Spain is one of Europe's great motorhome and caravan destinations. With over 1,500 designated áreas de autocaravanas (motorhome service areas), year-round mild weather in the south, and routes that take you from the Pyrenees to Tarifa, it's no surprise that hundreds of thousands of expats keep caravans or motorhomes here. But insurance for these vehicles is a specialist area where many owners get caught out.
Standard car insurance in Spain covers the vehicle as a means of transport. It does not cover:
If your motorhome is broken into while you're sleeping in a campsite and your laptops, cameras and camping equipment are stolen, your car insurance policy will not pay out. This gap catches many owners off-guard.
The insurance needs for a static caravan (one that stays permanently on a campsite or private plot) and a touring caravan (towed behind a car) are quite different.
Touring caravans need third-party liability cover when being towed (legally mandatory in Spain), plus accidental damage, theft and contents cover. The towing vehicle's insurance does not extend to the caravan itself.
Static caravans need cover for the structure against storm, fire and theft, plus civil liability for damage or injury the caravan might cause. Many campsites in Spain require proof of civil liability insurance before allocating a pitch.
Spain's coastal areas are particularly prone to high winds — the Tramontana in the north, the Levante around Gibraltar, and Atlantic storms hitting the Canary Islands can cause significant caravan damage. Storm cover is not optional in these locations.
Motorhomes (autocaravanas) are classified as vehículos de motor under Spanish law, so third-party liability is mandatory to drive on Spanish roads. But third-party only leaves the bulk of your asset unprotected.
A comprehensive motorhome policy covers:
If you're resident in Spain with a UK-registered motorhome or caravan tow car, Spanish law requires you to re-register the vehicle within 30 days of establishing residency. During the transition, many UK insurers will not cover a vehicle being permanently based in Spain, and Spanish insurers require a Spanish plate. This gap needs careful management — speak to a specialist broker before your UK cover lapses.
Caravan insurance (touring): from €80–€150/year added to car policy, or €150–€300/year standalone
Static caravan insurance: €100–€400/year depending on value and location
Motorhome comprehensive: €600–€1,400/year for a vehicle valued €30,000–€60,000
Security measures (wheel clamps, hitch locks, GPS trackers) reduce premiums by 10–25% on most policies.
