Spanish Insurance Glossary

Aceptación — Acceptance

The insurer's formal agreement to provide cover, after reviewing the application and any medical or risk questionnaire. Until acceptance is confirmed in writing the cover is not in force.

ADR — Accord Dangereux Routier (Hazardous Goods Transport)

The European agreement governing the international carriage of dangerous goods by road. Spanish hauliers carrying chemicals, fuels or explosives need ADR-classified vehicles, ADR-trained drivers and specific transport insurance.

See also: Transport Insurance

AEAT — Spanish Tax Agency

The Agencia Estatal de Administración Tributaria. Spain's national tax authority. Handles VAT (IVA), income tax (IRPF), insurance premium tax (IPS) and customs duties.

AEPD — Spanish Data Protection Agency

The Agencia Española de Protección de Datos. Spain's privacy regulator, equivalent to the UK ICO. Enforces RGPD (GDPR) compliance with fines of up to €20m or 4% of global turnover. AEPD investigations are a major trigger for cyber insurance claims.

See also: Cyber Risk Insurance

Agente Exclusivo — Exclusive Agent

An insurance intermediary who works for and represents one specific insurer (e.g. Generali). Different from a broker (corredor) who works across multiple insurers. Turner Insurance Specialists are authorised exclusive Generali agents.

See also: About Us

Albarán — Delivery Note

The proof-of-delivery document signed by the consignee when goods arrive. Critical evidence in transport insurance claims — note any visible damage at the point of signature.

See also: Transport Insurance

Anulación — Cancellation

Termination of an insurance contract before its natural renewal date. Spanish insurance law (Ley 50/1980) requires written notice typically 30-60 days before renewal. Mid-year cancellation usually does not generate a premium refund except where the insurer is at fault.

Apoderado — Authorised Representative

A person legally empowered to act on behalf of another (typically a company). In an insurance context, an apoderado may sign policy documents, handle claims and bind the policyholder to the insurer.

Asegurado — Insured / Covered Person

The person whose life, health, vehicle or property is covered by the policy. Often (but not always) the same as the tomador (policyholder) — for example, on a family health policy each family member is an asegurado but only one person is the tomador.

Asegurador — Insurer

The insurance company providing the cover. In Spain, all insurers must be registered with the DGS (Dirección General de Seguros).

Asistencia 24/7 — 24-Hour Assistance

A round-the-clock helpline included in most Spanish insurance policies — for breakdown recovery, emergency repair, medical advice, or claim notification. The contact number is on the back of your insurance card.

Atestado — Police Accident Report

The official accident report prepared by Spanish police (Guardia Civil or local Policía) when called to the scene of a vehicle collision or other incident. Required for insurance claims involving disputed liability or significant damage.

See also: Car Insurance

Autocaravana — Motorhome

The Spanish vehicle classification for a motorhome — covers everything from small camper-van conversions to full Class A motorhomes. Different ITV and insurance treatment from vans (industrial) or cars (turismo).

See also: Motorhome Insurance

Autónomo — Self-Employed Worker / Sole Trader

A self-employed person registered with Spanish Social Security under the Régimen Especial de Trabajadores Autónomos (RETA). Autónomos pay their own social security contributions monthly and have less generous state safety nets than employees — making private incapacity, daily benefit and life insurance especially important.

See also: Daily Benefit Insurance · Incapacity Insurance

Aval — Surety Bond / Guarantee

A guarantee from an insurer or bank that pays a third party if you fail to perform a contractual or legal obligation. Used in construction tenders, customs operations, public administration deposits and visa financial guarantees. Typically cheaper and faster than a bank guarantee.

See also: Bond / Aval Insurance

Baja — Discharge / Cancellation / Sick Leave

A flexible Spanish term meaning "deregistration" — context-specific. Baja médica = sick leave from work; baja del seguro = policy cancellation; baja de Tráfico = vehicle de-registration. Always read carefully which baja is being referenced.

Beneficiario — Beneficiary

The person who receives the payout from an insurance claim — typically the policyholder, but for life insurance and funeral insurance the beneficiary is a third party (spouse, children) named on the policy. Beneficiaries can be changed at any time during the policy.

See also: Life Insurance

Bienes — Assets / Property

A general legal term for property and possessions of value — both physical (a house, a car) and intangible (intellectual property, financial assets). Insurance policies typically cover specific categories of bienes such as continente (buildings) and contenido (contents).

Bonificación — Discount / Bonus

A reduction in premium awarded to policyholders with a clean claims record. Spanish car insurance bonus-malus typically gives 5%/year up to a 50% maximum after 10+ years of no-claims driving.

See also: Car Insurance

Bonus-Malus — No-Claims Bonus / Penalty System

The Spanish equivalent of the UK no-claims bonus. Drivers with no claims earn premium reductions year after year (bonus); drivers who claim see premium increases (malus). UK no-claims certificates are accepted by Spanish insurers when transferring.

See also: Car Insurance

Buena Fe — Good Faith / Utmost Good Faith

The legal principle (Latin: uberrimae fidei) that all parties to an insurance contract must act with complete honesty and disclose all material facts. In Spain, a breach of buena fe (deliberate non-disclosure) voids the entire policy under Ley 50/1980 Article 10.

