Spain Survival Manual

A while ago I posted about the story of a woman who was driving with a UK driving licence and had an accident that was not her fault.   Even though it is perfectly valid to drive with an EU driving licence, and the accident was not her fault, she was apparently  not covered because she had not had a medical, which is a requirement over 40 in Spain.

Having faffed since I heard it, I finally thought I should go and have this medical because of the small chance of getting caught in the same situation.  Only to face the usual confusion that seems prevalent in Spain - or is it just Huelva?

• Apparently the medical is only valid for three months
• Medical is worthless for anything else other than handing it over to the Trafico office
• Went to Trafico to change my licence to a Spanish one and she told me I didn´t need to change it because an EU one is valid
• I explained my concern about not being covered by the insurance and she said ´of course you won´t be´....so I had to insist on changing my licence
• Then I got to thinking that when you apply for insurance they ask you for your driving licence details, including where the licence was issued.  Now surely, if they have accepted you on a foreign licence they are obliged to cover you in case of an accident?
• My colleague phoned Linea Directa insurance and asked their position on the confusion.  The guy said it was absolutely nonsense that you would not be covered without a medical.  He said it was the responsibility of the insurance companies to ask for any necessary documentation at the time of taking out the contract.  He also said that there had been a story in the newspaper that had started this rumour, but that it was incorrect!

So the moral of the story is, go straight to the source.  Ask your insurance company if they cover all accidents even if you have a UK driving licence and get it in writing if necessary. Quote this article on your site