Basic Third-Party Car Insurance in Spain – The Legal Minimum Cover for Expats
Introduction
If you’re driving in Spain, basic third-party car insurance is the legal minimum required by law. Known locally as seguro a terceros, it provides the essential protection you need to be on the road — covering damage you cause to other people, vehicles, and property.
For expats, holiday home owners, or anyone looking for the most affordable car insurance in Spain, this is often the first choice. At 247 Expat Insurance, we help you arrange clear, simple third-party cover that keeps you compliant without paying for extras you don’t need.
What Does Basic Third-Party Car Insurance Cover?
Third-party insurance in Spain exists to protect other people in case of an accident you cause. It’s not about repairing your own car — it’s about ensuring you meet your legal obligations.
Standard third-party cover in Spain includes:
- Damage to third-party vehicles and property – if you hit another car, a wall, or someone’s fence.
- Injury to others – medical expenses, compensation, and rehabilitation for passengers, pedestrians, or other drivers.
- Legal defence costs – lawyers and court fees if you’re sued for an accident.
- Legal defence & claims management– when disputes arise.
- Roadside Assistance– Breakdown cover from km0, even at home.
This type of policy is sometimes called liability-only insurance or basic car insurance in Spain.
What’s Not Included in Third-Party Cover
Third-party insurance is the cheapest option — but also the most limited. It will not cover:
- Damage to your own vehicle.
- Fire, theft, or vandalism.
- Storms, floods, or natural disasters.
- Glass, windscreen, or tyre damage.
👉 More Information: Is Basic Third-Party Car Insurance Enough for Expats?
Explore other Car Insurance options in Spain
Fully Comprehensive Car Insurance
Get maximum protection with full cover for theft, fire, glass, accidental damage, and roadside assistance
Ideal for expats who want total peace of mind and fully comprehensive cover.
Extended Third-Party Car Insurance
Extended Third-party insurance builds on the legal minimum third-party policy with a set of useful extras.
Windows, Fire and Theft all as options on this intermediate policy.
The Cost of Third-Party Car Insurance in Spain
Third-party policies are usually 40–60% cheaper than comprehensive policies. For expats, this can be a smart choice if:
- You’re a retiree who only drives occasionally.
- You own a holiday home and leave your car unused for months.
- You drive an older car that isn’t worth repairing.
- You just need the legal minimum cover for registration or NIE/TIE processes.
At 247 Expat Insurance, we negotiate exclusive expat discounts up to 60% — even if you’re new to Spain and don’t have a Spanish driving record.
Why Choose 247 Expat Insurance for Third Party Insurance Cover
For many expats, cost is only part of the decision. Third-party insurance can be the right fit if:
- You’re still settling in Spain and want the cheapest way to stay legal.
- You only use your car seasonally or occasionally.
- You’re covering a second-hand vehicle that doesn’t justify full protection.
- You want simple cover explained in English without hidden extras.
At 247 Expat Insurance, we provide:
- Clear explanations in English.
- Quick quotes from Spanish insurers.
- Support for UK, US, European, and other foreign licences.
- 7-day-a-week assistance with renewals and claims.
Who This Is Perfect For
Fully Comprehensive Car Insurance is normally reccomended for:
- New or nearly new cars – protect your investment from day one.
- Financed/leased vehicles – often required by your finance/lease company.
- Family cars – school runs, shared driving, urban risks.
- High-value vehicles – coverage aligned with real-world repair costs.
- Daily commuters & city parking – higher exposure to knocks, scrapes, and fender-benders.
Third-Party vs Extended Third-Party vs Comprehensive
Third-party insurance is the legal minimum required to drive in Spain. It covers damage or injury you cause to others but not your own vehicle.
| Cover Type | Liability to Others | Glass | Fire | Theft | Accidental Damage to Own Car | Roadside Assistance |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Third-Party | ✅ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ✅ |
| Third-Party Plus | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | 🔵 | ❌ | ✅ |
| Comprehensive | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
This makes third-party cover the entry-level option for expats: the legal minimum required to drive in Spain, offering essential protection at the lowest possible cost.
🔵 Indicates optional cover — not included in all policies. Please contact us for more information.
Roadside Assistance from Km 0 even At home
Breakdowns happen — even on your driveway. Add asistencia en carretera to your Comprehensive policy:
- Km 0 coverage – help at home or on the road
- On-the-spot repairs – typically up to €120 (parts excluded)
- Tyres, fuel, keys – sorted
- Towing – to your chosen garage within policy limits
- Rescue – if your car leaves the road (usually up to €350)
- Passenger care – repatriation, hotel nights if stranded
- EU cover – we cover your trips to Spain, and all other countries of the European Union and in countries that are part of the Green Card scheme.
