Home Insurance in Spain (2026): Complete Guide for Homeowners, Tenants & Expats
Understanding home insurance in Spain can feel confusing — especially for expats navigating unfamiliar terminology, coverage types and practical requirements. While home insurance is not always legally mandatory, it is strongly recommended and often required in practice.
This 2026 complete guide explains everything clearly:
- How home insurance works in Spain
- What it covers (and what it doesn’t)
- Building vs contents insurance
- Community insurance explained
- Renters and landlord rules
- Typical costs
- How to choose the right policy
This page is designed as a reference guide, helping you make informed decisions before choosing a specific policy.
If you’re already looking for tailored coverage rather than general information, you can explore our Expat Home Insurance Options designed specifically for owners, tenants and landlords in Spain.
This guide focuses specifically on home insurance and property protection.
If you want to understand how home insurance fits into the wider insurance system for expats — including health, car, life, travel and visa-related coverage — see our complete overview: Expat Insurance Guide Spain
Table of Contents
- What Is Home Insurance in Spain?
- Who Needs Home Insurance?
- How Home Insurance Works in Spain
- Types of Home Insurance
- Community Insurance
- What Home Insurance Covers
- What It Doesn’t Cover
- Home Insurance for Expats
- Renters Insurance in Spain
- Buildings Insurance Explained
- Landlord Insurance
- Home Insurance Costs in 2026
- How to Choose the Right Policy
- Documents You Need
- How to File a Claim in Spain
- FAQs
- Related Guides
- Get Help Choosing Home Insurance
What Is Home Insurance in Spain?
Home insurance in Spain (seguro de hogar) protects your property against risks such as:
- Mortgage lenders usually require buildings insurance
- Recommended even without a mortgage
Home insurance usually combines two main components:
- Building insurance (continente) — structure, walls, pipes, installations
- Contents insurance (contenido) — furniture, electronics and belongings
Who Needs Home Insurance in Spain?
Home insurance is widely used by:
Homeowners
- Mortgage lenders usually require buildings insurance
- Recommended even without a mortgage
Tenants / Renters
Protects belongings and personal liability
Expats & Foreign Residents
- English-speaking support
- English-speaking support
- Higher liability limits
Expats & Foreign Residents
Protects against tenant damage and liability
How Home Insurance Works in Spain
Spanish home insurance policies are based on:
- Insured capital (sum insured)
- Building value (valor de continente)
- Contents value (valor de contenido)
- Deductibles (franquicia)
- Covered risks (riesgos cubiertos)
Pricing depends on:
- Property size and location
- Construction type
- Security measures
- Claims history
Home insurance policies in Spain are regulated and supervised by the Dirección General de Seguros y Fondos de Pensiones (DGSFP), the official authority overseeing insurers, policy conditions and consumer protection in the Spanish insurance market.
Types of Home Insurance in Spain
Buildings Insurance (Continente)
Covers:
- Walls, ceilings and floors
- Pipes and electrical installations
- Windows and built-in elements
Contents Insurance (Contenido)
Covers:
- Furniture and appliances
- Electronics and valuables
Combined Home Insurance
The most common option for expats.
Civil Liability Insurance
Essential if:
- A water leak damages a neighbour
- Someone is injured in your home
Community Insurance (Seguro de Comunidad)
Most apartment buildings have community insurance, which usually covers:
- Roof and façade
- Elevators
- Common areas
- Shared pipes
- Community insurance does not replace individual home insurance.
What Home Insurance Covers
Typical coverage includes:
- Fire, smoke and explosion
- Theft and burglary
- Electrical damage
- Glass breakage
- Weather damage (conditions apply)
- Civil liability
- Water leaks and pipe breaks
What Home Insurance Doesn’t Cover
Common exclusions:
- Wear and tear
- Gradual humidity
- Poor maintenance
- Pest infestations
- Structural defects
- Undeclared high-value items
Home Insurance for Expats (Key Differences)
Expats often need:
- English-language explanations
- Coverage for second residences
- Flexible use (seasonal occupancy)
- Higher liability limits
For expats preparing a move to Spain, home insurance is usually part of a wider relocation checklist that includes visas, healthcare, housing and legal registration.
Renters Insurance in Spain
Renters insurance (seguro de inquilino) covers:
- Personal belongings
- Civil liability
- Accidental damage
Buildings Insurance in Spain
Buildings insurance focuses only on the structure of the property.
Required when:
- You own a property
- You have a mortgage
- Community insurance is limited
Landlord Insurance
Landlord policies may include:
- Tenant damage
- Liability
- Optional unpaid rent protection
- Legal defence
Home Insurance Costs in Spain (2026)
Typical annual costs:
| Property Type | Price Range |
|---|---|
| Small apartment | €120–€180 |
| Medium apartment | €180–€250 |
| Detached home | €250–€400 |
| High-value home | €400–€900 |
How to Choose the Right Policy
Checklist:
- Correct building & contents values
- Adequate liability limits
- Water leak coverage included
- Electrical damage covered
- Emergency assistance available
- Suitable for second residences
Documents You Need
Checklist:
- Passport or NIE
- Property address
- Size (m²)
- Use (primary / secondary / rental)
- Estimated contents value
How to File a Claim in Spain
- Notify the insurer (within 7 days)
- Provide photos and documents
- Loss adjuster review
- Repair approval
- Repair or reimbursement
FAQs — Home Insurance in Spain
Is home insurance mandatory?
Not by law, but required by most lenders.
Does community insurance replace home insurance?
No — it only covers common areas.
Does home insurance cover water leaks?
Yes, in most standard policies.
Can expats get English support?
Yes — through expat-focused brokers.
Get Help Choosing Home Insurance
Your home is one of your biggest investments.
Make sure it’s protected correctly.
