What Does Spanish Home Insurance Actually Cover?

What Does Spanish Home Insurance Actually Cover?

Spanish home insurance (seguro de hogar) works differently from UK or US policies, and many expats are surprised by what is — and is not — included. In this guide, we break down exactly what a standard Spanish home insurance policy covers so you know where you stand.

The Three Core Components

1. Buildings Cover (Continente)

Covers the physical structure of your property: walls, roof, floors, ceilings, permanent fixtures (fitted kitchen, bathroom suites, built-in wardrobes), plumbing, electrics, and fixed glass. Insured risks include fire, water damage, storm, explosion, impact (a vehicle hitting your property), vandalism, and subsidence.

Key point for apartments: your community insurance covers shared structural elements. Your own buildings cover should insure the interior structure — from the walls inward.

2. Contents Cover (Contenido)

Everything inside your home that is not a permanent fixture: furniture, electronics, clothing, kitchenware, books, artwork, jewellery, and personal effects. Covered against theft, fire, water damage, storm, and (in some policies) accidental damage.

Key point: individual high-value items (typically over €1,500–€3,000 each) must be declared separately or they will only be reimbursed up to the per-item limit.

3. Civil Liability (Responsabilidad Civil)

Covers your legal liability if your property causes damage to a third party — most commonly water leaking from your flat into a neighbour's property below. Also covers injury to visitors on your property (a guest slips on your wet terrace) or damage caused by items falling from your balcony.

Key point: the most common insurance claim in Spain is water damage between neighbours. Ensure your RC cover is at least €300,000.

Standard Extras Included in Most Policies

• Emergency home assistance (24h) — callout for locksmith, plumber, electrician, glazier. Usually free for the first hour of labour.
• Temporary accommodation — if your home becomes uninhabitable due to an insured event, many policies cover hotel or rental costs while repairs are made.
• Legal defence — covers lawyer fees for disputes related to your property (boundary disputes, building defects, etc.).
• Garden and outdoor areas — some policies include garden furniture, barbecues, and outdoor structures. Others require a specific add-on.

What Is NOT Covered (Common Exclusions)

• Wear and tear — gradual deterioration, damp from poor ventilation, or damage from lack of maintenance
• Pest damage — termites, woodworm, and rodent damage are typically excluded unless added as an extra
• Swimming pool machinery — pumps, filters, and heating systems may need a specific pool cover add-on
• Jewellery and cash above limits — cash in the home is covered up to a small limit (typically €300–€600). Jewellery over the per-item limit must be declared.
• Professional use of the home — if you run a business from home, standard policy may not cover business equipment or liability
• Airbnb / holiday rentals — if you let your property commercially, you need a specific rental clause or landlord policy

The Consorcio: Spain's Extraordinary Risk Cover

Every Spanish home insurance policy includes an automatic surcharge that funds the Consorcio de Compensación de Seguros — a state-backed insurer that covers extraordinary events: floods, DANA storms, earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, and terrorism. You do not need to buy this separately — it is built into every policy.

Not sure if your current policy is adequate? Send us your policy details and we will review it for free — no obligation.

See also: Home Insurance Spain | Contents Insurance Spain | 5 Home Insurance Mistakes