UK car vs Spanish Car
Feb 21st 2019, 8:09 pm
#1
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Joined: Feb 2019
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UK car vs Spanish Car
Hope you're all alright! I am looking to move and live for 6-12 months in Almeria, Spain. I am not sure what should I do in terms of the car, I noticed that the cars in Spain are more expensive and I was thinking to drive and use my UK car in Spain. Is this a good idea? I am researching at the moment if I can insure a UK car with a Spanish insurer or if I should register the car in Spain. I don't know how Spanish regulations work and I hope to get some advice from you guys. Thanks in advance.
Feb 21st 2019, 8:35 pm
#2
Concierge
Joined: May 2006
Location: ex ex-pat, in Taunton
Posts: 27,193
Re: UK car vs Spanish Car
Hope you're all alright! I am looking to move and live for 6-12 months in Almeria, Spain. I am not sure what should I do in terms of the car, I noticed that the cars in Spain are more expensive and I was thinking to drive and use my UK car in Spain. Is this a good idea? I am researching at the moment if I can insure a UK car with a Spanish insurer or if I should register the car in Spain. I don't know how Spanish regulations work and I hope to get some advice from you guys. Thanks in advance.
29th March comes to mind, things may change. or not, depending on what happens with Brexit, so your planned date of moving may be part of the problem.
Feb 21st 2019, 8:54 pm
#3
Joined: Jun 2006
Location: Granada Costa
Posts: 10,894
Re: UK car vs Spanish Car
Normally, for a short trip keeping the UK car is the best option. Reregistration is expensive. If it has a 12 month MOT(if needed) and taxed in the UK, and insured, either with a UK company or Spanish company it will be legal. As Mike said, a no deal Brexit could change the situation, not least because it might be difficult for you to stay in Spain for more than 90 days.
Feb 21st 2019, 10:37 pm
#4
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Re: UK car vs Spanish Car
Thank you James and Mike for taking your time to answer. At the moment I am insured with More Than which is black box based and it doesn't allow me to drive away out of the UK. I got in my mind before I fire off to the journey from UK to Spain to get an insurance from a Spanish insurer (which will let me go on this long journey). Are any insurer that comes in your mind?
Last edited by MichaelZhao; Feb 21st 2019 at 10:41 pm.
Feb 22nd 2019, 9:00 am
#5
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Joined: Jun 2017
Location: Alicante
Posts: 924
Re: UK car vs Spanish Car
Most Spanish insurers will only give you temporary cover (typically 30 days) whilst you change to Spanish reg.
Also it's a general principal of all insurance that you cannot have double cover so without cancelling your UK policy you could find that in case of a claim a Spanish insurer would refute a claim and refer you back to More Than who in turn will say that you broke the terms of your contract and also knock you back.
Your best option is to switch your UK insurer to one who will cover you for the sort of journeys you propose.
Also it's a general principal of all insurance that you cannot have double cover so without cancelling your UK policy you could find that in case of a claim a Spanish insurer would refute a claim and refer you back to More Than who in turn will say that you broke the terms of your contract and also knock you back.
Your best option is to switch your UK insurer to one who will cover you for the sort of journeys you propose.
Feb 22nd 2019, 2:00 pm
#6
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Re: UK car vs Spanish Car
Feb 22nd 2019, 10:49 pm
#7
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Joined: Feb 2019
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Re: UK car vs Spanish Car
Most Spanish insurers will only give you temporary cover (typically 30 days) whilst you change to Spanish reg.
Also it's a general principal of all insurance that you cannot have double cover so without cancelling your UK policy you could find that in case of a claim a Spanish insurer would refute a claim and refer you back to More Than who in turn will say that you broke the terms of your contract and also knock you back.
Your best option is to switch your UK insurer to one who will cover you for the sort of journeys you propose.
Also it's a general principal of all insurance that you cannot have double cover so without cancelling your UK policy you could find that in case of a claim a Spanish insurer would refute a claim and refer you back to More Than who in turn will say that you broke the terms of your contract and also knock you back.
Your best option is to switch your UK insurer to one who will cover you for the sort of journeys you propose.
Feb 23rd 2019, 5:26 pm
#8
Forum Regular
Joined: Nov 2013
Posts: 287
Re: UK car vs Spanish Car
Thank you James and Mike for taking your time to answer. At the moment I am insured with More Than which is black box based and it doesn't allow me to drive away out of the UK. I got in my mind before I fire off to the journey from UK to Spain to get an insurance from a Spanish insurer (which will let me go on this long journey). Are any insurer that comes in your mind?
e.g .....
Car Insurance In Spain | Jennife Cunningham Insurances SL
Insurance in Spain in English
British Car Insurance in Spain | British Car Insurance in Portugal
https://www.lineadirecta.com/Recurso.../Ventajas.html
.... + many others
We've found Spanish insurance is cheaper and includes breakdown cover. However, you may have a problem with being under 25 yo.
Feb 23rd 2019, 8:33 pm
#9
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Joined: Jun 2015
Posts: 21
Re: UK car vs Spanish Car
Most U.K. Policies give you 3rd party In the EU
LV offer 180 days cover outside of the EU.
LV offer 180 days cover outside of the EU.
Feb 24th 2019, 10:55 am
#10
Lost in BE Cyberspace
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 5,612
Re: UK car vs Spanish Car
That is EU law all car insurance must cover the vehicle for minimum of third party insurance cover in all EU countries. The likes of the LV 180 day cover is for same level of cover as you have in the UK so if in Spain over 180 days cover would say go from fully comprehensive to 3rd party. Of course after Brexit that may well change.
