Switching insurer in Spain: the notice period
A policyholder in Spain may oppose the renewal of a policy by giving notice at least one month before the expiry date, while the insurer must give two months' notice if it is the party declining to renew.
gelisted editorial team · Updated 15 August 2026
The short version
- The policyholder's notice period is 1 month before renewal.
- The insurer's notice period is 2 months.
- Notice must be given by a means that leaves a record.
- A premium taken for a period no longer due must be refunded.
Switching is simple and cheap. Switching late is not, because the policy then renews for another full year.
The two deadlines
Insurance contracts renew automatically for annual periods unless one party opposes it. The policyholder must give at least 1 month's notice before the expiry date; the insurer must give 2. The asymmetry is deliberate: it gives the customer time to find an alternative when it is the insurer that has decided not to continue.
| Action | Deadline | Party |
|---|---|---|
| Insurer notifies non renewal | 1 April | insurer |
| Renewal notice with new premium arrives | April or May | insurer |
| Obtain alternative quotations | by 25 April | policyholder |
| Give notice of non renewal | 1 May | policyholder |
| Arrange the new policy | 31 May | policyholder |
| New cover starts | 1 June | |
| Refund of any premium not due | after cancellation | insurer |
How to give notice
In writing and by a means that leaves a record: a burofax with acknowledgement, an email to the address designated in the policy, or the insurer's own online channel with the confirmation saved. State the policy number, the name of the policyholder and the express intention not to renew at expiry. A telephone call is not evidence, and it is the origin of most unwanted renewals.
Avoiding a gap
The new policy should take effect on the day the old one ends. A single uncovered day on a motor policy is an offence, and on a home policy it means a loss that day is not covered. When arranging the new policy, specify the effective date rather than accepting the date of signature; most insurers will schedule a start date up to 30 days ahead.
If a short overlap occurs by accident there is no practical harm: damage policies do not pay twice, and the outgoing insurer refunds the unused premium.
The documents to collect before leaving
On motor, the claims history certificate, which is what preserves the no claims discount and must be requested before cancelling. On health, a certificate of seniority so the new insurer recognises waiting periods already served. And on any policy linked to a mortgage, confirmation that replacing it with equivalent cover does not alter the loan conditions. Requesting these takes one email and saves a great deal afterwards.
The saving justifies the trouble. On home cover, the gap between a policy renewed unexamined and the best offer on the market runs 60 € to 180 € a year; on motor, 90 € to 320 €; on health, 150 € to 500 €. Across 20 years of adult life and 3 policies, that is somewhere between 6,000 € and 20,000 €, for 3 quotations every 2 years and about 40 minutes.
Frequently asked
+How much notice must I give?
At least one month before the expiry date. The insurer must give two months if it declines to renew.
+Is a phone call enough?
No. Use a means that leaves a record, such as burofax, the designated email address or the online channel.
+What if the premium is taken anyway?
The insurer must refund the part not due once the cancellation in time is evidenced.
+Can I be left without cover for a day?
You should not be. On motor it is an offence and on home it means a loss that day is uncovered.
+What should I request before leaving?
The claims history certificate on motor and a certificate of seniority on health cover.
Sources
- 1Boletín Oficial del Estado, BOE (August 2026)
- 2Dirección General de Tráfico, Ministerio del Interior (August 2026)