According to the DGT (Spanish Directorate General of Traffic), in Spain around 2.65 million vehicles circulate without insurance. Committing this recklessness, whether at the wheel of a car, a motorbike, or another type of vehicle, can have serious consequences involving many people besides the driver. In addition, whether due to an accident with another vehicle or any other unforeseen event, you may end up paying for a windshield repair or another type of repair.
What dangers are involved in driving without insurance?
According to data collected in a recent study, it is estimated that every year a total of 130,000 penalties are imposed for not having the mandatory insurance in order. If we look back and analyse the last 10 years, we find a total of 300,000 accidents involving uninsured vehicles. These range from serious traffic accidents to a small vehicle glass repair.
But what are the driver’s responsibilities when they do not have valid insurance in the event of a traffic accident? Whether it is covering the total repair of the damaged vehicle or paying for the windshield replacement cost, if a vehicle without insurance causes an accident, the Consorcio de Compensación de Seguros (CCS) assumes the damages—both material and personal—caused to third parties involved in the accident.
However, it does not end there: once these damages are repaired, the Consorcio de Compensación de Seguros (CCS) can claim compensation either from the driver of the vehicle or from its owner, if they are different persons.
In addition to this, fines of up to €3,000 may be imposed depending on the type of vehicle involved in the accident, along with other penalties for not having passed the vehicle ITV (technical inspection), towing costs, impound fees, and other expenses implicit in a traffic accident.
Windshield repair – is it covered by your insurance?
Another area in which drivers have doubts is about what their insurance covers. Does every policy cover windshield repairs or the windshield replacement cost?
As of today, mandatory insurance only includes basic coverage so that you can drive your vehicle. Its name comes from the fact that it is required by law—it is a legal requirement for a vehicle to be able to circulate.
In addition to mandatory insurance, there is third-party insurance, which is the most basic and therefore the most affordable. This type of insurance covers the fewest incidents and only covers damages you may have caused to others if you were at fault for the accident. Thus, the damages covered by third-party insurance include:
- Material damages caused to the other vehicle and people involved.
- Personal injuries to the occupants of the other vehicle(s).
- Personal injuries to passengers in your own vehicle.
- Injuries caused to pedestrians.
On the other hand, we highlight everything that mandatory insurance does not cover. This type of insurance does not cover any personal injuries suffered by the driver of the vehicle, nor material damages to the vehicle itself—meaning that a vehicle glass repair or a windshield replacement cost would not be included.
It is worth noting that it is very common for this type of car insurance policy to be expanded through an annex agreed with the insurance company so that costs such as vehicle glass repairs, fire or theft damage, among others, are covered, with the possibility of having a replacement car until, for example, the windshield repair is ready.
Therefore, no matter the type of mishap or the insurance policy you have, at Ralarsa, as specialists in vehicle glass replacement and repair, we will be at your disposal and coordinate with your insurer so that you have as little to worry about as possible.
