Home Insurance in Spain: A Guide for Expat Homeowners
Do You Need Home Insurance in Spain?
While home insurance is not legally compulsory in Spain, it is almost always required by mortgage lenders. Even if you own your property outright or are renting, it is strongly advisable to have adequate coverage. Property damage, water leaks, fire, and theft can result in costs that run into tens of thousands of euros — and in many cases, your community fees do not include coverage for the interior of your home.
What Is the Difference Between Building and Contents Insurance?
Spanish home insurance typically comes in two forms:
- Building insurance (seguro de continente) — covers the physical structure of your property: walls, roof, floors, fixed installations, and often communal areas. Usually required by mortgage lenders.
- Contents insurance (seguro de contenido) — covers your personal belongings inside the home: furniture, appliances, electronics, clothing, and valuables.
Many policies combine both into a single hogar (home) policy, which is the most common option purchased by homeowners in Spain.
What Does Home Insurance Cover in Spain?
A standard Spanish hogar policy typically covers:
- Fire, smoke, and explosion damage
- Water damage from burst pipes or flooding
- Theft and attempted break-in
- Storm and weather damage
- Glass breakage (windows, mirrors, sanitary ware)
- Third-party liability — if someone is injured on your property
What About Holiday Homes in Spain?
If you own a holiday home or a property that sits empty for long periods, you need a specialist policy. Standard home insurance policies may not cover properties that are unoccupied for more than 30–60 days. It is important to declare how the property is used and ensure your policy is appropriate.
Similarly, if you rent out your property — either long-term or as a holiday let — you will need a policy that covers landlord liability and tenant-related damage.
How Much Does Home Insurance Cost in Spain?
A standard home insurance policy in Spain is surprisingly affordable. A typical apartment can be insured from around €150–€300 per year depending on size, location, and coverage level. Villas and larger properties naturally cost more, but the cost is still modest compared to the financial exposure of being uninsured.
Get a Quote for Home Insurance in Spain
At Insurance Spain, we help homeowners across Spain find the right cover at the right price. We compare plans from Mapfre, AXA, Allianz, Caser, Liberty, and more. Contact us today for a free, personalised quote.