9 in 100 drive around uninsured

Almost 3 million road users in Spain drive around uninsured

According to a study organised at the request of the Spanish Parliament, a number of large Spanish insurance companies, together with the body managing the Disaster Natural Fund, have investigated how many uninsured vehicles are driving around in Spain. The results are alarming as they show that more than 2.9 million cars are driving around without the compulsory motor insurance. That corresponds to approximately 9 out of every 100 vehicles on the road every day.

Not having a valid ITV (MOT) is considered a serious offence with a fine of between 200 and 500 Euros but not having car insurance in order is an even more serious offence and can be fined between 601 and 3,005 Euros.

The Spanish road traffic law states that failure to comply with the obligation to have insurance cover makes it illegal to drive and that uninsured driving is punishable by fines of at least EUR 600 to EUR 3 000. The car is also confiscated and all costs are borne by the uninsured owner of the vehicle. A prosecution up to and including imprisonment is possible if several offences have been committed with the uninsured vehicle.

In Spain, every owner of a vehicle must have at least a civil liability insurance that covers the damage it may cause to third parties. However, the number of uninsured drivers is worrying. In Spain, this phenomenon is called the 'zombie cars', that is, cars without compulsory minimum insurance. In 2020 alone, more than 20 000 uninsured vehicle accidents were recorded.

If an accident occurs in which the other party is at fault and is not insured, a collision form should be filled in giving details of the other party's driver and vehicle or, if this is not possible, call the authorities - the Guardia Civil or Policia Local - so that they can report the incident. If the affected party offers you a sum of money for not calling the police, it is better not to accept this, as injuries may occur or the damage to the car may be more serious than it appears at first sight.

Once the insurer has been informed, it will claim all damages, both material and personal, from the Disaster Relief Fund - Consortium - the body responsible for compensation in these cases. This compensation comes from the money collected from fines imposed on drivers who drive without compulsory insurance and is included in the premium you pay for your insurance. Once the victim has been compensated, the Insurance Compensation Consortium will claim all amounts from the guilty party.

As it stands, you know that if you are involved in an accident with an uninsured vehicle , the legal "agony" that is involved is slow and nerve-racking. Especially when this happens in a different language in a different country with different customs and operating processes. It is not easy to settle a dispute when all parties have agreed let alone when one of the parties is not in order and cannot pay.

Hopefully, it will not happen, but if you are involved, adequate legal cover is not a must, it is a lifesaver. Unfortunately, almost all vehicle insurances cover only limited legal coverage which in most cases is only up to 1,500 euros. You also realise that in case of an uninsured vehicle, the process of obtaining compensation will take a long time and this standard coverage is not sufficient. An additional insurance is then the solution.

Additional legal coverage can be obtained quickly for about 30 euros a year. The main coverage is, of course, the more extensive sum of money in legal coverage that the insurance offers and the additional support throughout the process which, for example, translates into the provision of an interpreter. The legal coverage for the follow-up of the file is standard 10,000 euros and continues at a reduced rate for the policyholder in case the process drags on. The team that defends you is usually made up of international lawyers with offices or branches throughout Europe, so that you can also go to your home country with questions and information.

Sources

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