Caducidad — Expiry / Time-Bar

The expiry of a right or claim due to passage of time. In insurance, a claim must be notified within a specified period (typically 7 days from awareness) — late notification beyond this triggers caducidad and the insurer may decline. Different from prescripción which is the broader civil limitation period.

Capital Asegurado — Sum Insured / Cover Amount

The maximum amount the insurer will pay out under the policy. Sometimes per claim, sometimes per year, sometimes per insured event — always read the policy schedule carefully. For buildings cover, the capital should equal the rebuild cost (not the property purchase price) to avoid the regla proporcional underinsurance penalty.

Capitán de Yate — Yacht Captain Licence

The third-tier Spanish recreational vessel licence, allowing skipper of yachts up to 24 metres and unlimited offshore distance. Requires PER + PY + further theory and practical exams.

See also: Marine Insurance

Carencia — Waiting Period

The initial period of a policy during which certain benefits are not yet active. Spanish health insurance typically has 6-month waiting periods for hospitalisation and surgery, 8-10 months for childbirth. Visa applicants on NLV/DNV often have waiting periods waived.

See also: Health Insurance · NLV Insurance

Cartera — Book of Business / Insurance Portfolio

An insurance broker or agent's collection of clients and policies. Spanish brokers and agents have legal protection (cartera protegida) over their client relationships under specific conditions in Ley 26/2006.

Centro de Salud — Public Health Centre

The Spanish public primary healthcare centre — equivalent to a UK NHS GP surgery. Run by the regional public health service (Servicio Valenciano de Salud in our area). Generali clients may use both Centro de Salud (public) and private network providers.

See also: Health Insurance

Certificado — Certificate

An official document confirming insurance status. The most-asked-for is the certificado del seguro for visa applications — a Spanish-language document confirming valid health insurance, no co-payments, full Spain coverage. Issued by Turner Insurance within 24-48 hours of policy purchase.

See also: NLV Insurance

Ciclomotor — Moped

A small motorised two-wheeler under 50cc. Can be ridden in Spain from age 15 with the AM licence. Insurance is significantly cheaper than for full motorcycles.

See also: Motorbike Insurance

Cláusula — Clause

A specific provision within an insurance contract. Spanish policies have standard clauses (general conditions) and bespoke clauses (particular conditions). Limiting clauses (cláusulas limitativas) must be specifically signed by the policyholder under Ley 50/1980 Article 3.

CMR — CMR Convention

The Convention on the Contract for the International Carriage of Goods by Road (1956), governing carrier liability across most of Europe. Sets standard liability limits of 8.33 SDR per kilogram (~€11/kg). High-value cargo needs separate cargo insurance above CMR limits.

See also: Transport Insurance

Cobertura — Coverage

What the insurance policy actually pays for. Each cobertura has its own sum insured, conditions and exclusions. The sum of all coberturas under a policy makes up the total cover.

Colegio Profesional — Professional Body

The official Spanish professional regulatory body for a regulated profession (Colegio de Abogados for lawyers, Colegio de Médicos for doctors, etc.). Membership is mandatory for practice; the Colegio sets minimum professional indemnity insurance requirements.

See also: Professional Indemnity

Comunidad de Propietarios — Community of Owners

The collective ownership structure for shared Spanish residential buildings under Ley 49/1960 (Horizontal Property Law). The community is responsible for shared structure, common areas and communal liability — covered by community insurance.

See also: Community Insurance

Concurrencia — Multiple Insurance / Concurrent Cover

When the same risk is insured under multiple policies. Under Ley 50/1980 Article 32, the policyholder must notify each insurer of the others; claims are paid pro-rata across the policies. Failure to disclose concurrencia can void cover.

Condicionado General — General Conditions

The standard terms and conditions that apply to all policies of a given type — typically a long booklet covering definitions, exclusions, claims procedures and general provisions. Combined with the condicionado particular to form the full contract.

Condicionado Particular — Particular Conditions

The specific terms of your individual policy — your name, the insured property, sums insured, premium, dates, and any specific endorsements. Takes precedence over the general conditions when the two conflict.

Consorcio de Compensación de Seguros — Insurance Compensation Consortium

The Spanish state-backed insurer of last resort, funded by a small surcharge on every insurance policy. Pays for catastrophic events excluded from private cover:

• Floods (DANA)
• Earthquakes
• Terrorism
• Atypical storms. Paid out billions for the November 2024 Valencia DANA flood

Continente — Buildings / Structure

The structural fabric of a property — walls, roof, foundations, fixed installations (plumbing, electrics), built-in fittings. Insured separately from contenido (contents). Should be insured at rebuild value, not market price.

See also: Home Insurance

Contenido — Contents

The movable items within a property — furniture, electronics, clothes, valuables. Insured at replacement-as-new value. Sub-limits typically apply to high-value items (jewellery, art, electronics) which may need separate scheduling.

See also: Home Insurance

Convenio CLA — Collective Labour Agreement Insurance

Sector-specific accident insurance mandated by a Convenio Colectivo for employees. Cover sums vary by sector (hospitality, construction, retail, etc.) and are required for legal compliance with Spanish labour law.

