Last Updated on April 18, 2026 by Bruno Bianchi
Can US Drivers Get Car Insurance in Spain?
Our family just moved to Benalmadena (Málaga) on our Spanish Non-Lucrative visa and we’re about to purchase a car. We are looking a car insurance in Spain and are being told they will not accept our US drivers licenses.
We understood we had 6 months to get our Spanish licenses but now we’re not sure if this will prevent us from getting insured. Has anyone used an insurance company that could accommodate a US license (for 6 months)?
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These are the answers of Spainguru’s Facebook group members:
“We had USAA insurance before we moved here and they were able to provide a policy for Spain as well. We bought a car last June and I didn’t obtain a provisional Spanish drivers license until December. Was not a problem for us when purchasing the car, but your mileage may vary. Good luck!”
“I’ve been insured using my US license for over a year with Cesar… I don’t hear great things about them but it was hard to find a company that would insure me…so far I haven’t had any issues.”
“You should have gotten a travel license from AAA that would have lasted a year or an IDP (international Driving Permit).”
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Explore Cities →“No Spanish insurance company will insure us without a Spanish ‘carnet’. We have been studying online and hopefully, we could take the test soon. Good luck finding an insurance company.”
“You can ask directly to our recommended car insurance brokers: Insbrok.”
Conclusion: Car Insurance Options for US Drivers
Navigating car insurance in Spain with a US driver’s license poses challenges but is not insurmountable. Several insurers like USAA, Insbrok or Cesar may offer policies accommodating US licenses for certain periods.
Additionally, obtaining an international driving permit from AAA or the International Driving Permit Association (IDA) could be a temporary solution while transitioning to a Spanish license. It is advisable to consult with specialized insurance brokers or directly with insurers to understand specific requirements and available coverage options.
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