Home Insurance

Homeowner's and Contents Insurance

Policy prices will depend on the declared value of the home and will also be influenced by security features such as barred windows and alarm systems.

Policies for second homes and rental properties may be more expensive as a standard homeowner's policy can only be applied to a property that is inhabited eleven months a year as a main residence.

Whether you purchase or rent a home, insurance is an economic safety net that provides assistance if the unpredictable occurs. Insurance policies are flexible and are built to order.

Generally speaking, the homeowner or renter establishes the value of the property and/or its contents and then visits various independent insurance brokers and agents either in person or over the Internet to seek out the most competitive rate that provides the maximum coverage. Policies are available in both English and Spanish.

Homeowner's (hogar) provides coverage for the structure of the house, the windows, the floors and all the fixtures. Based upon the declared value of the home, all the home's fixed features are covered in case of burglary, fire, flood and third party liability.

These Policies Can Include

The more comprehensive the policy, the more expensive. All risk, "todo riesgo," is the most costly and covers both the building and its contents. Again, the homeowner must determine the value of the property and the contents.

Content policies (contenido) cover all the moveable objects in the home; furniture, electronics and personal possessions. You must determine the value of your objects and establish this value when you take out the policy.

Jewellery and items that cost more then 3,000 euros must be discussed prior to taking out the policy as the company may require appraisals to establish their value. Portable objects, such as laptops or palm pilots are not covered when lost or stolen outside of the home.

Policies for second homes and rental properties tend to be slightly more expensive. A standard homeowner's policy will stipulate that the property must be inhabited eleven months a year as a primary residence.

If this is not the case and the property is a second home or a rental property, let the agent know the details and the policy can be adjusted accordingly. Renter's insurance (hogar destino alquiler) and policies for vacation homes, townhouses, farms, villas and apartments are readily available in Spain.

Home Security: Pricing on homeowner's policies depends upon the declared value, however keep in mind that houses with barred ground level windows and/or alarm systems pay lower premiums.

Insurance companies take into consideration security doors and security company alarm systems.

There are many companies to choose from, here is a selection:

LIBERTY SEGUROS

www.libertyseguros-es.com/english/atencion_asesor.asp
Home, vehicles, life (policies in English), type in your postcode and they give a listing of local agents

MAPFRE

www.mapfre.es
Homeowners, health, vehicles
Tel: 902 136 527 (24 hours with English operators)

SANTALUCÍA SEGUROS

www.santalucia.es
Home insurance, retirement plans
Tel: 902 242 000 (have English speaking operators)

SEGUROS LA CAIXA

www.lacaixa.es
Life, home
(open: 08:00 - 20:00)
Tel: 902 101 515 Available at any branch of la Caixa bank

WINTERTHUR

www.winterthur.es
Homeowners, health, vehicles
Tel: 902 303 012 (English assistance available)