Car Insurance UK car in Spain

Hi all,

Plan to bring my UK car to Spain and register it in Spain eventually at the same time as I obtain my Padron and NIE (because I have been told I can avoid paying importation tax). Can those of you who have done this tell me what you did as regards insurance? Did you insure with a UK company until the car had an ITV [cambiar de residencia importacion ITV]and the process began or did you insure the car in Spain from the start?

Many thanks.

Are you planning to become resident?

If not then you cannot sign on a padron and I'm fairly sure that you cannot avoid import tax either.

As for insurance you'd best talk first to your current UK insurer to see if they will grant you a temporary extension of cover for a vehicle which you are exporting.

Some Spanish companies will insure UK regged cars but normally only as a temporary measure (30 days) to allow you to complete the importation process.

I do plan to become a resident. I have already applied for my NIE via SGM and will make the move over at the end of the year. I have been told by somebody else who has done it that I can apply to have my sole car from the UK imported at the same time as I apply for my padron if I am quick enough I can avoid costs (within three months of applying for Padron)

Are you becoming a resident as an EU Passport holder or as a UK Passport holder? Yes you are allowed to import your car as part of your household chattels with restrictions and regulations. Having an NIE and being on the Padron doesn't make you a resident. I would think Customs and Excise would want to see your legal Residencia documents showing you are moving permanently to Spain. I would advise you to ask people like the companies who are used to importing vehicles what the rules are before you walk yourself unintentionally into a lot of bother.

https://www.car-registrations-spain.com/

Bee

Thanks, both. I am an EU passport holder. I shall ask more questions ahead of time. Many thanks.

Yes doing it one way could cost you 30% on importing your car and the right way will mean just paying for registering it on Spanish plates and fitting the "bits" required to pass the ITV. Leigh from https://www.spanish-number-plates.com/ comes well recommended on this site.

Bee