If you already have car insurance in the UK, there’s no extra cost for driving in Europe. At least 30 days of European third-party cover will already be included in your deal, and you won’t have to pay a penny. If you want to increase your level of cover while you’re abroad, though, there will be some extra expenses.
How long can a UK registered car stay in Europe after Brexit?
UK law still applies to a UK-registered vehicle if you take it abroad for less than 12 months. That means you need to make sure: your vehicle is taxed in the UK while it’s abroad. you have a current MOT.
Do I need car insurance in Europe?
When you register a car in any EU country, you must insure it for third party liability. This compulsory insurance is valid in all other EU countries. It covers you if you have an accident causing damage to property or injury to anyone other than the driver.
Can I insure a car in Spain as a non resident?
If your car is not Spanish and you don’t have a NIE or resident’s permit, you won’t be able to insure it with a Spanish insurance company. If your car has a Spanish number plate, you can get insurance without a NIE, just using your passport.
How long is UK car insurance valid in Europe? – Related Questions
Can a foreigner register a car in Europe?
Buying a car in Europe as a foreigner is possible, but legally owning it is not. Registering a car in your name without an address and/or residency is almost impossible in any European country. There are a few loopholes such as companies that offer buy back schemes or setting up a company in France or Bulgaria.
Can I take my car to Spain permanently?
Anyone wishing to import a vehicle into Spain must be a permanent resident, own property in Spain or have a rental agreement for a minimum period of one year and hold a Spanish driving licence. If you are resident in Spain, registration is mandatory.
What documents do I need to insure a car in Spain?
Car insurance is a legal requirement in Spain, so you don’t want to leave home without having the right cover.
Most insurers will ask for the following as a minimum requirement:
- Spanish driving license or license that can be used in Spain.
- NIE number.
- Spanish address of policyholder.
- Spanish bank account details.
Do I need a Spanish driving licence to own a car in Spain?
After 1 year, you must obtain a Spanish driving license as you cannot continue driving under your own license duly translated, nor under an international permit. You should then apply for a Spanish driving license for which you must proof your residency in Spain.
Can anyone drive an insured car in Spain?
In Spain it is the vehicle that is insured and not the person – most motor insurances in Spain will cover the main driver and any driver over a certain age (usually 25/30 years old). You cannot drive anyone else’s car under your own insurance. You need to be covered under their vehicle policy.
Can I insure UK car in Spain?
It is possible to insure your foreign registered car in Spain while the authorities process your paperwork. With UK plated cars you can obtain a full range of covers including third party, third party fire and theft and fully comprehensive cover.
How long can you have a UK registered car in Spain?
Vehicles from the UK can be temporarily imported into Spain for up to six months in any period of 12 months. In order to stay on the right side of the law, the following documents should always be carried: Full, valid UK driving licence.
How much does it cost to register a UK car in Spain?
An exemption may also be gained by providing proof that the vehicle was purchased prior to 01/01/2021. Customs will only accept purchase documents issued by VAT registered car dealers. Fees will vary from around €150 to €350 depending on your situation and the customs agent.
Can I buy a car in Spain as a non resident after Brexit?
Good news – you don’t necessarily need to be a resident in Spain to buy a car a Spain, whether new or second hand, but you will be required to provide proof of address, even if this address is for less than 6 months of the year (bear in mind that the 6 months do not need to spent in Spain consecutively).
Is it cheaper to buy a car in Spain or the UK?
The second-hand car market in Spain is slightly different from the UK. Prices are generally higher because people have tended to buy new cars and hang on to them for a long time so there are fewer of them available. As a guide, a five-year-old car will probably cost you about half of its original showroom price.
Is car insurance cheaper in Spain than UK?
The good news is that insurance premiums in Spain are amongst the lowest in the EU. Therefore, you may even save some money compared to expat car insurance. However, costs will vary depending on the provider, the type of cover you choose and your vehicle.
Can a UK resident own a car in Spain?
Spanish law allows foreign nationals, both residents and non-residents, to purchase a car in the country. According to the General Directorate of Traffic, about 861,000 cars were sold in Spain between January and December 2021. The market is full of dealers offering various new and used cars.
Do I need a Padron to buy a car in Spain?
If you’re buying a Spanish car or registering a foreign vehicle with the traffic authorities (DGT – Dirección General de Tráfico) in Spain you’ll need to provide proof of address. By far the best way to prove your address is by getting a Padron Certificate.