247 Expat Insurance specialises in health insurance for people moving to or living in Spain. We no longer arrange motorbike insurance; this page is a general information guide.
Motorcycles, scooters and mopeds in Spain all require motorbike cover rather than car cover.
Spain is one of the best countries in Europe to ride a motorcycle or scooter. The climate, the roads, and the culture all make two wheels an appealing way to get around, whether you are commuting in a city, touring the countryside, or riding along the coast. For expats living in Spain, insuring a motorbike is straightforward — but there are a few important things to understand before you take out a policy.
Motor insurance is legally required for all powered two-wheel vehicles in Spain, from a 50cc moped to a large-capacity motorcycle. The minimum legal requirement is third party liability (seguro de terceros), which covers damage or injury you cause to other people or their property. Most experienced riders opt for comprehensive cover to protect their own bike as well.
Motorbike cover in Spain varies considerably by engine band, rider history and where the bike is kept. Riding legally in Spain requires at least third-party motorbike cover.
Motorbike insurance in Spain is available at different levels depending on how much protection you want for your vehicle. Here is what each level typically includes.
The legal minimum. Covers damage or injury you cause to other people, vehicles, or property. Does not cover your own bike for damage, theft, or fire. A common choice for older or lower-value bikes.
Adds fire and theft cover to the standard third party liability cover. Gives extra protection if your bike is stolen — which can be a real concern in urban areas of Spain. Does not cover accidental damage to your own bike.
Full cover including accidental damage to your own bike. The best option for new bikes, higher-value motorcycles, or riders who want peace of mind. Can include windscreen cover, roadside assistance, and other extras.
Breakdown and recovery assistance in Spain and sometimes across Europe. Can be particularly useful if you use your bike for touring or if you live in a rural area where getting help quickly may be challenging.
Some comprehensive policies offer cover for helmets and riding gear damaged in an accident. Quality helmets and leathers can be expensive to replace, so this can be a worthwhile inclusion.
Classic and collector machines — pre-1990 bikes, restored Bultacos and Montesas, older BMW airheads and British classics — are not well served by standard market valuations. Agreed-value cover fixes the insured sum in advance rather than settling on a depreciated book value, and some Spanish insurers offer it for bikes that are not used as daily transport.
Luggage systems, crash protection, heated grips, satellite navigation and aftermarket exhausts are often excluded from the basic sum insured. Where accessories represent a material share of the value of the bike, they normally need to be declared and listed so they are covered in the event of theft or accidental damage.
If you plan to ride across borders — whether touring France or Portugal — European cover extensions are available on many policies. Useful for expats who enjoy motorcycle touring across the continent.
If you ride any powered two-wheel vehicle in Spain and you are a resident or long-term visitor, you need valid Spanish motorbike insurance. Here are the main situations we encounter with expat riders.
Many expat riders make easily avoidable mistakes when insuring their motorbike in Spain. Being aware of these can save you time, money, and potential legal trouble.
Expats in Spain typically need to consider several different types of cover.
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