Do i need special insurance to drive to spain from uk, is my uk insurance ok?

Question

Do i need special insurance to drive to spain from uk, is my uk insurance ok?

Answer 1

I asked a similar question recently.

You must contact your insurance company. My insurance only allowed me 3 months driving outside the UK.

It is also important to read your insurance policy to see what it says.

If you are coming back, there is no problem but if you are going for good the situation may be different.

Remember that it is not worth taking your car to Spain as they (illegally) charge you the VAT on an estimated value when you wish to reregister the vehicle. The paperwork is enormous.

To get additional insurance, I was directed to the AA. This appeared to be the best reply.

Answer 2

You must check with your insurance company

Answer 3

You will need to ask your insurance co. for a green card. Usually, this is valid only for a limited period. Strangely enough, if you insure through a Spanish co. you get a green card automatically and is valid for the period of the cover.

There are an awful lot of Brit cars here in Spain. Many of them are illegal in that their insuranceis not valid. There are some companies who will insure a Brit registered car but be aware, if you do not have a vaild MOT, then you are probably not insured. The police are getting tougher; a friend of mine had is car confiscated because be was stopped without the correct paperwork. He had insurance but no MOT. The police position was that if he would get a letter from his insurance co. in Spanish stating that he was insured even though he did not have a valid MOT then they would reduce a portion of the fine related to lack of insurance. The fine for no MOT and not carrying the proper paperwork in the car still stood, as did the cost of recovering the car from the pound.

While on the subject of bring cars to Spain, people should also be aware that you cannot re-register a British (RHD) panel van or caravan to Spanish plates. This is because you must be able to look over your shoulder and see through a window.

As someone mentioned before, it is not really worth the cost, hassle and effort to bring and re-register a car in Spain.

Answer 4

Hi, the easiest way is to get and International Drivers Licence, even if you do not need it since Inglish are accepted for 3 months.

This license are done by the Royal Automotive Clubs of the world and usually include an oofer for optional insurance for driver and his car. Since they are a semi-oficial organization and international too they are very knowledgeable on any requirement for drivinf there and they will be much better informed that any local insurance company. Also they prices are quite competitive and the licences and insurance policies are good usually for other countries too. So even though you will have to pay some for the license they are not expensive, easy to get and you get better info, service and conditions than from a local agent.

Good luck

Santiago