite the fact that the fines are very high, over €3,000. If you are involved in an accident (accidente de tráfico), do not assume that the other party will give you the correct insurance details. By law all drivers must carry their insurance documents with them at all times, but this is almost totally ignored. You must ask to see some form of identification, preferably a driving licence, and if at all possible the names and contact details of any witnesses and their vehicle registration numbers. If you suspect the other driver may be under the influence of alcohol, or if there is any injury to you or your passengers, you must call the Police.