The definitive guide to insurance for expats in Spain
Top 5 benefits of hiring expat insurance with The Insurance Centre
You’ve just moved to Spain, you’re driving confidently along those roads you love so much… and suddenly, a registered letter arrives with a €200 fine. The reason? Something that wasn’t even an offence in your home country. Thousands of expats experience this situation every year, and the good news is that it can be avoided.
The most common traffic fines among expats in Spain include speeding, using a mobile phone while driving, not wearing a seatbelt, and driving with an invalid or non-exchanged licence. Fines range from €100 to €600, with penalty points on your licence. A car insurance policy with legal defence cover can help you appeal unfair fines, advise you on Spanish regulations, and handle all legal paperwork at no extra cost.
The most important thing you need to know is that your car insurance won’t pay your fines for you (it’s prohibited by law), but it can defend you legally if you believe a fine is unjust. And trust us, as an expat, knowing this difference can save you a lot of trouble.
Why expats receive more traffic fines
Driving in a new country always means adapting to different rules. What seems like normal behaviour in the UK, Germany, or the United States can be a serious offence in Spain. Lack of knowledge of local rules is the main reason for fines among foreign drivers.
Additionally, since 2015, there has been an information exchange system between European Union countries. This means fines will reach your home, no matter where you live. There’s no longer any way to “escape” a fine committed on Spanish territory.
The most common offences among expats
Speeding
This is the number one offence. Speed limits in Spain are strict and speed cameras are numerous. Fines range from €100 to €600 depending on how much you exceed the limit, with a loss of 2 to 6 points.
Important fact: if you exceed the limit by more than 60 km/h in an urban area or 80 km/h on the motorway, it’s considered a criminal offence with possible prison sentences.
Mobile phone use
Since the 2022 reform, simply holding your mobile phone while driving is enough to receive a €200 fine and lose 6 points. You don’t need to be calling or texting. Many expats are unaware of this strict rule.
Seatbelt
It seems basic, but thousands of drivers are fined every year for not wearing it properly. The fine is €200 and 4 points off your licence. It also applies if you’re carrying children without the appropriate restraint system.
Driving with an invalid licence
This is a specific problem for expats. If you come from outside the European Union, your licence is only valid for the first 6 months of residence in Spain. After that, you must exchange it or obtain a Spanish one. Driving without a valid licence can be considered a criminal offence, with financial penalties and even prison sentences.
Drink driving
Blood alcohol limits are 0.5 g/l for regular drivers and 0.3 g/l for new and professional drivers. Fines range from €500 to €1,000, with a loss of 4 to 6 points.
Running red lights and stop signs
The fine is €200 and 4 points. Traffic light cameras are increasingly common in Spanish cities.
How your car insurance can help you
A good car insurance policy for expats in Spain should include legal defence cover. This guarantee offers you legal protection in situations related to your vehicle, without having to pay for lawyers out of your own pocket.
What legal defence covers
- Telephone legal advice: enquiries about Spanish traffic regulations, your rights, and how to act when you receive a fine
- Fine appeals: if you believe a fine is unjust, your insurer can challenge it for you, submitting objections and administrative appeals
- Defence in court proceedings: if you’re accused of a traffic offence, you have legal representation
- Damage claims: if you have an accident and you’re not at fault, they help you claim the compensation you’re entitled to
What it doesn’t cover
It’s essential to understand that no insurance can pay your fines. Spanish law expressly prohibits this. What it can do is help you appeal them when you have valid arguments.
They also don’t cover parking fines in regulated zones (blue zones), intentionally committed offences, or fines for driving without a valid licence.
Practical tips to avoid fines as an expat
- Exchange your licence as soon as possible: don’t wait until the last minute. If you come from a country with an agreement with Spain, the process is straightforward
- Learn the speed limits: they vary depending on the type of road and may differ from your home country
- Invest in a phone holder: using your phone’s GPS is legal if it’s fixed and you don’t handle it while driving
- Always carry your documentation: licence, insurance, and vehicle registration document
- Take out insurance with English-speaking service: as an expat, you need to be able to communicate with your insurer in your language
Frequently asked questions
Can I drive with my foreign licence in Spain?
If you’re from the European Union, yes, as long as it’s valid. If you come from another country, only for the first 6 months of legal residence. After that, you must exchange it or obtain a Spanish one.
Will a fine reach my country if I commit an offence in Spain?
Yes. Since 2015, there has been an information exchange system between EU countries that allows authorities to locate offenders and notify them of fines.
Can my insurance pay a fine for me?
No. It’s prohibited by law. But it can help you appeal it if you believe it’s unjust.
Is it worth appealing a traffic fine?
It depends. If you have solid arguments (notification error, speed camera defect, mitigating circumstances), your insurer can assess the case at no cost to you.
Your peace of mind on the road starts with the right insurance
Driving in Spain as an expat doesn’t have to be complicated. The key is knowing the local rules, keeping your documentation in order, and having car insurance that supports you when you need it.
At The Insurance Centre, we’ve been helping expats in Spain find the right protection for their vehicles for over 30 years. Our multilingual team understands your specific needs and can advise you on the cover that really suits you, including legal defence for traffic fines.
Do you have questions about your current car insurance or want to know if you’re properly protected? Contact us and we’ll help you review it with no obligation.
About Our Team
At The Insurance Centre, we’ve been helping clients since 1999 with friendly, professional, and multilingual insurance services tailored especially for expatriates in Spain. We work with top-tier, reputable insurance providers and have proudly received awards for excellence in customer service and expat insurance for the past 10 years.
We are fully registered with the Dirección General de Seguros (DGS) and are members of the Colegio de Mediadores. Our team speaks English, Spanish, French, and Swedish, ensuring clear and confident communication with clients from around the world.