See also: Convenio CLA Insurance

Convenio Colectivo — Collective Bargaining Agreement

A binding sector-wide labour agreement between employer associations and trade unions, governing pay, working conditions and required employer-paid insurance. Mandatory for all employers in the sector. We confirm your applicable Convenio at quotation.

See also: Convenio CLA Insurance

Convenio Especial — Special Convention (with Spanish Social Security)

A voluntary scheme allowing residents without standard public healthcare access to pay a monthly contribution (€60-€157 currently) for full Spanish public health entitlement. An option for some long-term residents alongside or instead of private cover.

See also: Health Insurance

Copago — Co-Payment

A small fee paid by the insured at the point of treatment (typically €3-€8 per GP visit, €6-€15 specialist). Visa-compliant Spanish health insurance must be sin copago (no co-payment) — a strict requirement for NLV and DNV applications.

See also: Health Insurance

Corredor — Insurance Broker

An independent insurance intermediary who places business across multiple insurers, working for the client's interest. Different from an agente (who works for one insurer). Spanish brokers are regulated under Ley 26/2006.

Cuadro Médico — Medical Network / Provider Directory

The list of doctors, clinics and hospitals where your private health insurance is accepted. Different insurers have different cuadros médicos; choice of insurer often comes down to which network covers your preferred providers. Generali's Costa Blanca network includes HCB Dénia, HLA Vistahermosa, Clínica Benidorm.

See also: Health Insurance

Cuota — Quota / Share / Fee

A periodic fee or share. Cuota de comunidad = monthly community fee; cuota de autónomo = monthly self-employed social security; cuota in property law = ownership share of communal areas based on apartment size.

Daños — Damage / Loss

Physical damage to property or possessions. Daños propios = damage to your own assets (covered by todo riesgo car insurance); daños a terceros = damage to third parties (covered by mandatory liability).

DANA — Atypical Cold Drop Storm Event

Spanish meteorological term (Depresión Aislada en Niveles Altos) for an isolated high-altitude depression that produces extreme rainfall and flooding — most famously the November 2024 Valencia DANA which caused devastation. Damage from DANA events is paid by the Consorcio de Compensación de Seguros, not private insurers.

See also: Home Insurance

Decenal — 10-Year Building Warranty

See Seguro Decenal — the 10-year structural warranty insurance required by Spanish law (LOE) for all new residential buildings. Covers structural defects affecting stability and habitability.

See also: Constructor Liability

Decesos — Funeral Insurance

Spanish funeral insurance — a service contract that arranges and pays for the funeral directly (rather than paying cash to the family). Includes burial or cremation in Spain, repatriation to the UK or Ireland, all paperwork and certifications. No medical questions, no upper age limit.

See also: Funeral Insurance

Defensa Jurídica — Legal Defence Cover

An insurance benefit funding legal costs to defend the insured's rights — challenging a denied claim, defending against a lawsuit, contractual disputes. Standard inclusion in most Spanish home, car and business policies. Typical sums €3,000-€30,000.

Denuncia — Police Report / Formal Complaint

A formal report to Spanish police of a crime, accident or incident. Required for insurance claims involving theft, vandalism, fraud or contested third-party liability. Must usually be filed within 24-72 hours of the event.

DGS — Dirección General de Seguros y Fondos de Pensiones

The Spanish General Directorate of Insurance and Pension Funds. Spain's insurance regulator. Maintains the public registry of authorised insurance brokers and agents. Turner Insurance Specialists is DGS-registered C0467B54657010.

See also: About Us

DGT — Dirección General de Tráfico

Spanish Directorate-General for Traffic — the national authority for vehicle registration, licensing and road safety. Administers vehicle matriculación, driving licences and the bonus-malus database that insurers consult.

See also: Car Insurance

DNI — National Identity Document

The Spanish National Identity Document — issued to Spanish citizens. The expat equivalent is the NIE (Foreigner ID Number) on the green certificate, or the TIE (Foreigner Identity Card).

D&O — Directors & Officers Liability

Civil liability insurance protecting company directors and senior managers personally from claims arising from their corporate decisions. Covers defence costs, regulatory investigations and damages awarded against directors individually.

See also: D&O Liability

Endoso — Endorsement

A formal amendment to an insurance policy mid-term — adding a vehicle, changing a beneficiary, increasing cover. Issued as a separate document (suplemento) attached to the original policy.

ENESA — State Agricultural Insurance Entity

Entidad Estatal de Seguros Agrarios — the Spanish state co-funder of agricultural insurance. Subsidises 25-50% of crop, livestock and aquaculture insurance premiums for declared products under the Agroseguro system.

See also: Agricultural Insurance

Especialista — Specialist Doctor

A medical specialist (cardiologist, orthopaedist, dermatologist, etc.) accessed by referral or directly under a private health policy. Generali plans typically allow direct specialist access without GP referral, unlike public Spanish healthcare which gates access via the médico de cabecera.

