Having car insurance is mandatory in most countries, including Spain. Not only is it a legal requirement, but it also protects you and other drivers from damages and liabilities resulting from an accident. But how do you know if a vehicle has insurance? Whether you are thinking of buying a second-hand car or simply want to check the insurance status of your own vehicle, it is crucial to know the methods available to check this information. In this article, we will explain in detail how to do this and what options you have to make sure a car is properly covered.
Why is it important for a vehicle to have insurance?
Before going into the methods for verifying whether a vehicle has insurance, it is important to understand why this is a legal and necessary requirement:
- Compliance with the law: In Spain, all vehicles circulating on public roads must be covered by at least civil liability insurance. This insurance covers damages caused to third parties in the event of an accident.
- Financial protection: In the event of an accident, the insurance covers medical expenses and property damage, preventing the vehicle owner from incurring large out-of-pocket expenses.
- Penalties for lack of insurance: Driving without insurance can result in heavy fines and immobilization of the vehicle. In addition, if an uninsured car causes an accident, the owner of the vehicle will be solely responsible for the associated costs.
Methods to know if a vehicle has insurance
There are several ways to verify whether a vehicle has insurance in force. Here are the main ways to do so:
1. Consultation through the DGT (Dirección General de Tráfico)
One of the most reliable methods to know if a car has insurance is to consult it directly through the Dirección General de Tráfico (DGT). This agency has a database containing information on all insured vehicles in Spain. To make this inquiry, follow the steps below:
How to make an inquiry at the DGT?
- Access the DGT website: The DGT allows online queries on the administrative status of a vehicle, including whether it has insurance.
- Enter the vehicle data: To obtain the information, you will need to enter some basic car data, such as the license plate number.
- Verify the information: The DGT will show you if the vehicle has insurance in force, as well as other relevant data about its administrative situation.
It is important to note that this service may require a small fee to access the complete information.
2. Consultation through FIVA (Fichero Informativo de Vehículos Asegurados) (Information File of Insured Vehicles)
The FIVA is another option available to find out if a car has insurance. This is a file managed by the Oficina Española de Aseguradoras (OFESAUTO) that registers all vehicles that have compulsory civil liability insurance in Spain.
How to make an inquiry in FIVA?
To make an inquiry at FIVA, it is necessary to go to the OFESAUTO website and complete an information request form. In this form, you must enter the vehicle’s registration number in order to receive information on its insurance situation.
3. Consultation with the insurer
If you know the insurance company with which the car is linked, you can also make an inquiry directly with them. This is especially useful if the vehicle is yours and you wish to verify if your policy is active and in order.
How to consult the insurance company?
- Direct contact: Most insurers have telephone lines and online portals where customers can check the status of their insurance. To do this, simply provide your policy number or vehicle information.
- Mobile applications: Many insurers have mobile applications that allow users to check the status of their insurance in real time.
4. Consult with an insurance agent
Another valid option, especially if you have an established relationship with an insurance broker, is to contact an agent directly. They can help you verify if the car is covered by an insurance policy and provide additional details if needed.
5. Insurance documentation
Finally, if the vehicle is yours, you can check directly on your insurance policy or on the insurance company’s payment receipt. This document should include key information such as the policy number, validity and coverage offered. In case of doubt, it is important to always keep these documents up to date and accessible.
What happens if a vehicle does not have insurance?
If a car does not have valid insurance, both the driver and the owner are exposed to significant penalties. The consequences of driving without insurance are severe, as they jeopardize road safety and can have serious legal and financial repercussions.
Fines for not having insurance
Fines for not having insurance in Spain can vary, but are usually between 600 and 3,000 euros, depending on the seriousness of the situation. If the vehicle is a repeat offender or is involved in an accident, the penalties can increase considerably.
Vehicle immobilization
In more serious cases, the authorities may choose to immobilize the car until insurance is taken out. This may involve transferring the vehicle to a depot, which adds further costs.
Liability in case of accident
In the event that an uninsured vehicle causes an accident, the owner will be solely responsible for covering the costs of damages to third parties. This includes both property damage and personal injury, which can represent a significant sum.
What to do if you discover that a car does not have insurance?
If you discover that your vehicle or someone else’s vehicle does not have insurance, the most advisable thing to do is to solve the situation as soon as possible. This involves taking out compulsory civil liability insurance to be able to circulate legally and avoid future problems.
Steps to take out insurance
- Compare insurers: Use online comparators to find the best insurance options available. Consider factors such as type of coverage, price and company reputation.
- Choose the right coverage: There are different types of insurance, from the most basic (liability only) to more complete coverage such as comprehensive insurance. Choose the one that best suits your needs.
- Contract the insurance: Once you have found the ideal option, proceed with the contracting. Generally, insurers activate the policy immediately upon payment.
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