Liability and activity cover

It is for anyone considering, planning or carrying out a move to Spain. After reading, you will know what a mistake could cost you and whether your hobbies need extra cover.

Start with "What civil liability cover (responsabilidad civil) in your policy does". It explains what damage and injury your household is covered for, and the other pages build on it. From there, you can check how much cover is enough, what happens if your child causes damage, and what applies to a dog or cat. You can also see which activities such as cycling, hunting, skiing and diving need insurance or a licence, and who pays for rescues.

Professional liability for freelancers, electric scooter and vehicle insurance, pet ownership rules and domestic worker social security are not covered here.

Key rules

• Typical limit: Home policies typically carry liability cover of 150,000 to 600,000 euros, and a limit of at least 300,000 to 600,000 euros is common prudence.
• Dangerous dog cover: Owners of potentially dangerous dogs need civil liability insurance of at least 120,000 euros to get their licence.
• Reporting a loss: Tell your insurer within seven days of learning about the damage or injury, unless your policy gives you longer.
• Insurer payment: The insurer must pay the undisputed amount within 40 days of the claim notice.
• Admitting fault: Do not admit fault, promise payment or settle privately with the injured person without your insurer's agreement.
• Check it is included: Confirm the civil liability section appears in your quote, because very cheap contents-only or fire-only policies may omit it.

Liability and activity cover: questions that cross several articles

Is liability cover included automatically in a home policy?

Yes, liability cover is a standard section in practically all multirriesgo hogar (multi-risk home) policies, but very cheap contents-only or fire-only products may leave it out. Check that the section appears in your quote. Read "What civil liability cover (responsabilidad civil) in your policy does" to see what it pays for.

Does my home policy cover my child when they cause damage away from home?

Yes, family liability usually covers children living with you for at-fault damage away from home, such as in the street, on holiday or playing a hobby sport. Studying children who depend on you often stay covered while living elsewhere, up to an age limit around 25 to 30, and a child's intentional acts are normally excluded. Read "If your child damages property or injures someone" next.

Are parents responsible for damage their children cause?

Yes, parents are liable for damage caused by minors under their authority who live with them, unless they prove they acted as a diligent parent, which courts accept very rarely. Teenagers aged 14 to 17 are also criminally responsible, and parents share the civil damages. Read "If your child damages property or injures someone" to see how your policy fits.

Could one claim be bigger than my liability limit?

Yes, a rare severe injury claim can exceed typical limits, and awards for severe disability or the death of a young victim can pass 1 million euros. Most household claims, such as water damage or a pet bite, are far smaller. Home policies typically carry 150,000 to 600,000 euros, so read "How much liability cover is enough and what it will not pay" before choosing a limit, especially with children, pets or a pool.