See also: Health Insurance

Estatuto — Statute / Founding Document

The founding document of a company, association or community. Estatutos de la Comunidad = community of owners' constitution; Estatuto de los Trabajadores = the Workers' Statute (basic Spanish labour law).

Exclusión — Exclusion

A specific event, peril or circumstance NOT covered by the policy. Read the exclusion list of every policy — it's where the most claim disputes happen. Common exclusions:

• Nuclear
• Intentional acts
• Pre-existing conditions (in health)
• Wear and tear (in motor and home)

EXPAT Medcare — Generali's English-Language Health Insurance

Generali's English-language health insurance product range for international residents in Spain — fully English documentation, app and customer service. Three tiers: Standard, Prime, Top. Available up to age 74 at policy start.

See also: EXPAT Medcare

Ficha Técnica — Vehicle Technical Specifications

The official Spanish vehicle technical specifications document — the equivalent of the UK V5C logbook's technical sheet. Lists chassis, dimensions, weights, classification (turismo / industrial / autocaravana). Required for every insurance, ITV and matriculación.

See also: Car Insurance

Franquicia — Excess / Deductible

The amount the insured pays first on each claim before the insurer's contribution kicks in. A higher franquicia gives lower premium; a lower franquicia gives a higher premium but smaller out-of-pocket on claims.

Frigorífico — Refrigerated (Transport)

Cold-chain transport requiring refrigeration unit insurance covering compressor failure, fuel exhaustion or electrical fault leading to spoilage. Important for food, pharmaceutical and floral hauliers.

See also: Transport Insurance

GANVAM — Vehicle Valuation Body

The Spanish Asociación Nacional de Vendedores de Vehículos — publishes vehicle market valuations used by insurers to settle total-loss claims. The GANVAM table is the standard reference; classics with agreed-value cover are exempt.

See also: Car Insurance

Garantía — Cover / Guarantee

A specific cover or benefit within a policy — fire, theft, glass, liability, etc. Each garantía has its own sum insured, conditions and may be optional or compulsory. The total of all garantías makes up the policy cover.

Gestor — Administrative Adviser

A licensed Spanish administrative professional who handles paperwork — tax filings, business registrations, residency applications, vehicle matriculación. Distinct from a lawyer (abogado) but often invaluable for navigating Spanish bureaucracy. Most expats engage a gestor.

GHIC — UK Global Health Insurance Card

The post-Brexit UK replacement for the EHIC. Covers UK residents for state emergency healthcare in EU countries when travelling FROM the UK. Generally NOT valid for Spanish residents (whose healthcare entitlement is now Spanish, not British).

See also: Travel Insurance

Gran Invalidez — Severe Disability

The most serious of the four Spanish permanent incapacity grades — the insured cannot perform basic life functions and requires assistance from another person. Triggers the highest insurance payouts.

See also: Incapacity Insurance

Hacienda — Spanish Tax Authority

Colloquial name for the AEAT (Spanish Tax Agency). Also used to describe a country estate in agricultural contexts.

Hipoteca — Mortgage

A loan secured against property. Spanish lenders require buildings insurance (continente cover) for the duration of the mortgage as a condition of the loan.

See also: Home Insurance

Hogar — Home Insurance

The Spanish term for home/household insurance. Covers buildings (continente), contents (contenido), family civil liability, and additional perils like water damage, theft and storm damage.

See also: Home Insurance

Horizontal Property Law — Ley 49/1960

The 1960 Spanish law governing collective ownership of apartment buildings and shared properties — defines how communities of owners are constituted, governed and how communal expenses are shared.

See also: Community Insurance

Hospitalización — Hospitalisation

Admission to hospital for overnight or longer stay. A key trigger for daily benefit insurance, which pays a fixed daily cash sum during hospital admission. Distinguished from outpatient (ambulatorio) treatment.

See also: Daily Benefit Insurance

Incapacidad Permanente — Permanent Disability

The Spanish Social Security recognition of long-term inability to work. Four grades: Parcial (partial), Total (cannot do usual occupation), Absoluta (cannot do any work), Gran Invalidez (needs assistance with daily living). Each grade triggers different state and private benefits.

See also: Incapacity Insurance

Incendio — Fire

Fire as an insured peril. Covered as standard on home, commercial and motor insurance. Includes smoke damage and damage from firefighting (water, foam) as well as the fire itself.

Indemnización — Compensation / Payout

The amount the insurer pays on a claim — either the cost of repair, the value of replaced goods, or compensation for injury and loss. Calculated according to the cover sums and rules in the policy schedule.

Industrial — Commercial Vehicle

The Spanish vehicle classification for vans, trucks and other commercial vehicles. Different ITV intervals and insurance treatment from turismos (cars).

See also: Van Insurance

Infraseguro — Underinsurance

When the sum insured is less than the actual value of the insured property. Triggers the regla proporcional — the insurer pays only the proportion of any claim equal to the proportion the cover bears to the true value. Commonly seen on under-insured Spanish villas.

See also: Home Insurance

INSS — National Institute of Social Security

Instituto Nacional de la Seguridad Social — the Spanish state body that administers contributory pensions, sickness and disability benefits. Determines the official Incapacidad Permanente grade for permanent disability claims.

