How to find a mechanical workshop for your car in Spain

The inherent freedom of being able to hit the open road in your car whenever you want is incomparable and an exhilarating experience in and of itself, but no matter how prepared you or your motor are, unfortunately it’s impossible to prepare for all contingencies. What happens if you’re in the middle of a road trip in Spain and your car breaks down but you’re not sure how to find the nearest car mechanic workshop? Absolute headache, right? Or how do you go about finding a reliable garage in your new expat home? Luckily, we’re here to lend a hand and help you navigate this tricky situation.

Buying a car is a hefty investment, so under ordinary circumstances, choosing the right car mechanic workshop for general repairs, maintenance or technical inspections is an important decision that we shouldn’t make lightly. After all, we ideally want to find someone trustworthy who is going to look after our investment as best as possible. This is where general criteria come into play. Aside from valuable word of mouth, which is what we tend to rely on when hunting for a mechanic, it’s important to consider the following criteria before selecting the right garage for your car.

1. Certifications

If it’s your first time at the auto repair shop, make sure the workshop holds the mandatory certifications. Look out for the spanner icon and a plaque with the industrial registration number, which is usually found at the entrance of the garage. It will also indicate whether the mechanics hold the necessary training and expertise to repair your car. For further information on the regulation of car mechanic workshops in Spain, check out the Official State Gazette.

2. Quality parts

It’s crucial that the car mechanic workshop uses high-quality parts and materials made by a reliable brand with the necessary warranty. If the mechanic carries out illegal maintenance using parts without a warranty, you will likely come up against some serious problems further down the line.

3. First-hand experience

It’s all well and good receiving a recommendation, but sometimes it’s necessary to see the place with your very own eyes and come to your own conclusion. Before you take your car to the mechanic, why not pay it a visit and ask some questions to make your own assessment. Check out the workspace and ensure it is orderly and well equipped. Find out some useful information by asking about their business hours, warranty policy, pricing and invoicing. The idea is to form a fully rounded personal opinion before you make the decision.

In an ideal world, the best way to find a reliable car mechanic is to start the search before your car actually needs to be repaired, otherwise you’ll be pressed for time and unable to fully assess all the available options. Nowadays, however, it’s more and more common to avail of your insurance cover when in need of a car mechanic workshop.

But how exactly can your car insurance help? Well, Caser Expat Insurance has an extensive and premium network of over 500 garages in Spain that are included in each of the three types of insurance, offering workshops that specialise in windscreens, bodywork and vehicle inspection tests. All Caser Auto policyholders have access to quality services including but not limited to: interior and exterior cleaning, courtesy vehicle, priority assistance, repair or immediate replacement of windscreens, special rates, and warranty on repairs*. To find your nearest garage in Spain, use our garage finder tool.

What do you do if your car breaks down in the middle of nowhere?

They say prevention is better than cure, and this definitely applies to a certain extent when it comes to car maintenance - after all, the more you look after your car, the less likely it is to break down or need emergency repairs. That said, mechanical breakdowns or damage to your car often happen when you least expect it and more times than not in the most inconvenient places.

In the unlucky event of a breakdown or accident, Caser Auto policyholders have several options on hand depending on the severity of the situation and the type of insurance they have taken out.

• Travel assistance (covered by Basic Third-Party, Extended Third-Party and Comprehensive): roadside assistance is provided from the first kilometre and 24 hours a day. It includes:
  - Mechanical support: If you have an accident, just give us a call and we’ll send a tow truck to your location. We’ll also cover €120 of costs so you can continue your journey.
  - Vehicle towing: If we are unable to repair your car on-site, we will arrange and bear the costs for it to be towed to the garage of your choice.
  
  
• Stop & Go (covered by Comprehensive Car Insurance): If your car breaks down in the middle of the road, we will send a mechanic to wherever you are to fix it on-site. In the event that on-site repair is not possible, we will cover the cost at a garage of your choice (mechanical, electronic and electrical repair included).
  
  
• Caser Autohelp (covered by all three types of insurance): Although not entirely related to the hunt for a car mechanic workshop but in the same vein as breakdowns/accidents, Caser Expat Insurance offers a revolutionary tool that can save your life. If you suffer an accident in your vehicle, through the use of AI, we’re automatically alerted, pinpoint your location and send an ambulance your way.

Finding the right car mechanic workshop depends on a range of factors, but sometimes unexpected circumstances override your ability to choose. If you’re carrying out regular maintenance or repairs on your vehicle and hunting for a garage, don’t forget to weigh up all your options on the basis of the above criteria to ensure your car is well looked after. If you’re insured with Caser Expat Insurance, be sure to take advantage of the premium network of garages by using our finder tool, as well as the different types of cover in the event of a breakdown or accident.

*Services subject to availability of garages.