Question: When is my premium deducted from my account?
Answer: The premium is deducted in the same week as the policy’s start date. For example, if your insurance starts on the 15th of the month, the premium is deducted on the 15th. If the 15th falls on a weekend, it will be deducted on the following Monday, the 16th or 17th of the month.
Question: What are the service fees for?
Answer: Our annual service fees cover additional services we guarantee, such as: personalized advice, comparison and selection of insurance companies, advice in your language, filing claims with the insurer, facilitating communication between you and the insurer, coordinating with experts and repairers, arranging towing services and replacement vehicles, and filing and managing claims with the CONSORCIO, the Spanish disaster fund.
Question: What is the CONSORCIO, the Spanish disaster fund?
Answer: The Spanish disaster fund, officially called the “Consorcio de Compensación de Seguros” (CCS), is a public institution that covers damages caused by natural disasters or when the counterparty’s insurer fails to pay. The CCS provides coverage for events such as floods, earthquakes, tsunamis, other natural phenomena, as well as damages caused by terrorism or civil unrest.
Question: What does the CONSORCIO, the Spanish disaster fund, cover?
Answer: It covers tidal waves, volcanic eruptions, falling celestial bodies and meteorites, cyclonic storms such as tornadoes and extreme wind gusts (exceeding 120 km/h) as per extraordinary risk insurance legislation. It also covers damages caused by violence due to terrorism, rebellion, riots, or civil unrest, as well as events or actions by armed forces or security services during peacetime.
Question: More information about the CONSORCIO, the Spanish disaster fund?
Answer: Many home contents insurance policies include a clause stating that damages from extreme conditions, such as severe weather, earthquakes, or wildfires, are not covered. However, unlike many countries, Spain has a national disaster fund, the Consorcio de Compensación de Seguros. Everyone with a Spanish insurance policy contributes a percentage to this fund. Flood damage, for example, is covered by this fund, including cars submerged in water or damage to homes or garages due to flooding.
Claims can be reported directly to the fund via: +34 902 222 665 / 952 367 042 or www.consorseguros.es (also available in English). Ensure you have the following details ready:
- Passport number/NIE number
- Policy number
Question: How to report disaster damage to the disaster fund?
Answer: Disaster damage can be reported directly to the fund via: +34 902 222 665 / 952 367 042 or www.consorseguros.es (also in English). Have the following details ready:
- Policy number
- Passport number/NIE number
Question: I’m stranded on the road. Who should I call?
Answer: Emergency Numbers for Assistance
Contact your insurance company directly via their helpline. In Spain, a motor vehicle is not allowed to tow another motor vehicle. Fortunately, towing service is standard with car insurance. The “grua” (tow truck) is the first you should call if you’re stranded. They will tow your car to a nearby garage to resolve the issue. Find emergency numbers here: https://mcsverzekeringen.com/telefoonnummers-voor-hulp-in-spanje/
Question: Is it mandatory to have liability insurance for my dog?
Answer: There are two options for pet insurance. The first is liability insurance (AVP). If your dog or cat causes damage to third parties or their property, this insurance covers the costs. If you already have an AVP policy, it’s not necessary to get a separate one, as pets are automatically covered. However, owners of dogs classified as potentially dangerous breeds are required to have separate liability insurance for their dog. In addition to liability coverage, pet insurance can include coverage for medical costs or expenses related to searching for a lost or stolen pet. There’s an age limit for these policies (3 months to 9 years), so it’s important to insure your pet at a young age.
Question: My dog belongs to a dangerous breed, do I need to insure it?
Answer: In Spain, owners of potentially dangerous dog breeds (Perros Potencialmente Peligrosos or PPP) are required to have mandatory liability insurance (Seguro de Responsabilidad Civil). This insurance covers damage the dog may cause to third parties, such as bites or property damage. It’s important to check if your dog falls under this category and arrange the insurance promptly, especially if you live in or visit Spain.
Question: Can my children drive my car?
Answer: Anyone who has held a driver’s license for more than three years and is over 25 years old is allowed to drive a car.
Question: Can I ride a 125cc scooter with my Dutch driver’s license?
