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Date Published: 14/11/2024

Floods in Spain: Who covers the cost of damaged vehicles?

The storm and torrential rains have left damage to property and parked vehicles across Spain

It’s hoped that the very worst of the weather will have abated by this weekend following the torrential rain, flash flooding and widespread damage and loss of life inflicted by two DANA storms. But these isolated depressions, by their very nature, are unpredictable and hard to map, so there’s no telling if Spain could be in for other similar episodes in the coming weeks or months.

What’s more, this kind of weather front could hit any part of the country, with people facing untold expenses and hardship. Aside from the tragic death toll, which has sadly soared past 200, one of the greatest casualties over the last fortnight was to vehicles, thousands of which were flooded, submerged in sludge or simply swept away by the torrents.

Who is responsible for the cost?

Videos and images have emerged of vehicle pile-ups on motorways, cars floating down streets and water flooding garages. But if your car is damaged or even written off in a similar freak weather phenomenon, who is going to cover the cost?

Many drivers might be surprised to know that, although they pay their vehicle insurance annually, the insurance companies usually don’t foot the bill themselves for damage caused during these extraordinary natural disasters.

We saw a similar outcome when the volcano in La Palma erupted.

Rather, it’s a separate entity known as the Insurance Compensation Consortium that will sort things out if your car has been damaged.

The Insurance Compensation Consortium

The Insurance Compensation Consortium is a vital safety net for those affected by extraordinary events like the DANA floods. The Consortium provides coverage for damages caused by flooding, including material damage to homes, cars, commercial establishments and industries.

Additionally, it covers accommodation expenses due to uninhabitability of homes and loss of income resulting from the cessation of economic activity.

It is a public entity of the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Digital Transformation and its actions are regulated by Royal Decree 300/2004.

Around 40,000 people have already been in touch with the Consortium to seek compensation or to organise repairs, but it’s important to know that only drivers who have a current motor insurance policy will be covered.

Those affected by the floods can apply for compensation by calling 900 222 665 or visiting the Consortium's website (www.consorseguros.es).

Find all the latest motoring and travel news here or join our Driving in Spain Facebook group for regular updates

Image: MeteOrihuela

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