Introduction – What Coche x Coche Really Means

If you live in Spain, your car is more than transport – it’s freedom, convenience, and often a lifeline. That’s why losing it to an accident or theft can be so stressful.

Coche x Coche (literally “car-for-car”) is a premium insurance benefit that makes sure you’re never left without a vehicle. If your car is written off or stolen, the insurer supplies you with a replacement of equivalent make, model, or market value – not just a courtesy car for a few days.

At 247 Expat Insurance, we help expats access this valuable add-on through our English-speaking partner insurers, including Caser. This guide explains exactly how Coche x Coche works, who it’s for, and how to make sure your next policy includes it.

👉 Get a quote → Car Insurance in Spain

What Is Coche x Coche Replacement Cover?

Coche x Coche is a guaranteed replacement-vehicle benefit built into certain comprehensive car-insurance policies in Spain.

If your insured vehicle is declared a total loss (by accident, fire, flood, or theft), the insurer provides a replacement car of similar type and value. This can mean:

• A new vehicle of the same make and model (if your car is relatively new).
• A used equivalent if the original model is discontinued.
• A financial settlement equivalent to the current value so you can purchase a like-for-like replacement.

The promise: you stay mobile, without waiting months for a payout or struggling with depreciation losses.

How Coche x Coche Works Step by Step

1. An incident occurs – your car is stolen or declared beyond economical repair.
2. Claim assessment – the insurer’s assessor (perito) inspects and confirms total loss.
3. Value agreement – based on market or replacement value, often 100% of new value if the car is under 12–24 months old.
4. Replacement offer – the insurer sources a similar car or provides funds to buy one.
5. Handover & documentation – ownership of the new vehicle is transferred to you, just like a standard purchase.

The process is quick, transparent, and entirely managed in Spain – 247 Expat Insurance assists in English throughout.

When It Applies

Coche x Coche typically activates when:

• The car is stolen and not recovered within the period specified in your policy (usually 30 days).
• The car is written off after an accident or fire.
• The cost to repair exceeds a fixed percentage (commonly 75%) of the vehicle’s current value.

Eligibility & Vehicle Conditions

Not every car or policy qualifies. In general:

• Vehicles must be registered in Spain and fully insured under a comprehensive policy or a third party policy.
• Age limits – usually cars under 2–3 years old receive new-car replacement; older vehicles receive equivalent value or a like for like replacement.
• The insured must be the legal owner or long-term leaseholder.
• All documents (NIE/TIE, registration, ITV, and ownership papers) must be up to date.

Coche x Coche vs Courtesy Car – What’s the Difference?

Why Expats Should Consider Guaranteed Replacement Cover

Protection Against Depreciation

Cars in Spain can lose 15–20% of their value in the first year. With Coche x Coche, if you total your car during that period, you get a new replacement, not a payout based on the reduced market value.

Ideal for Financed or Leased Vehicles

If your car is financed, the insurer pays off the existing balance and supplies a new one, ensuring you’re never left owing money on a vehicle you can’t use.

Peace of Mind for Families & Long-Term Expats

No delays, no taxis, no long waits for insurers to process totals – you’re back on the road quickly with minimal hassle, handled entirely in English by 247 Expat Insurance.

Where Coche x Coche Fits in Your Policy

• Basic Third-Party Insurance: ❌ Not included.
• Third-Party Plus (Extended): ✅ Can be added on as an extra.
• Comprehensive Insurance: ✅ Often includes Coche x Coche or offers it as an optional add-on.

Learn more about coverage tiers:

👉 Comprehensive Car Insurance in Spain

Documents You’ll Need

To activate or claim Coche x Coche cover:

• NIE / TIE number
• Valid driving licence (Spanish or recognised foreign licence)
• Vehicle registration certificate (Permiso de Circulación)
• ITV inspection card (Ficha Técnica)
• Proof of purchase or leasing agreement
• Bank IBAN for premium payment

Need help? 247 Expat Insurance assists you with document verification and translation if required.

How 247 Expat Insurance Helps

• We explain Coche x Coche in plain English.
• We check eligibility for your car and budget.
• We compare insurers to find where replacement cover is included or can be added.
• We manage renewals and claims in English for peace of mind.

👉 Get a quote → Car Insurance Spain

Frequently Asked Questions – Coche x Coche Replacement in Spain

1️⃣ What does Coche x Coche actually mean?

It literally means “car for car.” If your insured car is written off or stolen, the insurer provides another of similar type and value, ensuring you remain mobile.

2️⃣ Is Coche x Coche included in all insurance policies?

No. It’s usually part of Comprehensive (Todo Riesgo) policies or offered as an upgrade. Third-party policies do not include it.

3️⃣ Does it apply to used cars?

Yes – you’ll receive a replacement of similar age and market value rather than a brand-new model.

4️⃣ How is “equivalent vehicle” defined?

An equivalent make, model, and equipment level available in Spain at the time of replacement.

5️⃣ Is there a time limit after purchase to qualify for new car replacement?

Most insurers cover the first 12–24 months from first registration for new-car replacement; after that, market value applies.

6️⃣ Do I need to pay extra for this cover?

Sometimes it’s included; other times it can be added for a small additional premium. Ask us to check your quote.

7️⃣ Does it cover stolen vehicles?

Yes – if your car is not recovered within the period stated in your policy, the replacement benefit applies.

8️⃣ How is ownership handled for the replacement car?

You become the legal owner of the new vehicle once the claim settles. All registration paperwork is managed in Spain.

9️⃣ Is the replacement the same colour and spec?

Where possible, yes. If not available, the insurer provides a vehicle of the closest specification and value.

🔟 Where can I learn more?

Please ask us for a quote, we can include this in your car insurance policy.

Official References

• DGT – Dirección General de Tráfico – Vehicle insurance regulations in Spain
• BOE.es – Ley del Contrato de Seguro (1980)

Conclusion – Never Be Left Without a Car

Coche x Coche is one of Spain’s most reassuring policy add-ons for expats. Instead of waiting weeks for a payout after a total loss or theft, you get a new car and keep moving.

Whether you drive a city compact or a family SUV, 247 Expat Insurance will find a policy that includes this benefit and handle all communication in English.

👉 Get Your Car Insurance Quote Today – Open 7 days a week.