Answer: In Spain, scooters with a 125cc engine are popular because they are faster than 50cc scooters, and a category B driver’s license allows you to ride them, unlike in the Netherlands (though permitted in Belgium). You can also ride a 125cc scooter from age 16 with an A1 license, but this does not permit driving cars, which requires a B license from age 18. Dutch B License and 125cc Scooter:
With a Dutch B license, you cannot ride a 125cc scooter in the Netherlands. A Dutch B license automatically includes an AM license, which allows you to ride mopeds, scooters, or mobility scooters with a maximum of 50cc or 4 kW electric power and a speed limit of 45 km/h.
In Spain, as a resident or non-resident, Instruction 15/C-221 applies, allowing you to ride a 125cc scooter on Spanish territory with a Dutch B license. Belgian B License and 125cc Scooter:
With a Belgian B license obtained before 2011, you can ride a 125cc scooter in Belgium, as it automatically includes an A1 motorcycle license. An A1 license allows you to ride a motorcycle up to 125cc or 11 kW electric power in Spain.
With a Belgian B license from 2011 with code 372 or 373, you can ride a 125cc scooter in Belgium. In Spain, as a resident or non-resident, Instruction 15/C-221 applies, allowing you to ride a 125cc scooter with a Belgian B license (even without code 372 or 373).
Question: I have glass damage to my car. What should I do?
Answer: You can immediately visit a Carglass garage. Find the nearest garage at: www.carglass.es
Question: Health insurance?
Answer: At MCS Expat Insurance, we ensure you can breathe easy and enjoy your well-deserved free time! Our health insurance policies offer unparalleled care tailored to your unique needs. With MCS, you’re assured top-quality coverage and vibrant health! Read more here: https://mcsverzekeringen.com/ziektekostenverzekering
Question: How to report damage?
Answer: What type of damage do you want to report?
For car damage, click here: https://mcsverzekeringen.com/schade-aan-mijn-auto-melden/
For damage to your home or contents, click here: https://mcsverzekeringen.com/schade-melden-aan-uw-huis-of-inboedel
Question: Liability insurance?
Answer: A liability insurance policy (WA-verzekering) protects the insured against liability for damage caused to others or their property outside of traffic-related incidents.
What does it cover? Damage caused to others or their belongings, such as a child accidentally throwing a ball through a neighbour’s window, spilling coffee on a friend’s laptop, or a dog biting someone.
Why is it important?
- Legal protection: If you’re legally liable for an accident or damage, costs can escalate quickly.
- Peace of mind: You don’t have to worry about financial consequences for accidental damage.
Question: If we install an alarm at home, does this affect our insurance? Will our premium decrease?
Answer: For home contents valued at €80,000 or higher, it’s mandatory to install an alarm system connected to a central monitoring station, as required by the insurance company to ensure coverage. If the contents value is below €80,000, no notification or additional measures are required.
Question: Can my grandchild drive my car?
Answer: Every driver must be over 25 years old and have held a valid driver’s license for more than three years.
Question: Is liability insurance mandatory for an electric bike, fat bike, or mobility scooter?
Answer: From January 2026, liability insurance is mandatory for motorised vehicles in Spain.
Note: Local regulations regarding helmets, lighting, and permitted roads also apply. Check local ordinances or the DGT for your municipality.
Question: Am I covered abroad with my car insurance?
Answer: With comprehensive or third-party plus insurance, the insurer provides the same coverage abroad. You can stay abroad for up to three months. A green card is no longer required within EU countries.
Question: Am I entitled to a replacement vehicle abroad?
Answer: No, you are not entitled to a replacement vehicle abroad.
Question: Can I choose my repairer for building damage?
Answer: In Spain, it’s common for the insurance company to:
- Have their network of repairers or contractors.
- Send an expert (perito) to assess the damage.
- Assign a repairer.
In many standard policies, you’re required to use their repairer unless otherwise agreed.
Choosing your repairer – sometimes possible:
You may choose your repairer if:
- The insurer approves in advance (often based on a quote).
- Your policy includes free choice of repairer (“libre elección de reparador”).
- You agree to reimbursement up to a certain limit.
In such cases, you must:
- Submit a quote in advance.
