Expired ITV in Spain: is your car insurance still valid after an accident?

If you come from the UK, think of the ITV (Inspección Técnica de Vehículos) as Spain's MOT. It is easy to lose track of the date, especially if your car is newly registered in Spain. So what happens if you have an accident with an expired ITV? In short: your policy does not disappear, but you could end up paying out of your own pocket.

The short answer

An expired ITV does not automatically cancel your insurance. In practice:

• Third parties are protected. Compulsory third-party liability (responsabilidad civil obligatoria) still pays the victims.

• Your own damage depends on your cover (third party, extended third party or comprehensive, todo riesgo) and on what caused the accident.

• The insurer may claim the money back. If the crash was caused by a defect that a valid ITV would have picked up (brakes, tyres, steering, lights), the insurer pays the third party and can then recover that amount from you. This is the derecho de repetición.

What matters is causation: being rear-ended at a red light is not the same as crashing because your brakes were worn.

Fines in Spain

Police can also withhold your registration document until the car passes. No penalty points are deducted.

How often you need an ITV

For a private car: first ITV at 4 years, then every 2 years until the car is 10, and every year after that. The date is on the windscreen sticker and on the ITV card. If you have just imported a car, check our guide to registering a foreign-plated car in Spain.

Your insurer can help with the ITV

Some policies take the hassle away. With Allianz Auto, there is an ITV service: they pick up your car at home, check it at an Allianz network garage, take it to the station and bring it back. You pay the inspection fee and any repairs needed beforehand, but you avoid queues and language barriers at the station. And if, after an accident or fire covered by your policy, the law requires a new inspection, the damage cover pays for it.

If you do have an accident

Follow the steps in what to do after a car accident in Spain, and if you are still building your Spanish claims history, read about using your no-claims bonus from abroad.

FAQ

Is my car insurance valid with an expired ITV? Yes. The policy stays in force and covers third parties, but the insurer may recover payments if the accident was caused by a defect the ITV would have detected.

What is the fine for an expired ITV in Spain? Usually €200; up to €500 if the car failed with very serious defects.

Can I drive to the ITV station with an expired ITV? Yes, only to the garage or the station.

How we can help

AMB Seguros is an exclusive Allianz agency in central Murcia. We review your car policy in English, in person or by WhatsApp or video call. See our car insurance page or contact us.

This article is for information only. Exact terms depend on your policy and current Spanish law.