A practical guide to Spanish home insurance (seguro de hogar) for expats. We cover continente vs contenido (buildings vs contents), the comunidad de propietarios position, holiday-let considerations, English-language policy documents, what to declare and the typical pitfalls. Requirements vary by property type, location, insurer and personal circumstances. We don’t recommend specific insurers on this page; we explain options based on your situation, in plain English, seven days a week.
Tell us property type, location and cover needs. English-speaking advisers, seven days a week.
Get a QuoteTalk to an AdviserSpanish home insurance (seguro de hogar) typically combines buildings, contents, civil liability and additional benefits in a single policy. Some Spanish mortgages require building insurance as a condition. Even where not mandatory, home insurance is standard practice for property owners and is also strongly advisable for long-term tenants protecting their possessions and liability.
Continente covers the building’s structure, fixed installations and permanent fixtures: walls, roof, floors, doors, windows, fixed kitchens and bathrooms, fixed wiring and plumbing. The valuation should reflect rebuild cost (not market value). Under-insurance triggers proportional claim reductions under the Spanish insurance contract law.
Contenido covers your movable possessions inside the property: furniture, electronics, clothing, art, jewellery (within sub-limits). Declare any high-value items individually if above the standard per-item sub-limit. Inventory documentation supports claims meaningfully.
Spanish policies typically include third-party liability cover for damage your property or its activities cause to neighbours or visitors. This is particularly important for apartment buildings where leaks downstairs are common and expensive.
Apartment and townhouse owners are members of a comunidad de propietarios — the community owners association. The comunidad typically has its own buildings insurance covering common elements (entrance lobby, lifts, communal pool, garden, exterior walls). Your private home insurance covers your unit interior. Understand the boundary — a leak from communal pipes is typically a comunidad claim; a leak from your kitchen tap is your private claim.
Standard residential home insurance typically doesn’t cover commercial holiday-letting use (Vivienda Vacacional). If you let your property for short-term rental, you need a specific holiday-let-friendly policy. The Balearics, Catalonia and several other regions have strict tourist licence regimes (see the regional guides). Misrepresentation of use can invalidate claims.
Continente should be valued at rebuild cost — the cost to demolish and reconstruct, including current Spanish construction costs, debris removal and architect fees. The current Spanish rebuild cost can be substantially different from the market value, particularly in city centres or premium coastal zones.
Contenido should reflect replacement cost of all movable items new-for-old where possible. Photograph and inventory regularly. Higher-value art, jewellery, electronics, sporting equipment may need scheduling.
Spanish home insurance claims are typically reported promptly (within 7 days of incident). The insurer despatches a perito (loss adjuster) for site inspection. Documentation matters: photographs, receipts, repair quotes. Direct billing to authorised tradespeople is common for water and electrical claims.
Costs vary by property value, location, claims history and chosen excess. Indicative ranges only.
Apartment, villa, finca or holiday home — English-speaking advisers, seven days a week.
Get a QuoteTalk to an AdviserCompulsory for mortgaged properties (buildings cover required by lender). Strongly recommended for all owners and long-term tenants.
Continente covers the building structure and fixed installations; contenido covers movable possessions inside.
Comunidad covers communal elements (lobby, lift, exterior walls, communal pool). Your interior and possessions need private cover.
Several Spanish insurers offer English-language policy summaries and English-speaking claims support. Confirm with the insurer.
Yes — vacancy risk and theft risk increase. Some policies require minimum-occupancy clauses or unoccupied-property warranties.
Generally no — commercial holiday-let use needs specific cover. Misrepresentation can invalidate claims.
Catastrophic natural events (floods, earthquakes) are covered by the public Consorcio de Compensación de Seguros, which is included automatically with private home insurance.
Continente at rebuild cost; contenido at replacement value, subject to sub-limits and any scheduled items.
A loss adjuster — the technical expert who inspects and assesses claims on behalf of the insurer.
Recommended — the landlord’s policy covers the building; your possessions are your responsibility.
English-speaking advisers, seven days a week. Spain +34 868 290 730 / UK +44 203 925 8884 / USA +1 646 222 5288.
Get a QuoteTalk to an Adviser