leckytech

To go off at a tangent slightly,

Is it possible to insure a UK car in Spain? I heard this had recently been stopped for whatever reason.

Thanks in advance

leckytech

valenciatim

There are companies that do it, however, to be legal here, any vehicle has to be taxed, insured and MOT'd in its' country of registration, which is a nice get out clause for an insurance company when it comes to having to make a claim.

leckytech

Thanks Tim, as long as it includes the breakdown cover thats essentially what im after.

I found abbey....... they seem to do it so fingers crossed.

Thanks

leckytech

valenciatim

There is also Knights insurance too.
Be warned though, it is a very grey area!

jdr

Especially if the car is on UK plates with Spanish ins.

leckytech

Q:
What are the laws regarding motor vehicle insurance in Spain?

A:
Spanish Law is little different to the road traffic laws in other countries throughout member states of the European Union – all vehicles using the roads must be insured for third party liability risks. All Abbeygate Motor policies fully comply with the Regulations of all EU territories.

EU Regulations stipulate that vehicles must be insured by an Insurer licensed to operate in their country of registration. Abbeygate have products that are able to insure both UK and Spanish registered vehicles owned by expatriates in Spain. The Underwritters are allowed under the EU "Freedom of Services" Directive to cross border service from the UK and Gibraltar and thus can legally insure UK registered cars driven in Spain. The underwritters are "established" in Spain through the Spanish Regulatory Authority – the DGS – and therefore can also insure Spanish registered vehicles owned by expatriates living in Spain.

That should do it

jdr

Would you trust a company that can`t spell "underwriter" on their official bumf ?
They forget to tell you you can only have a UK car here for six months if you are a UK resident, and also it is against the law for a Spanish resident to own and drive a foreign registered car here.
After 3 months you are deemed a resident and have to get a residencia certificate from the local police station.
You then have 3 months to change your vehicle to Spanish plates and ITV, tax and re-insure it, or run the risk of losing it till it is sorted out.

cadiar

You can go to your Consulate and ask for a certificate stating that you have only just moved to Spain, which can be done while you wait ( or at least it was at Malaga) this just entails a short interview under oath.

Once you have that certificate ( I'm sorry I can't remember it's official title) if you submit this when you register the imported second hand car, it will save you hundreds of euros in tax, and is well worth the cost of the trip!

jdr

As long as you have owned it in the UK for 6 months.

Pavlo

Play safe.......buy a car on Spanish plates with Spanish insurance and
there will be no problems.

Simples !!

valenciatim

As the OP pointed out originally, they are way overpriced here! That's the point of bringing one over.

mikelincs

BUT, you then have to factor in the cost of the transfer and re registration, also the hassle or the running around to gestor, time spent in the various offices. Added cost of driving it down here. It all adds up.