- Wait for the insurer’s approval.
Note: If you hire a repairer without permission, the insurer may refuse payment or only partially reimburse. Some insurers allow free choice only for damages above a certain threshold (€).
Question: Am I required to inform my insurance if I rent out my home?
Answer: Yes, you must inform your Spanish insurer if you rent out your home, whether for long-term rentals or short-term vacation rentals (e.g., via Airbnb, Booking, etc.). This affects your coverage and liability.
Why?
- Renting increases the risk of damage, fire, theft, or liability.
- Failure to report may result in:
- Limited coverage
- Denied claims
- Policy voidance due to fraud or intentional omission
Question: Am I covered for fire?
Answer: A standard home insurance policy (hogar-verzekering) typically covers fire.
When might fire not be covered?
The insurer may refuse payment for:
- Intentional acts or gross negligence (e.g., leaving dangerous appliances unattended).
- Non-compliant technical installations (e.g., outdated wiring).
- Unreported renting.
- Uninspected wood stoves, fireplaces without chimney inspection, etc.
- Policies covering only the building (“continente”), excluding furniture or belongings.
Question: An amount of €60 was deducted from my account. What is it for?
Answer: This amount covers the ARAG personal injury policy for your car and our service fees.
Question: Why is my building insurance calculated so low?
Answer: Rebuilding value vs. market value:
The rebuilding value is the amount needed to rebuild a property (e.g., after fire or collapse) at the same location, using the same materials and finishes. It does not include land value or market factors like scarcity or location. Building value (or market value):
The market value includes the building and land value, influenced by:
- Location
- Supply and demand
- Land prices
- Housing market trends
Market value can be artificially high due to housing market scarcity, but insurance only covers rebuilding costs, not the full market value.
Question: Why is the rebuilding value usually lower than the market value?
Answer: The rebuilding value excludes the land, as you don’t need to repurchase the land after damage—it remains yours.
Question: How long can I stay abroad with my car?
Answer: Most Spanish car insurance policies provide coverage in other EU countries, but:
- This is typically temporary, often up to 90 consecutive days.
- Staying abroad longer than allowed may invalidate the insurance or limit it to minimal legal coverage.
Question: Is towing service included in my policy?
Answer: Towing service is standard in Spanish car insurance. In Spain, one motor vehicle cannot tow another. Check the emergency numbers on our website for roadside assistance contact details.
Question: Can my grandchild drive my insured car?
Answer: Anyone over 25 years old with a valid driver’s license for more than three years can drive the car.
Question: My car was broken into. What steps should I take?
Answer: In case of a car break-in in Spain, you must first file a report with the Guardia Civil (Spanish police). Without an official report, we cannot process your claim. Please ensure all stolen items are clearly and fully listed in the report, including detailed descriptions (e.g., brand, model, colour, serial number if available). This information is essential for processing your claim.
Once you have a copy of the report, send it to us along with other relevant documents, such as photos, so we can assess your claim promptly.
Question: What does MCS stand for?
Answer: MCS stands for Mediterráneo Correduría de Seguros, our company name, founded in 2003 by Annemieke Rood.
Question: Is a leak in my swimming pool covered by my insurance?
Answer: Whether a leak in your swimming pool is covered by your insurance depends on the cause:
Covered cause (sudden, unexpected): For example, damage due to a storm, fire, frost, or a pipe burst → often covered.
Wear and tear, construction defect, or poor maintenance: These are seldom covered, as insurers consider them maintenance risks.
Concrete example:
A leak in the pool caused by a storm or a falling tree branch → often covered.
A leak in the pool due to a tear in the liner caused by ageing → usually not covered.
Question: Is the leak in my swimming pool covered?
Answer: Whether a leak in your swimming pool is covered by your insurance depends on the cause:
Covered cause (sudden, unexpected): For example, damage due to a storm, fire, frost, or a pipe burst → often covered.
Wear and tear, construction defect, or poor maintenance: These are seldom covered, as insurers consider them maintenance risks
Concrete example:
A leak in the pool caused by a storm or a falling tree branch → often covered.
A leak in the pool due to a tear in the liner caused by ageing → usually not covered.