IPS — Insurance Premium Tax

The Spanish equivalent of UK IPT. Impuesto sobre Primas de Seguro, currently 8% of the net premium. Charged on most insurance premiums. Deductible as a business expense for company policies but not for personal policies.

IRPF — Personal Income Tax

Impuesto sobre la Renta de las Personas Físicas. Spanish personal income tax. Insurance premiums for business use (autónomo professional cover) are deductible against IRPF; personal-use insurance generally is not.

ISD — Inheritance and Donations Tax

Impuesto sobre Sucesiones y Donaciones — the Spanish inheritance tax. The Comunidad Valenciana applies a 99% reduction for direct descendants/spouses, making inheritance much cheaper than at national-rate level. Life insurance payouts may have separate, more favourable treatment.

See also: Life Insurance

ITV — Spanish Vehicle MOT

Inspección Técnica de Vehículos — the Spanish vehicle technical inspection equivalent to the UK MOT. Cars: every 4 years up to age 10, then every 2 years. Vans and motorhomes: 2 years from new for 6 years, then annual. Insurance is invalid if the ITV has expired.

See also: Car Insurance

IVA — Value Added Tax

Impuesto sobre el Valor Añadido. Spanish VAT, currently 21% standard rate. Insurance premiums are not subject to IVA (they pay IPS instead) but related services (broker fees, separate professional advice) may carry IVA.

Justificante — Receipt / Proof Document

A formal proof document — could be a payment receipt, hospital admission record, police denuncia, or any other evidence supporting an insurance claim. Always keep originals; insurers may ask for them years later.

LCS — Insurance Contract Law (Ley 50/1980)

Ley de Contrato de Seguro — the foundational Spanish law governing every insurance contract. Sets rules on disclosure, claims notification, premium payment, renewal, and the rights and obligations of insurer and insured. Key articles include Article 3 (limiting clauses). Article 10 (non-disclosure) and Article 22 (renewal).

Lesionado — Injured Person

A person who has suffered physical injury — typically in the context of a traffic accident or workplace incident. The lesionado is the claimant against the at-fault party's third-party liability insurance.

Ley 50/1980 — Insurance Contract Law

See LCS — the comprehensive Spanish insurance contract law from 1980, still in force with periodic amendments. Required reading for any serious dispute about policy terms or claims handling.

Ley 49/1960 — Horizontal Property Law

See Horizontal Property Law — the law that established collective apartment ownership in Spain and the legal framework for communities of owners.

See also: Community Insurance

Ley 38/1999 — Building Construction Law (LOE)

See LOE — the law that regulates construction quality in Spain and mandates Seguro Decenal for new residential builds.

See also: Constructor Liability

Ley 7/2023 — Animal Welfare Law

The 2023 Spanish Animal Welfare Law that mandates third-party liability insurance for all dogs in Spain (minimum cover €300,000), regulates Potentially Dangerous Dogs (PPP), and tightens animal protection rules.

See also: Pet Insurance

Ley 28/2022 — Startups Law

The 2022 Spanish Startups Law (Ley de Fomento del Ecosistema de las Empresas Emergentes), which created the Digital Nomad Visa and the special tax regime for international remote workers in Spain.

See also: Digital Nomad Visa Insurance

Ley Beckham — Beckham Law

The Spanish special tax regime for newly arrived residents — flat 24% income tax on Spanish-source income up to €600,000 (47% above) for 6 years instead of normal Spanish progressive rates. Available to qualifying DNV applicants and some other new residents.

See also: Digital Nomad Visa Insurance

Lucro Cesante — Loss of Earnings / Business Interruption

Loss of profit suffered when insured property is unusable after a claim event — e.g. a hotel after a fire, a shop after a flood. Covered by business interruption (BI) cover. Spanish indemnity periods typically 12-24 months.

See also: Hotel Insurance · Commercial Insurance

LOE — Building Construction Law

Ley de Ordenación de la Edificación (1999) — the foundational Spanish construction quality law. Sets the three responsibility periods (1, 3 and 10 years) and mandates Seguro Decenal for new residential buildings.

See also: Constructor Liability

Matriculación — Vehicle Registration / Importation Process

The Spanish process of registering a vehicle for the first time, or importing a foreign vehicle and registering it under Spanish plates. Requires ITV inspection, classification, payment of any matriculation tax, and final issue of Spanish plates.

See also: Car Insurance

Médico de Cabecera — GP / Family Doctor

A general practitioner — your first port of call for routine medical issues under both public and private healthcare. In Spain, public GPs are at the Centro de Salud; private GPs are network-based on insurance plans.

See also: Health Insurance

Mediador — Insurance Intermediary

A licensed person or firm authorised to mediate insurance contracts. Two types in Spanish law: agente (works for one insurer) and corredor (broker, works across multiple). Both must be DGS-registered.

Mercantil — Commercial Law

Spanish commercial / company law. Registro Mercantil = Companies House equivalent; derecho mercantil = commercial law. Distinct from civil law (derecho civil) which governs personal matters.

