“Courtesy car included” sounds reassuring… but not all cover works the same way!
When comparing a standard Spanish car policy with an expat-focused option, the important difference is in the details — not simply the language of your policy.
A garage courtesy car is not the same as replacement-car insurance
A courtesy car may be linked to using an insurer’s selected repairer, whereas replacement-car cover is a separate policy benefit with its own conditions.
How long can you keep it?
A few days can disappear quickly while your car is being repaired! Some mainstream Spanish policies offer replacement-car cover as an optional extra with a set allowance — MAPFRE, for example, lists options of 5, 7, 10 or 15 days, depending on the product.
Where an expat-focused option can offer more
Some products marketed to expats offer more generous replacement-vehicle benefits. One example provides optional cover for up to 35 days per claim, subject to financial limits and conditions, with specified cover for breakdown, accident, fire, theft and total-loss situations.
But remember: a courtesy car does NOT automatically mean “like for like”!Driving a large SUV, premium car or seven-seater does not automatically entitle you to an equivalent replacement. The vehicle supplied depends on the category covered by your policy and availability. For example, the 35-day option mentioned above specifies a Category C vehicle when arranged by the insurer — not a vehicle matched to your own.
Think temporary transport to keep you moving, rather than a promise to replace your car’s size, specification or comfort.
✅ Before choosing your policy, check:
How many days of replacement-car cover are included.
Whether breakdown, theft and write-off are covered.
When the benefit starts.
Whether you must use a particular repairer.
What vehicle category is provided — especially if you need an automatic or extra seats.
At Sam Campbell Insurance, we help you look beyond the headline benefits and understand what your cover actually provides. Contact us now for a no obligation quote:
