Home insurance: Your Spanish banker wants you to buy home insurance? He can't force you to do it.

You are taking out a mortgage with your banker. He explains that he can reduce your interest rate if you take out home insurance directly with them. It seems interesting, the interest rate on your mortgage is reduced. You seem to be saving money. But beware, taking out your home insurance from the bank is often more expensive than with some insurance companies, despite the reduction in the interest rate on your credit. Since 2018, Spanish law has prohibited banks from forcing customers to take out home insurance in their establishment.

What you should understand about interest rate and home insurance.

If your banker offers to reduce your interest rate, it is because he is able to do so, and even if you do not take out his home insurance. He suggested that you lower your rate because he can, even if he is not forced to. It is a good source of information for your negotiation.

It is important for a bank to offer and sell the most different products to its customers. The simple reason that it is more difficult to leave an establishment when there are several contracts. The adviser of your bank is above all a merchant, who's looking for selling you his products.

Don't rush yourself.

Bank , contracts, rates, negotiations, it takes time and energy. But if you rush too much, you can miss making great savings. Always take the time to read the contracts, and be careful what your advisor tells you. If I can give you some advice, when you leave your bank, cross the street, and enter another bank, then another, you will be amazed with the differences.

What is an insurance broker?

We often hear that insurance brokers take fees for each service, or that they have less offers ... Well, think again, it is more advantageous to go through an  insurance broker than through the insurance company directly, because the broker can make you benefit from a specific solution according to your needs thanks to his collaborations with many insurance companies.

An insurance broker is an intermediary between you and the insurance company. The insurance broker, unlike an agent or employee of the insurance company, does not depend on the insurance company. He is independent and manages all aspects of your contract, from choosing the product to claims management. There is, therefore, no need to be in contact with the insurer. He is aware of the products and offers of most companies and will be able to guide you according to your needs.

An agent works for an insurance company, he only cares about the best interest of the company. Its purpose is to promote its offers. We can therefore say that an agent represents his company while an insurance broker represents the client.

Regarding the insurance prices, the broker offers always exactly the same price of the insurance companies through other distribution channels (exclusive agents, direct sales over the Internet or telephone, etc.). The only difference is that in the case of Inov Expat, we collaborate with more than 20 companies, so our offer is more extensive and diversified.

What happens in the event of a claim?

You only have one thing to do: call your insurance broker. The broker takes care of the complete management, from the declaring the claim to contact of a repairer. He is an expert in this management, who fully understands your rights as well as the guarantees and the amounts of coverage included in your contract. He has a strong position regarding the insurance company, due to his neutrality, his daily claims management and the volume of his sales. He guarantees the defense of your rights in any situation.

What happens if the premium on my insurance increases?

Each year, the price of your insurance (premium) can increase, this is normal and linked to different variables, such as the number of claims, the depreciation of the insured property, the increase in risk, the variation in the CPI… However, it is possible whether this increase is unjustified or excessive, in this case your broker will be able to offer you other solutions and will have more strength to renegotiate your premium . This element significantly differentiates him from other sales channels (internet, agent, direct insurance company).

Inov Expat : Our missions

 Comparison as a guarantee of quality

 INOV Expat systematically compares the offers of different insurance companies in the Spanish and European markets.

Four comparison criteria: the solvency of companies, their speed of intervention in contract management, the settlement of claims and the quality of products.

 Defense of your rights

In case of a disagreement, we'll do the negotiations with the insurance company. Any claim is declared to the Insurance Company and managed by INOV.

 Careful selection of our partners

INOV Expat works with the most important insurance companies to guarantee none of our customers have to face problems due to insolvency or mismanagement of the insurance company.

Inov Expat : Who are we?

INOV Expat is an insurance brokerage firm aimed at expatriates in Spain and Portugal

INOV Expat is right there to help you: giving you the best advice on insurance, in English!

In fact, after 14 years, INOV Expat, an insurance brokerage firm, specialises in insurance for French and English-speaking expatriates in Spain and Portugal, at their destinations. As insurance professionals, we’ve signed partnership agreements with the best insurance companies in the market. All INOV Expat consultants are expatriates who will be able to advise you best in the language of your choice (English, French, Russian, Spanish, Portuguese…)

Ask you free quote online : car, health, home, life, travel, others. Look at our website inovexpat.com or contact us by e-mail at welcome@inovexpat.com, by telephone at +34.93.268.87.42 or WhatsApp +34.627.627.880

Barcelona is an international tourist city that tends to develop over and over again. The massive influx of visitors often comes with an increase of crimes. Barcelona is no exception to the rule, since in 20 years it has built an bad reputation for theft in Barcelona.

In this article which aims to be as practical as possible, we describe the most classic theft situations and the areas to avoid as well as the good practices to adopt... But if that is not enough and you are unfortunately victim of a theft, follow the steps that we present to you below and maybe you can avoid the situation.

THE MOST CLASSIC ROBBERIES SITUATIONS… Cliches that are still relevant

1. Get your bag stolen at Mac Donald's in las Ramblas ;
2. Have your phone stolen from the metro (pay special attention to Catalunya , Liceu and Urquinaona stations) ;
3. Theft by snatch (beware of Plaza Catalunya , always put your bag in front of you!);
4. The ball game (classic Ramblas, you have to guess under which cup the ball is… it's a scam);
5. The flower seller (the person will help you choose the coin you need to give him ... you will later realize that some of your notes have been stolen);
6. Requesting a small donation by placing a badge (the badge is placed immediately without asking you ... and the strategy is exactly the same as for the flower seller);

These are just a few examples, but it's always worth knowing the most used scams before venturing into the more touristic areas of Barcelona.

If you are curious, take a look at this blog which brings together very original scams  : https://foodlovertour.com/blog/barcelona-tourist-scams/

AREAS TO AVOID

At first it is important to specify that Barcelona is the fourth safest city in Europe, according to Le Figaro. In fact, unlike Paris or London, violent assaults are very rare. Most of the time, you only realize that you have been robbed only when it is too late ...

Most dangerous areas for victims of pickpockets

• The most close areas to the Ramblas , especially street s C / Ferran and C / Hospital leading to the most touristic avenue's of the city
• Also pay attention to the surroundings of Iglesia Santa María del Mar and Via Laietana
• At the beach in general, but even more so in areas frequented by tourists such as Playa de Mar Bella

 Neighborhoods to be more vigilant at night

• The Raval area
• Le Born
• The southern part of Las Ramblas

GOOD PRACTICES TO AVOID THEFT IN BARCELONA OR REDUCE THE CONSEQUENCES

If you take these things into account, there is little chance that something unpleasant will happen to you:

1. Do not go out with your wallet , avoid the credit card if possible (having a limited amount of cash is often safer) and only take an identity document;
2. Always use the inside pockets of your jacket or those of your pants and distribute the various valuables in several pockets;
3. Be careful ! Especially in the metro and check that no one is too close to you (when possible ...); take good care of your laptop, wallet and backpack which are the target objects of pickpockets;
4. Watch out for backpacks! If you really need it, choose a strap to wear in front of you or with an anti-theft system (very fashionable now!);
5. Thieves mainly target tourists, so avoid appearing to be one ... Typically, do not stop in the middle of the street, taking out a map of Barcelona from your bag, ​​go instead to a bar or do it against a wall facing the street, discreetly so as to be less vulnerable;

Avoid walking around with your camera prominently around your neck. Pay attention to your bag in terraces, cafes or beaches, the risk is guaranteed if you leave it at your feet or on a chair…

WHAT TO DO IN CASE OF THEFT IN BARCELONA ?

• Prioritize the blocking of your credit card. Be quick, because your thieves will be fast. They know they have little time to act. You can quickly end up with withdrawals and contactless payments. If you have an App from your bank on your phone, they usually have an option to block the card in a very simple way. If this is not the case, you will have to call your bank directly: all banks have a 24 hour number for this type of situation. In the worst case, we offer you a generic telephone number to be able to oppose your bank card from Spain:

900 991 124

• Block your phone and cut your line through your telephone operator. Be reactive for this procedure as significant costs may arise.

• Report theft to the police. Attention again, be quick to avoid fraudulent use of your identity documents. Avoid the police stations which are right in the center, do not hesitate to move away and go there as soon as possible, you will have less waiting. You will need to send this document to your insurance company for the claim to be properly covered.

• Go to the English Consulate to register the declaration. You will receive a receipt to present when renewing your identity documents.

• If your keys have been stolen, it is strongly advised to change your locks. You may have been followed, or your address may have been written on your identity papers ... Limit the damage by being proactive. These costs will generally be covered by your insurance.

• Contact your insurance company or your insurance brokerage firm (Read the article >> What is a brokerage firm? ) So that your advisor can manage your claim and advise you. You have a maximum of seven days to declare the claim and have the insurance company take care of it (this is the usual deadline but it can change depending on the company).

How to change to Spanish plates ?

 Problems to  change to Spanish plates (car, motorcycle) ? How long can you travel in another EU country without changing license plates ? What taxes do you have to pay in the host country? What procedure should you follow to register your car in another country  ?

Good News: If your car has a license plate from UK or Northern Ireland you can insure it for one year and drive legally in Spain without any formalities !

The procedure has changed since 08/06/2017, and it is true that the document provided by the DGT (Dirección Général del Traffico) is not very easy to understand. We have therefore decided to summarize its content more clearly for you. We hope that you will find in this article all the answers to your questions.

1 / In the first place, it is strongly recommended to make an appointment before even starting to change to Spanish plates.

To make an appointment, fill out the request form on the DGT website:

FILL OUT NOW 

 Be careful, there may be several weeks of waiting.

Once you have the appointment, download this document and complete it, you will need it to get to your appointment.

2 / TAXES : DOCUMENTS TO PRESENT AT THE APPOINTMENT

Amount of tax to be paid during the meeting:

• Car: 96.80 €
• Moped: 27 €

Please note: cash payments are not accepted.

Documents to present:

• Present proof of payment or exemption from payment of traffic tax, from the city where the applicant resides.
• Present proof of payment or exemption from payment to the housing tax.

3 / IDENTITY OF THE APPLICANT: DOCUMENTS TO PRESENT

• Identity card or Passport or Spanish permit or resident card
• NIE
• Proof of address

4 / VEHICLE IDENTITY: DOCUMENTS TO PRESENT

• Technical control of the vehicle (paper or electronic version)
• The sales procedure documents.
• If the car comes from an auction, you will also have to present the contract.

But pay attention, if your vehicle is part of the list below, the procedure to change to Spanish plates does not stop there.

• New vehicle acquired in the EU (outside Spain),
• Used vehicle acquired in the EU (outside Spain),

• Vehicle acquired in a country outside the EU (outside Spain).

New vehicles acquired in the EU:

Supporting document for payment of VAT (model 309 or 300 from the State tax administration agency) or document certifying the registration of persons liable for VAT and technical sheet issued by the ITV (technical control center of vehicles).

Used vehicles acquired in the EU:

The original documentation of the vehicle, accompanied by:

• In the case of sale between individuals, purchase contract accompanied by translation and tax on heritage transmissions.
• If the vehicle is purchased from a seller from a country other than Spain, the invoice showing the VAT number must be presented.
• If the vehicle is acquired from a Spanish seller, the invoice and the document issued by the tax service, the registration voucher for this activity during the corresponding financial year, must be presented.
• Technical sheet issued by the ITV (technical vehicle control center).

Vehicles acquired in countries outside the EU:

Original vehicle documentation and Single Administrative Document (DUA) issued by customs, except if the vehicle import procedure is on the ITV card (technical vehicle control).

And then ?

You arrive in Spain, or have been there for some time, and the administrative procedures are linked, one after the other. 

And good news, INOV Expat will support you in English in your procedures. When it comes to an expatriate insurance brokerage firm,  INOV Expat will make things easier for you. Remember that if your car has a license plate from UK or Northern Ireland you can insure it for one year without any formalities.

You just have to request a quote and you will receive several proposals from different companies, the best depending on your profile. You will have an English expert who will be responsible for your file, he will be the intermediary between the insurance company you have chosen and you. Your contact will be available to you for the whole duration of your contract.

Request your free quote AND receive several offers from different insurance companies.