Motos Acuáticas — Personal Watercraft / Jet Ski

Spanish term for jet skis and personal watercraft. Requires specific liability insurance separate from boat insurance, and a specific Spanish jet ski licence to operate.

See also: Marine Insurance

Mutua — Mutual Insurer

An insurance company owned by its policyholders rather than shareholders. Spanish mutuas play a significant role in workers' compensation and accident-at-work cover (Mutua de Accidentes de Trabajo).

NIE — Foreigner Identity Number

Número de Identificación de Extranjero — the Spanish identity number for foreigners. Required for almost every formal interaction in Spain: bank account, property purchase, employment, insurance. Issued on a green certificate or on your TIE card.

NLV — Non-Lucrative Visa

Visado de Residencia No Lucrativa — the Spanish residency visa for retired or financially independent non-EU citizens. Requires proof of income (~€32,000+), private health insurance with no co-payments, and a clean criminal record.

See also: NLV Insurance

No Lucrativo — Non-Profit / Non-Earning

Without commercial or professional gain — used in the Non-Lucrative Visa to indicate the visa-holder cannot work in Spain. Income must come from pensions, savings or investments outside Spain.

See also: NLV Insurance

Notaría — Notary's Office

The Spanish notary's office — handles formal documentation: property purchases (escrituras), wills (testamentos), powers of attorney (poderes). The notario is a high-status legal professional. Most expat property and inheritance matters pass through a notaría.

OCT — Technical Control Body

Organismo de Control Técnico — independent technical inspector for new construction. The OCT validates structural compliance during the build and issues the report needed for Seguro Decenal. Without satisfactory OCT, no Decenal and no occupation licence.

See also: Constructor Liability

Okupas — Squatters

Squatters occupying empty Spanish properties — a significant issue particularly in popular tourist areas. Modern Spanish home insurance often includes okupa cover (legal expenses for eviction, sometimes damage cover). Empty Spanish properties without anti-okupa precautions are at higher risk.

See also: Home Insurance

Parte Amistoso — European Accident Statement

The standard European accident report form completed jointly by both drivers at a minor collision (no injuries, agreement on facts). Filed with both insurers as the basis for liability assessment. Available in multiple languages — keep one in your glove box.

See also: Car Insurance

Patente — Patent / Permit

A formal permit or licence for specific activities — e.g. patente de navegación for boats. Different from licencia (general licence) and permiso (specific permission).

Patrón de Embarcaciones de Recreo — Recreational Vessel Skipper Licence

PER — the most common Spanish recreational boat licence, allowing skipper of vessels up to 15 metres and 12 nautical miles offshore. RYA Day Skipper and ICC certificates are typically accepted as equivalents.

See also: Marine Insurance

PER — See Patrón de Embarcaciones de Recreo

See Patrón de Embarcaciones de Recreo — the standard Spanish recreational boat skipper licence.

See also: Marine Insurance

Perito — Loss Adjuster

An independent expert who assesses insurance claims — visits the damage site, evaluates cause and quantum, advises insurer on settlement. Spanish peritos are often retired professionals from the relevant industry (motor mechanics for car, surveyors for buildings, doctors for medical).

Permiso de Circulación — Vehicle Registration Certificate

The Spanish vehicle registration document equivalent to the UK V5C. Lists owner, registration plate and vehicle classification (turismo, industrial, autocaravana, etc.). Required to be carried in the vehicle.

See also: Car Insurance

Plazo de Gracia — Grace Period

A grace period after premium becomes due during which cover continues — typically 30 days under Spanish insurance law. After the grace period, cover lapses and any claim during the lapse may be denied.

Póliza — Policy

The insurance contract document. Spanish pólizas have multiple components: condicionado general, condicionado particular, suplementos, recibos. Always read the póliza before signing.

PPP — Potentially Dangerous Dogs

Perros Potencialmente Peligrosos — specifically named breeds (Pit Bull, Rottweiler, Tosa Inu, Akita Inu, Dogo Argentino, Fila Brasileiro, etc.) and large/heavy dogs requiring special licensing, higher liability cover (€175,000+), and muzzle/lead in public.

See also: Pet Insurance

Prescripción — Limitation Period

The civil-law time limit after which a claim can no longer be pursued. Insurance claims under Spanish law generally prescribe after 2 years for non-life cover and 5 years for life cover (Ley 50/1980 Article 23). Distinct from caducidad (notification time-bar).

Prima — Premium

The amount the policyholder pays for the insurance cover. Can be paid annually, semi-annually, quarterly, or monthly. Typically increases at renewal based on age, claims and general industry adjustments.

Promotor — Property Developer

The legal client of a construction project — the entity ordering the work. Different from the contractor (constructor) doing the work. Promotors have specific civil liability (RC Promotor) and Decenal obligations.

See also: Constructor Liability

RC — Civil Liability

Responsabilidad Civil — civil liability cover for damage caused to third parties. The most fundamental insurance benefit; mandatory under various Spanish laws (motor, dog, hunting, professional). Sub-types include RC patrimonial, RC profesional, RC obras.

RC Obras — Works Civil Liability

Civil liability cover for construction works in progress — covers third-party damage caused during the build (worker injury, dust damage to neighbours, machinery accidents). Required by most municipality building permits.

