Claims, renewals and cancelling

It is for anyone considering, planning or carrying out a move to Spain.

Start with "How a home insurance claim (siniestro) works from report to payout". It shows who is involved, the notice deadlines and what happens after you report. From there, go to the guide that fits your situation: a water leak with a neighbour, a burglary, a valuation you disagree with, or a claim that is refused or delayed. For policy upkeep, use the guides on renewals and premium increases, on cancelling or switching, and on updating a policy after a move, sale or new child.

Key rules

• Non-renewal notice: To stop a policy renewing, give written notice at least one month before it ends; the insurer must give at least two months.
• Insurer payment: The insurer must pay the undisputed amount within 40 days of receiving your claim, and late payment without justified cause earns default interest.
• Claim notice: Tell your insurer about a loss within seven days of learning of it, unless your policy gives a longer period.
• Valuation dispute: If you reject the insurer's valuation, you have 10 days from receiving it to tell the insurer in writing and name your own expert.
• Both insurers: The simplified insurer-to-insurer process applies only if both insurers have joined the water-damage agreement.
• Neighbour won't sign: Tell your own insurer anyway; a missing signature does not stop you reporting the damage.

Claims, renewals and cancelling: the whole process, step by step

From a loss to renewal or cancelling

• Report the loss to your insurer (read: How a home insurance claim (siniestro) works from report to payout): Within seven days of learning of it, unless your policy gives a longer period

• After a burglary, file a police report (denuncia) and attach a copy to the claim (read: Making a burglary claim on your home policy): As soon as possible, ideally within 24-48 hours

• After a water leak, complete the parte amistoso with your neighbour and send it to your insurer (read: Water leak between neighbours: how the claim works): As soon as the leak is found, within the seven-day notice period

• If you reject the insurer's valuation, tell the insurer in writing and name your own expert (read: Disagreeing with the loss adjuster's valuation (peritaje)): Within 10 days of receiving the valuation

• Expect the insurer to pay the undisputed amount, or refuse in writing with reasons (read: What to do when an insurer refuses or delays your claim): Within 40 days of receiving your claim

• If the claim is refused or delayed, send a written complaint to the insurer's customer service, with proof of delivery: After the refusal; the insurer must resolve it within two months

• Take any court action before the time limit runs out: Two years for damage insurance, five years for personal insurance

• Give written notice to stop a policy renewing (read: Policy renewals (renovación) and surprise premium increases): At least one month before the policy ends; the insurer must give at least two months

• Line up the new policy so there is no gap, then cancel the old one and stop the direct debit at your bank (read: Cancelling or switching an insurance policy without losing money): Before the old policy ends, with the new start date matching the old end date

• Update your insurer after a sale, move or leaving Spain (read: Updating your insurance when you move, sell or have a child): After a sale, the buyer tells the insurer in writing within 15 days of the transfer

Documents you may need

Payments and receipts

• Purchase invoices and receipts for the stolen items — Making a burglary claim on your home policy

Other documents

• Your full policy — What to do when an insurer refuses or delays your claim, Cancelling or switching an insurance policy without losing money
• Parte amistoso de daños por agua — Water leak between neighbours: how the claim works
• Itemised repair or replacement quotes — Disagreeing with the loss adjuster's valuation (peritaje)
• Dated photos and videos of the damage — Disagreeing with the loss adjuster's valuation (peritaje)
• The insurer's refusal or reduction decision in writing — What to do when an insurer refuses or delays your claim
• Your written complaint — What to do when an insurer refuses or delays your claim
• Written cancellation or non-renewal notice — Cancelling or switching an insurance policy without losing money
• Proof of delivery — Cancelling or switching an insurance policy without losing money
• Written notice from the buyer to the insurer of the sale — Updating your insurance when you move, sell or have a child
• Written cancellation notice to the insurer when you leave Spain — Updating your insurance when you move, sell or have a child

Each article lists the other documents it asks for, where you need them.

Claims, renewals and cancelling: questions that cross several articles

Does reporting a loss late mean my claim is refused?

No, reporting a loss after seven days does not by itself cancel your cover. The insurer can claim for harm the delay caused, and can refuse only if you acted with intent or serious fault. Read "How a home insurance claim (siniestro) works from report to payout" and "What to do when an insurer refuses or delays your claim".

Which insurer deals with a water leak between neighbours?

Usually your own insurer handles the claim and pays you, then recovers the cost from the neighbour's insurer, if both insurers belong to the water-damage convention and the amount is within its limit. See Water leak between neighbours: how the claim works.

What if the neighbour who caused the leak is uninsured or will not cooperate?

Still report the damage to your own insurer, which can pay you and then recover the cost from the neighbour. If the leak came from a shared part of the building, tell the community administrator too. Read "Water leak between neighbours: how the claim works" and "What to do when an insurer refuses or delays your claim" for next steps.

Can I cancel my policy after making a claim?

The law gives neither side a general right to cancel after a claim, but many policies allow it by notice. The claim already made stays payable, and the insurer can still decline renewal with two months' notice. Read "Cancelling or switching an insurance policy without losing money" and "Policy renewals (renovación) and surprise premium increases".