Caser car insurance cover for theft

Moving to Spain from another country brings a lot of excitement–a new language, culture, better work-life balance, amazing weather, and a thriving gastronomic scene. But it also brings many not so exciting things like applying for your residence card, navigating the bureaucracy that comes with being an expat, finding an apartment, and perhaps buying a car. And once those big (not so exciting) steps get made, they usually lead to smaller steps such as making sure to get the right home insurance or car insurance. As expats, we accept these minor inconveniences for the opportunity of an enriching and life changing experience, but it is important to have all the information we need to make the best decision about which car insurance is right for our circumstances. In this article, we detail different types of car insurances available, and specifically why you may consider car insurance cover theft as an option in Spain. 

Car Theft in Spain

While cars in recent years have become more and more difficult to steal as manufacturers come up with clever ways to prevent it, in Spain there are roughly 37,000 cars stolen per year.  While they are mercifully not on the list of the top 10 worst countries when it comes to stolen cars, the country still averages roughly 100 cars stolen per day. And the worst of all is that according to the Spanish Ministry of Interiors, only a measly 10% of cars stolen are ever returned to their rightful owners. Perhaps you have already been on the unlucky side of this and are scrambling to understand everything you need to understand about the car theft claim process in Spain. But if you are considering purchasing or bringing a car to Spain and these statistics are worrisome to you, read on to learn more about which car insurance cover theft may be the right choice for you.

Car Insurance in Spain

Contrary to some countries, third party liability car insurance is a legal requirement in Spain. Anyone found to be driving a car without insurance can be fined up to $3,000. But between the most basic third party liability car insurance, which covers damage to third parties in the event of an accident, and full, comprehensive coverage, there lie many important differences to consider, especially when it comes to car theft. 

Basic Third Party Liability Insurance

Third party liability insurance is the most basic type of insurance that is legally required by Spanish law for anyone driving a car in Spain. If you are renting a car, the rental company will include this as a bare minimum, and allow you to add additional insurance for peace of mind. Basic third party liability insurance with Caser Expat Insurance includes:

• Caser Autohelp. This new feature, available in all of Caser’s car insurances, alerts emergency services in the event that we cannot contact you after an emergency is detected in your vehicle. Find out more how Caser Autohelp works.

• Compulsory Liability coverage of the maximum fixed amount legally established at the time of the accident for any third party material or physical damages

• Voluntary Civil Liability for when the CL is not enough. This may include damages to third parties for times when your car is parked or stopped, opening your car door too forcefully towards the one next to yours, or even luggage that falls onto the motorway causing damage to other vehicles.

• Personal damages. Even Caser’s most basic third party insurance covers unlimited medical care in one of our centers or up to €6,000 at a center of your choosing. Not only that, but this insurance covers both the occupants and the driver in certain instances for up to €60,000.

• Legal defense. Caser Expat Insurance will file claims on your behalf for damages made by third parties to your car, to you, or to others insured on your policy. No questions asked. 

• Managing fines. In conjunction with legal defense, Caser Expat Insurance relies on a team of professionals who can advise you a legal matters such as fines, parking and traffic tickets, or other legal services.

• Travel support. From day one you can count on 24-hour travel assistance including mechanical assistance and towing when needed. 

Optional additional coverages like animal collisions, replacement vehicle, and fire damage can be added to the Basic Third Liability plan, however, you may notice that car theft is not covered with this plan. 

Extended Third Party Liability Insurance

For those who want extended peace of mind and want an insurance that they can be sure covers vehicle theft, it is best to find a car insurance cover theft, and Caser’s extended third party insurance might be the perfect match. This insurance includes:

• All of the aforementioned benefits of the Basic Third Party Liability Insurance in addition to;

• Fire damage. Caser Expat Insurance covers all costs related to fire damage to your car and accessories. In the event of a total loss, if the car is less than two years from registration, we cover 100% of the costs. After the third year, we cover 120% of the market value. 

• Windscreen breakage. This insurance covers any repairs or replacements to your windscreen.

• Theft. Caser’s car insurance covers not only robbery and theft of a vehicle, but also attempted robbery. If the lock is forced and any damage is done, Caser Expat Insurance will also cover that damage. If the car is found later on, Caser Expat Insurance will be responsible for repairs and reconditioning of the car. If, on the other hand, the car cannot be located, we will refund you 100% of the price of the car if it is less than 2 years from the date of registration. After the third year, again, we will refund 120% of the market value of the car at the time of the accident. 

Optional additional services may also be added to this policy for increased peace of mind of the driver.

Comprehensive Full Coverage Insurance
Caser’s comprehensive full coverage insurance is the top of the line option that will result in the maximum peace of mind for the driver. This insurance includes;

• All of the aforementioned coverages in Extended Third Party Liability Insurance in addition to;

• Damages to your vehicle. Any and all damages caused to your vehicle by things such as land subsidence, fires, or vandalism is completely covered. In addition, (and in difference from all other insurances mentioned here), if the repairs to your vehicle are more than 75% of the value of the car or the damages result in a total loss, Caser Expat Insurance compensates you for 100% of the acquisition value if the car is less than 2 years from registration date. This insurance also covers damages due to animal collisions on public roads.

• Stop & Go. If your car suddenly stops on the road during your journey, we will cover the cost to bring a mechanic to wherever you are and fix your car so you can be on your way. If this is not possible, we will pay the amount in order to bring the car to be fixed in the garage of your choice.

How to decide which car insurance is right for me?

Ultimately deciding which car insurance is right for you depends on many factors, and the best option is to get a personalised quote. You will be able to speak with a Caser Expat Insurance agent who you can talk to directly about your wants and needs in your car insurance policy. As we laid out here, having car insurance cover theft is a very important factor in many European countries, Spain included. And having the peace of mind that even if the worst-case scenario develops, you have a team of professionals helping and guiding you along the way, is truly priceless.  We look forward to speaking with you and helping you through the process!