See also: Constructor Liability

RC Promotor — Developer Civil Liability

Civil liability cover for a property developer — covers contractual disputes with buyers, defects emerging after construction, pre-sale customer claims. Distinct from RC Obras (which covers the contractor's exposure).

See also: Constructor Liability

Reaseguro — Reinsurance

Insurance that insurers buy from other insurers to share large risks. Backstops the entire insurance market — for catastrophic events, the reinsurance market ultimately funds claims. Generali España is reinsured globally.

Receta — Prescription

A doctor's prescription. Spanish recetas are required for almost all medications including some sold over-the-counter in the UK. Generali plans include pharmacy discount cards with partner pharmacies.

See also: Health Insurance

Recibo — Receipt / Periodic Premium Notice

The periodic premium charge document. Annual, semi-annual or monthly recibos are issued by the insurer for direct debit. Failure to pay a recibo within the grace period triggers cover lapse.

Regla Proporcional — Proportional Rule (Underinsurance Penalty)

The Spanish underinsurance rule (Ley 50/1980 Article 30) — if a property is insured for less than its true value, the insurer pays only the proportion of the claim equal to the proportion of cover. Example:

• A villa worth €400
• 000 insured for €200
• 000 (50%) suffers €100
• 000 damage
• Insurer pays €50
• 000 (50%)

See also: Home Insurance

Renovación — Renewal

The annual continuation of an insurance policy. Most Spanish policies renew automatically (renovación tácita) unless cancelled by either party with sufficient notice — typically 30 days for the policyholder under Ley 50/1980 Article 22.

Renovación Tácita — Tacit / Automatic Renewal

Automatic policy renewal without explicit action by the policyholder. Standard for almost all Spanish insurance. Cancellation requires written notice typically 30 days before the renewal date.

Resarcimiento — Indemnification / Compensation

Compensation paid to make good a loss — slightly more formal/legal than indemnización. Used in legal contexts, arbitration awards and court judgments.

Rescisión — Termination / Rescission

Termination of the policy by either party — typically used when one party has breached the contract. Different from anulación (mutual cancellation) and from caducidad (lapse for non-payment).

Reticencia — Material Non-Disclosure

Failure to disclose material facts at policy application. Under Ley 50/1980 Article 10, deliberate reticencia voids the entire policy and the insurer keeps premiums; innocent omission may reduce a claim payout pro-rata.

RGPD — Spanish/EU GDPR

Reglamento General de Protección de Datos — the Spanish acronym for GDPR. Enforced by the AEPD with fines up to €20m or 4% of global turnover. Major driver of cyber risk and D&O liability claims.

See also: Cyber Risk Insurance

Robo — Theft

Theft as an insured peril. Spanish insurance distinguishes robo (theft with forced entry or violence) from hurto (simple theft without force) — the two have different cover and excess treatment.

S1 — UK Healthcare Form S1

The UK form that allows UK state pensioners and certain workers resident abroad to access the host country's public healthcare at UK expense. Most-used by British pensioners on the Costa Blanca to access Spanish public healthcare alongside private cover.

See also: Health Insurance

Salud — Health

The Spanish word for health, used as the generic term for health insurance products (e.g. Salud Opción Premium, Salud DKV). Distinct from Vida (life), Hogar (home), Auto (motor).

See also: Health Insurance

Seguridad Social — Social Security

The Spanish state social security system, funded by contributions from employers and employees. Provides healthcare, sickness benefit, maternity, unemployment and pension. Autónomos pay separately under RETA.

Seguro — Insurance

The general Spanish word for insurance — used to refer to both the product and the contract. Tomar un seguro = to take out insurance; seguro a todo riesgo = comprehensive insurance.

Seguro Decenal — 10-Year Building Warranty Insurance

The 10-year structural warranty insurance required by Spanish law (LOE) for all new residential buildings. Premium 0.4-1.2% of construction value, paid as single premium at completion. Without Decenal, no occupation licence.

See also: Constructor Liability

Sin Copago — Without Co-Payment

A health insurance policy where no fee is paid at the point of treatment. Required for Spanish NLV and DNV visa applications — consulate certificates must explicitly state sin copago. Distinct from con copago plans (with small per-visit fees).

See also: NLV Insurance

Siniestro — Insurance Claim / Insured Event

Both the insured event itself (e.g. a fire) and the resulting insurance claim. The siniestro is opened with the insurer immediately after the event; documentation, perito assessment and settlement follow.

SIP — Comunidad Valenciana Health Card

Sistema de Información Poblacional — the Comunidad Valenciana's public health card, equivalent to a tarjeta sanitaria in other regions. Required to access public healthcare in Valencia, Alicante and Castellón provinces.

SMI — Minimum Wage

Salario Mínimo Interprofesional. Spain's national minimum wage, used as a reference threshold for the Digital Nomad Visa income requirement (typically 200% of SMI).

See also: Digital Nomad Visa Insurance

SNS — National Health System

Sistema Nacional de Salud — the Spanish public healthcare system. Funded by general taxation; access is universal for residents and limited for visitors. Region-specific implementation via Servicio Valenciano de Salud (SVS) in our area.

