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Family Car Insurance in Spain – 2025 Expat Guide
How Car Insurance Works for Families in Spain – 2025 Expat Guide
Introduction – Family Driving in Spain
For expat families living in Spain, a car isn’t just transport — it’s essential for school runs, shopping, and exploring. But car insurance rules are stricter than many expect, especially around who can drive your car.
At 247 Expat Insurance, we explain the details clearly in English and help families get affordable cover that works for everyone.
👉 Related blog: Car Insurance for Visiting Family Members in Spain.
Named Drivers and Family Members
Spanish car insurance policies are driver-specific. Unlike in some countries, you can’t assume all household members are automatically covered.
- Main driver – the person who uses the car most often.
- Additional drivers – must be named on the policy if they use the car regularly.
- Occasional use – very limited. If someone else uses the car frequently but isn’t named, claims may be rejected.
👉 Related blog: Common Car Insurance Mistakes Expats Make in Spain.
Age and Experience Rules for Family Drivers
Insurers in Spain apply strict rules based on age and driving experience:
- Over 28 years old – Accepted if they have at least 2 years of driving experience.
- 25 to 28 years old – Must have an NIE number to be added as a named driver.
- Under 25 – Rarely accepted, and if so, premiums increase significantly.
These rules apply to family members too — even if they only plan to drive occasionally.
Adding Spouses and Children
- Spouses/partners – Normally straightforward to add as additional drivers, provided they meet the age/experience rules.
- Children – More complex, especially if under 28. An NIE number is required for ages 25–28. Under-25s are usually excluded.
- Adult children visiting – Must be declared as additional drivers if they intend to use the car.
👉 Related blog: Car Insurance for Retirees in Spain.
Insurance for Visiting Relatives
Family members visiting from abroad often want to use your car. However:
- They must meet the age and experience rules.
- They must be named on the policy.
- Foreign-plated cars cannot be insured under a Spanish policy.
Failing to add them could leave you uninsured in the event of an accident.
👉 Related blog: Car Insurance for Visiting Family Members in Spain.
Best Cover Types for Families
For expat families, the most suitable policies are often:
- Extended Third-Party (Glass, Fire & Theft) – Good balance of protection and affordability.
- Comprehensive (Todo Riesgo) – Best for newer family cars, financed vehicles, or when sharing between multiple drivers.
- Roadside Assistance from Km 0 – Highly recommended for families, especially on school runs or long trips.
👉 Related blog: Roadside Assistance in Spain – Add It to Any Car Insurance Policy.
Common Mistakes Families Make
Assuming “any driver” cover exists (it doesn’t in Spain).
Forgetting to add children or spouses as named drivers.
Letting under-28s drive without an NIE number.
Accepting renewal quotes without checking alternatives.
👉 Related blog: Understanding Car Insurance Renewal in Spain.
FAQs – Family Car Insurance in Spain
Check your policy details, some insurers cover all drivers over a certain age with a number of years driving experience, with permission to drive from the car owner, while others you must list every driver.
Check your policy details, some insurers cover all drivers over a certain age with a number of years driving experience, with permission to drive from the car owner, while others you must list every driver.
Yes. Check your policy details, Most insurers only accept drivers over 28 with 2 years’ experience, or 25–28 with an NIE.
It’s very rare and often unaffordable. Most expat insurers exclude under-25s.
Extended Third-Party or Comprehensive, depending on the car’s value, the age of the car and how often it’s shared.
Yes. Roadside assistance applies to all occupants of the insured car.
Yes. Insuring multiple cars through the same broker can often reduce costs.
Conclusion – Protecting Families on the Road
For expat families in Spain, car insurance isn’t just about protecting the car — it’s about protecting the people who use it. Adding family members correctly ensures peace of mind and avoids nasty surprises.
At 247 Expat Insurance, we set up family-friendly car insurance policies in English, with renewal-beating quotes available 7 days a week.
👉 Get Your Family Car Insurance Quote Today – in English, open daily.
Contact us for further iformation or for a free car insurance quote below:
General Blog Disclaimer
The information in this article is provided for general guidance and informational purposes only. It does not constitute advice, nor does it form part of any contract. Insurance products in Spain can vary significantly between insurers, with different terms, conditions, exclusions, and eligibility requirements.
Readers should always review the full policy wording and schedule before purchasing any insurance product to ensure it meets their individual needs. For personalised assistance, 247 Expat Insurance acts as an authorised intermediary and arranges cover with regulated insurers in Spain.