Because Your Sofa Shouldn’t Float
Why Am I Suddenly Talking About Flood Insurance?
Because Spain is soggy.
Real soggy.
Whether you live in a beach villa in Valencia or rent a studio flat in Seville with a leaky ceiling and a flatmate named Pablo who never does the dishes... water is coming for your stuff.
Not to scare you, but unless you live in a treehouse in the desert, flood insurance in Spain is now as essential as jamón at Christmas.
Spain's Getting Wetter Than a Paella Pan
Flooding used to be a once-in-a-blue-moon thing.
Now?
It’s more like every Tuesday.
The worst-hit areas are:
- Catalonia
- Valencia
- Murcia
- Andalusia
- Basque Country
And guess what?
Yep.
That’s a lot of soggy sofas.
Who Needs Flood Insurance in Spain?
Let me break this down real easy:
If you own a roof and walls?
You probably need it.
Even if those walls are in a flat where the lift hasn’t worked since 2017.
Here’s who should look into it now:
- Homeowners near rivers, beaches or "Instagrammable sea views"
- Renters with ground-floor nightmares
- Expats with a finca and a dream
- Investors with Airbnb properties
- Anyone living anywhere water might visit uninvited
Surprise rain = surprise bill.
What Flood Insurance Actually Covers
Think of it like a superhero cape for your house.
When the heavens open up and try to turn your living room into a fish tank, flood insurance has your back.
✅ Covered:
- Flash floods
- Overflowing rivers
- Coastal waves getting bold
- Storm surges
- Damage to your building structure
- Water-damaged furniture and belongings
- Sewer backups (if flood-related)
❌ Not Covered:
- Mold from your teenage son forgetting to open a window
- Water from broken pipes (that’s regular home insurance)
- Cars (unless you parked in a canal)
- Earth falling off cliffs
Wait... Does Spain Have a National Flood Insurance Program?
Nope.
This isn’t America.
You don’t get FEMA knocking on your door with a cheque and a free mug.
But there is something called:
👉 Consorcio de Compensación de Seguros (CCS)
Sounds like a dance move.
It’s actually Spain’s backup squad for official disasters.
If your insurance policy includes CCS coverage (most do), and the government declares a flood a proper catastrophe, CCS steps in to pay.
But if it’s just your street that looks like Venice?
You’ll need private flood cover too.
Getting a Flood Insurance Quote in Spain
Ready to shop like you're on Bargain Hunt?
Here’s how to do it:
- Ring your home or renters insurance company
- Ask: “Do you cover flooding or just mild disappointment?”
- Compare quotes from these well-known insurers:
- Mapfre
- AXA
- Allianz
- Zurich
- Liberty Seguros
- Use an online tool to compare prices like a pro
What’s It Gonna Cost Me?
Let’s talk numbers.
This isn’t a Netflix subscription. Flood insurance prices vary.
But here’s a basic idea for 2025:
|
Property Type |
Risk Level |
Annual Cost |
|
Apartment (low risk) |
Urban |
€100 - €250 |
|
Apartment (high risk) |
Flood zone |
€300 - €600 |
|
Detached House (low risk) |
Suburbs |
€200 - €400 |
|
Detached House (flood zone) |
Coastal/rural |
€600 - €1200 |
|
Rented Unit (medium risk) |
Mixed areas |
€80 - €200 |
Basically, the closer your house is to water?
The more your wallet feels it.
What About Renters? Do We Just Swim?
Tenants... this bit’s for you.
Most standard renters insurance does NOT cover flooding.
You need to add it on or check if it’s included under CCS in your main policy.
✅ You might be covered if:
- Your flood was part of a recognised disaster
- You paid for extra flood coverage upfront
- Your landlord is actually responsible and added it in
❌ You're definitely not covered if:
- You didn’t check your policy
- You live in denial
- The flood was from your overflowing bathtub after a 2 hour soak
Always ask before assuming.
How to Choose the Right Flood Insurance in Spain
Here's the Myriam checklist:
- Know your risk level
Use Spain’s hazard maps or ask your local ayuntamiento - Don’t rely on CCS for everything
It only kicks in during official emergencies - Get at least 3 quotes
And maybe a coffee while you’re at it
Real Story from Alicante That’ll Scare You
So... last year in Alicante?
Massive flash flood.
Whole street turned into a river.
One poor guy?
No insurance.
Paid €30,000 out of pocket just to dry his carpets and rebuild a wall.
His neighbour?
Had flood cover.
Paid €300 excess and went back to watching Netflix.
Can Expats & Foreigners Get Flood Insurance in Spain?
Yes.
And if you live here full time or just chill in summer?
Get it sorted.
Most insurers speak English.
Some even do German or French.
Make sure:
- They mention CCS in the policy
- Your contract spells out flood stuff clearly
Why 2025 Is Not The Year to Wait
Flooding is hitting harder.
And faster.
Especially in coastal and big cities like:
- Barcelona
- Bilbao
- Palma de Mallorca
- Valencia
Wait too long and insurers either:
- Charge more
- Or say “nah, too risky”
It’s like trying to buy an umbrella after you’re soaked.
Final Word: You Can’t Dry Your House With A Towel
Floods in Spain aren’t rare anymore.
They’re expected.
If you’ve got a home, a rental, a doghouse or even a shed you love... flood insurance is your new best friend.
Protect your stuff.
Protect your cash.
And keep your carpets dry.
Because let’s be honest, soggy slippers are no way to live.
FAQs About Flood Insurance in Spain
- Is flood insurance required in Spain?
Nope. But in flood-prone areas, not having it is a bit mad. - How much is flood insurance in 2025?
Anywhere from €100 to €1200 per year depending on how wet your postcode is. - Does renters insurance include flood damage?
Only if you’ve added it on or the CCS steps in. - Who pays out during major disasters?
The CCS covers government-declared catastrophes. For anything else, private insurance handles it.