Sobreseguro — Over-Insurance

When the sum insured is higher than the actual value of the property. Under Ley 50/1980 Article 31, the insurer is only liable to pay the actual value of the loss, regardless of the higher sum insured. Premium for the excess cover is wasted.

Subrogación — Subrogation

The insurer's right (after paying a claim) to step into the insured's shoes and pursue recovery from the at-fault third party. Standard provision in Spanish insurance contracts under Ley 50/1980 Article 43.

Suma Asegurada — Sum Insured

See Capital Asegurado — the maximum amount the insurer will pay under the policy.

Suplemento — Endorsement / Addendum

A formal mid-term amendment to the policy — adding cover, removing items, changing parties. Issued as a separate document attached to the original póliza.

Tanatorio — Funeral Home

The Spanish funeral home / wake centre where the body is held and the wake (velatorio) takes place before burial or cremation. Decesos plans handle all logistics with the local tanatorio at no cost to the family.

See also: Funeral Insurance

Tarjeta Sanitaria — Public Health Card

The general Spanish public health card. Each autonomous community issues its own version — SIP in Valencia, TSI in Catalonia, etc. Required for access to public healthcare. UK residents on Form S1 are issued an equivalent card.

Tasador — Valuer / Surveyor

A professional valuer of property or assets — used to set sums insured for buildings, contents, art, jewellery. Distinct from a perito (loss adjuster) who assesses claims rather than setting cover values.

Terceros — Third-Party Cover

The mandatory minimum motor insurance — covers damage to others (third parties) but not your own vehicle. Cheapest car insurance option, suitable for older / lower-value cars where comprehensive cover isn't economic.

See also: Car Insurance

Terceros Ampliado — Third-Party Plus / Enhanced

Mid-tier motor cover — third-party liability plus fire, theft and glass cover. Most popular for cars 5-12 years old where todo riesgo is overkill but pure terceros leaves too much uninsured.

See also: Car Insurance

TIE — Foreigner Identity Card

Tarjeta de Identidad de Extranjero — the physical residency card for non-EU foreigners legally resident in Spain (post-Brexit, this is what British residents hold). Renewed every 1, 2 or 5 years depending on residency type.

Todo Riesgo — Comprehensive (All-Risks)

The highest tier of motor insurance — covers third-party plus your own damage from any cause (collision, fire, theft, vandalism, weather). Available with or without excess (sin franquicia / con franquicia).

See also: Car Insurance

Tomador — Policyholder

The person who takes out and pays for the insurance contract. Often (but not always) the same as the insured (asegurado). On a family health policy, the tomador is typically one parent who pays the premium for all family members.

Tráfico — DGT Spanish Traffic Authority

Common name for the DGT (Dirección General de Tráfico) — the Spanish national traffic authority. Handles vehicle registration, driving licences and the bonus-malus claims database that insurers consult.

See also: Car Insurance

Trienal — 3-Year Warranty Period

The middle of the three Spanish construction warranty bands (1, 3, 10 years). The 3-year warranty covers habitability defects — water ingress, insulation failures, installation defects.

See also: Constructor Liability

Turismo — Passenger Car

The Spanish vehicle classification for passenger cars. Different ITV intervals and insurance treatment from industrial vehicles (vans).

See also: Car Insurance

V16 — Emergency Beacon (V16 Light)

The flashing emergency LED beacon mandated for all Spanish vehicles from 1 January 2026 — replacing the traditional warning triangles. Connected V16 lights communicate position to DGT for road safety. Vehicles without V16 risk fines.

See also: Car Insurance

Velatorio — Wake

The Spanish wake or vigil — typically 6-12 hours at the tanatorio (funeral home) where family receives visitors before burial or cremation. Funeral insurance covers all velatorio costs as standard.

See also: Funeral Insurance

Vida — Life

The Spanish word for life, used as the generic term for life insurance products. Includes term life (vida riesgo), whole-of-life (vida entera), and savings-element products (vida ahorro / unit-linked).

See also: Life Insurance

Vivienda — Dwelling / Residence

A residential property. Vivienda habitual = primary residence (most favourable tax treatment); vivienda secundaria = second home; vivienda turística = short-term rental. Each has different insurance and tax implications.

See also: Home Insurance

VMP — Personal Mobility Vehicle

Vehículos de Movilidad Personal — electric scooters and similar small electric vehicles. Spanish law now requires VMP-specific insurance and registration; previously a regulatory grey area, now formalised with specific liability requirements.

VPO — Subsidised Housing

Vivienda de Protección Oficial. Spanish state-subsidised social housing with restrictions on sale price and buyer eligibility. Insurance is generally similar to standard housing but the resale value cap may need consideration when setting cover sums.

VUT — Tourist Use Dwelling

Vivienda de Uso Turístico — short-term rental property (Airbnb-style). Each Spanish autonomous community regulates VUT separately; Valencia requires registration, deposit/aval bond, and insurance compliance. Standard home insurance does NOT cover VUT activity — separate cover required.

See also: Home Insurance · Bond / Aval Insurance