👉 Read: Roadside Assistance in Spain – Is it included with My Car Insurance?
No-Claims Bonus & Expat Discounts
Your safe driving record should slash your premium. With 247 Expat Insurance, you can access negotiated discounts up to 60% on all policies — without running in circles to prove history from Spain or abroad.
Many insurers force expats to chase certificates and penalise them if they can’t. We’ve simplified the process so you don’t miss out on savings. Pair it with the right franquicia (excess) and you’ll get top-tier protection at a sane price.
How to Get Started:
Get a Car Insurance Quote
FAQs – Expats’ Most Common Questions About Third-Party Insurance
We know the details can be confusing — here’s what expats ask us most often.
Can I get third-party cover with a UK or foreign licence?
Yes. Most Spanish insurers accept UK, EU, and other international licences. If you are a non-resident, you can continue driving on your foreign licence with valid insurance. Once you become a Spanish resident, you generally have six months from the date of residency to exchange your licence for a Spanish one. During this transition period, we can arrange cover so you stay fully insured and compliant.
Is third-party car insurance enough to register my car in Spain?
Yes — third-party insurance is the minimum legal requirement for registering and driving a car in Spain. Without it, you cannot pass vehicle registration or ITV inspections.
Can I drive outside Spain with third-party cover?
Most policies include the EU Green Card, which covers you in other EU/EEA countries. Some extend to Switzerland, Andorra, and even Morocco. Always check your policy wording before travelling abroad.
Does third-party insurance include roadside assistance?
Yes. With 247 Expat Insurance, all our third-party car insurance policies in Spain include roadside assistance (asistencia en carretera) from km0 — meaning you’re covered from the moment you leave your driveway, not just once you’re a set distance from home.
This ensures that if your car breaks down, won’t start, or you have a flat tyre, you’ll have 24/7 recovery and towing to the nearest garage. Many Spanish insurers only provide roadside cover from 25km or more, but our policies are designed for expats who need the reassurance of being protected everywhere — whether at home, in town, or on the motorway.
👉 Related: Roadside Assistance in Spain – What Expats Should Know
Can I use my UK, US or other country no-claims bonus for a third-party policy in Spain?
Yes. At 247 Expat Insurance, we recognise no-claims history from the UK, EU, and other countries. While many Spanish insurers make expats chase official certificates or reject foreign bonuses, we’ve negotiated exclusive discounts of up to 60% that apply even if you don’t have Spanish paperwork. This means you still enjoy the savings you deserve, whether you choose a basic third-party policy or a more comprehensive option.
Is theft covered under third-party insurance?
No. Basic third-party car insurance in Spain only covers liability — damage or injury you cause to others. It does not cover theft, fire, vandalism, or damage to your own vehicle. If you want protection against theft, you’ll need to choose third-party fire & theft or upgrade to a comprehensive policy.
Do I still need an ITV if I have third-party insurance?
Yes. The ITV (Inspección Técnica de Vehículos) is Spain’s MOT-equivalent. Insurance is invalid if your car doesn’t pass inspection.
What happens if I cause an accident with only third-party cover?
Your insurer will pay for the other person’s damage and injuries, but you’ll need to pay for your own repairs. This is why many expats with newer cars upgrade to comprehensive cover.
Can I upgrade my third-party insurance later?
In many cases yes (or quarterly), depending on premium size. Annual is usually cheaper because instalments include fees.
Is third-party insurance the cheapest option in Spain?
Yes, but remember: cheapest isn’t always best. If you drive regularly or own a newer car, comprehensive cover may be better value in the long run.
Fill in your details below anto receive your Comprehensive Car Insrnace Quote Today:
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Beyond car insurance, we offer a range of coverage options tailored for expats, including health, home, travel, and life insurance. Browse our plans below and find the protection you need for a worry-free life in Spain.
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⚠️ Important Disclaimer:
The information on this page is provided for general guidance only and does not form part of any contract. Car insurance policies in Spain vary by insurer and may include specific conditions regarding drivers, vehicle use, excess (franquicia), and territorial limits. Please read your full policy wording and schedule carefully to understand the terms, conditions, and exclusions before contracting. 247 Expat Insurance acts as an authorised intermediary and arranges cover with regulated insurers.