Motorcycle insurance in Spain : everything you need to know

Subscription to insurance for vehicles has been compulsory since 1958, whether for car or motorbikes. We know that motorcycles are overexposed to dangers, so it is essential to take out motorcycle insurance upon purchase. Civil Liability is one of the most important covers. It does not cover you for personal damage or theft, but it protects you from the events of daily life for which you may be responsible of damages caused to others persons. So the aim of motorcycle insurance is to cover the driver's civil liability as well as material losses in the event of a claim or accident.

What is third party insurance?

 Third party motorcycle insurance may be sufficient if you own an old motorcycle, because in case of an accident, repair costs may sometimes be higher than the value of the motorcycle, or if you only use it occasionally (for weekends out for example). Third party motorcycle insurance does not cover own damages in case of an at-fault accident.

Who can ride my motorcycle?

It works the same way as car insurance, you can allow someone to ride your motorcycle. All motorcycle contracts are obliged to mention this clause. This covers a second driver or an occasional driver, that is not declared in the contract. In this case any driver over 25 years of age (the required age may vary depending on the insurance company) and with a driving license of more than two years experience will be covered by motorcycle insurance. In case of accident, the second driver will benefit from the same covers as the policyholder.

As a young driver, it is not recommended to buy a sports motorcycle, because motorcycle insurance varies according to your age, the power of your motorcycle and your license years and a some insurance companies wont be able to insure you or the insurance will be extremely expensive.

What are the covers of motorcycle all-risk insurance?

• The cover theft / fire  : motorcycles theft risks are greater than for cars. All-risk insurance allows you to better take care of in the event of an incident or theft.

• The cover of damage refers to own vehicle : in case of an at-fault accident you will be covered.

• The cover of damage refers to third party : collision with another vehicle or identified third party (person or animal).

• The assistance and breakdown cover : your vehicle will be towed in case of any problem. The tow truck will pull your disabled vehicle to the repair shop and a cab will bring you home if needed.

In what situations am I not covered by my motorcycle insurance?

If you are responsible for an accident and you were drunk, driving under the influence of drug, etc. you will not be covered by your insurance. Even if you are the only one injured. It is a very serious fault, and you will not have the right to any compensation, whether for physical injuries or material losses.

CAR INSURANCE IN SPAIN IN 4 STEPS

1/ Understand why car insurance is essential.

2/ How to determine the  premium  of  the car insurance  and choose the covers.

3/ Know the different  types of contracts

4/ How yo get Spanish license plates

Accidents, breakdowns, impacts on the windshield, theft of the car , thefts from the car , fires ... your car needs insurance. The aim of car insurance is to cover the occupants of the vehicle, as well as the driver 's civil liability against other road users. More than just protection, this insurance guarantees your well-being inside your vehicle.

WHY DO YOU NEED TO INSURE YOUR CAR IN SPAIN ?

What the law says ?

The law requires all drivers to be insured under what is commonly called « civil liability ». This guarantees compensation for damage that could be caused to others by the driver of the car or its passengers in an accident. Of course you can add to this policy other guarantees to protect yourself and other passengers

How to calculate your premium ?

The cost of your car insurance in Spain depends on several factors :

• Your age
• Your license years
• Your car
• The use of your car
• Your place of residence
• The desired guarantees
• The number and frequency of previous claims

Did you know ?

Having a license in Spain is interesting, for financial and practical reasons. Indeed, the deadlines for obtaining it are shorter and you will be credited from the start with 8 points out of a total of 12.

A "bonus" of 3 points exists for drivers who do not commit an infraction.

HOW TO INSURE YOUR CAR ?

Can we insure a foreign car in Spain ?

It is possible to insure any car with foreign license plates in Spain during three months, only when formalities to get Spanish plates are already engaged.

Exception : if your car has a license plate from UK or Northern Ireland you can insure it for one year without any formalities.

What formalities to insure ?

In order to insure your car you would need :

• A NIE (Numero de identidad de Extranjeros)
• A postal address in Spain
• A spanish number account
• « no claim discount » from your past insurance company

Did you know ?

Since December 21, 2012 women, however better drivers, pay the same premiums as men…

The European Court of Justice has ruled that "taking into account the sex of the insured as a risk factor in insurance contracts constitutes a factor of discrimination".

THREE TYPES OF CAR INSURANCE CONTRACTS IN SPAIN

In Spain, insurance companies offer three different types of contracts: the basic contract, the complete, and all risks.