Accidents and breakdowns

Medical treatment, choosing a policy and legal representation are not covered here.

Start with "What to do at the scene of a car accident in Spain". It shows you how to act safely and keep evidence. From there, move on to the pages that fit your situation:

• Amicable accident statement or police report: which do you need?
• Claims after an accident: injuries, uninsured drivers and hit-and-run
• What to do if your car breaks down on a Spanish road
• Hitting a wild animal on a Spanish road

Key rules

• V16 beacon: Since 1 January 2026 the connected V16 beacon is the only valid warning for a stopped vehicle and replaces the triangles; place it on the roof so it is visible from 100 metres.
• Emergency number: Call 112 after an accident with injuries or danger.
• Claim time limit: Claims for injury or damage after a traffic accident generally must be brought within 1 year, counted from the accident or, for injuries, from medical discharge.
• Insurer reply time: Once you claim, the insurer has 3 months to make a reasoned offer or explain why it will not.
• Insurer notice: Tell your insurer about an accident within 7 days, and send the parte amistoso in the same time.

Accidents and breakdowns: the whole process, step by step

From the roadside to the final payout

• Stop safely, warn other drivers and call 112 (read: What to do at the scene of a car accident in Spain): Straight away, at the scene

• Use the V16 beacon if your car breaks down (read: What to do if your car breaks down on a Spanish road): Since 1 January 2026 it replaces the triangles; place it on the roof so it is visible from 100 metres

• After hitting a wild animal, leave it alone, call 112 and ask for a copy of the Guardia Civil report (read: Hitting a wild animal on a Spanish road): At the scene, before you leave

• Choose between an amicable statement and a police report (read: Amicable accident statement or police report: which do you need?): At the scene, before the vehicles leave

• Tell your insurer and send the signed amicable statement: Within 7 days of the accident

• Send your claim in writing to the insurer, or to the Consorcio if there is no insurer (read: Claims after an accident: injuries, uninsured drivers and hit-and-run): As early as you can, and always within 1 year of the accident or, for injuries, of medical discharge

• Wait for the insurer's reasoned offer or explanation, then accept or reject it: The insurer has 3 months after your claim to reply

• Go to court if the offer is refused or never arrives: Before the 1 year limit runs out; a written claim to the insurer restarts the clock

Documents you may need

Identity and residence

• Your ID

Guarantees

• Your insurance details — What to do at the scene of a car accident in Spain

Other documents

• European accident statement — What to do at the scene of a car accident in Spain
• The police or Guardia Civil accident report — Claims after an accident: injuries, uninsured drivers and hit-and-run
• Copy of the atestado — Amicable accident statement or police report: which do you need?

Accidents and breakdowns: questions that cross several articles

Which number should I call after an accident or breakdown in Spain?

Call 112, the free emergency number that works across Spain, especially if anyone is hurt or the road is in danger. It sends ambulance, fire and police as needed. Read What to do at the scene of a car accident in Spain, and What to do if your car breaks down on a Spanish road for breakdowns.

Do I always need the police after a collision?

No, you only need the Guardia Civil or police if someone is hurt, drink or drugs are suspected, a driver has no insurance or leaves, or public property is damaged. For a minor crash with no injuries and both drivers agreeing, you can fill in the amicable statement. Read Amicable accident statement or police report: which do you need?

Is an amicable statement enough to make a claim?

Yes, if only vehicles are damaged, nobody is injured, both drivers agree on the facts and both cars are identified and insured. Both of you must sign it and send it to your insurers. Read Amicable accident statement or police report, then Claims after an accident: injuries, uninsured drivers and hit-and-run.

Should I get out of the car and wear a vest at the roadside?

Yes, if it is safe, leave the car on the side away from traffic and wait behind the guardrail, wearing the reflective vest you put on before getting out. Never stay in the car or on the road.

Does hitting a wild animal follow the same steps as other accidents?

Mostly yes, but you should not touch or move the animal, and you should ask for a copy of the Guardia Civil report because it is key to a claim against the hunting estate or road owner. Who pays can differ from a normal crash.