Living in Spain

Guide: How Home Insurance, Tradespeople, and Service Agreements Work in Spain

Whether you’re a homeowner, landlord, or new resident in Spain, understanding how home insurance, hiring tradespeople, and entering into service contracts work is essential. Spanish systems differ significantly from those in Northern Europe or the US, and if you’re unfamiliar with the local norms, it’s easy to misunderstand your rights and responsibilities—or to end up unprotected when problems arise.

In this guide, you’ll learn:

How home insurance (seguro del hogar) works in Spain
What’s covered and what’s not
Your rights when hiring a professional (hantverkare/autónomo)
What to expect from service agreements and maintenance contracts
What to avoid and how to protect yourself legally

🛡️ 1. Understanding Home Insurance in Spain (Seguro del Hogar)

Is Home Insurance Mandatory?

Not legally required for homeowners—unless you have a mortgage, in which case the lender will demand a basic policy (usually only covering fire or damage to the structure).
Highly recommended, even if not obligatory, especially in multi-unit buildings (e.g., apartments) where water leaks or shared infrastructure are common sources of disputes.

Types of Home Insurance

Basic (básico)
- Covers damage to the structure (walls, roof, etc.) due to fire, flooding, or storms.
Comprehensive (todo riesgo hogar)
- Includes structural damage and contents (furniture, appliances, personal belongings).
- Covers liability in case you cause damage to a neighbor (e.g., water leak from your flat).
Content-Only (contenido)
- For tenants or second-home owners who don’t need to insure the building.

What’s Typically Covered:

Fire, smoke, explosion
Water damage from plumbing failures
Theft or vandalism
Glass breakage
Natural disasters (limited)
Civil liability (e.g., damage to neighbor’s home)

What’s Not Usually Covered:

Wear and tear or poor maintenance
Electrical overloads (unless specified)
Faulty workmanship by tradespeople
Renovations or unauthorized construction
Some insurance companies exclude holiday rentals (Airbnb, etc.)

Useful Tips:

Compare providers (Mapfre, AXA, Allianz, Línea Directa, Caser, etc.)
Choose a policy that offers 24/7 assistance (asistencia en el hogar)
Ensure coverage includes plumbing, locksmith, and appliance breakdown
Keep a digital copy of your policy and receipts

🛠️ 2. Hiring Tradespeople in Spain: What You Should Know

Most tradespeople in Spain are autónomos (self-employed) or work in small local companies. While many are skilled and honest, others may lack proper licensing or insurance.

Your Rights When Hiring a Professional:

You can (and should) request proof of legal registration (alta de autónomo)
Professionals must issue an official invoice (factura) if requested
You have the right to receive a written quote (presupuesto) before work begins
For larger works, a written contract is recommended
Some jobs require local building permits (licencias de obra)—ask before starting

Ask These Questions Before Hiring:

Are you registered as an autónomo or SL (company)?
Do you carry civil liability insurance?
Can you provide references or photos of previous work?
Is the price with or without VAT (IVA)?
What guarantee (garantía) do you offer for the work?

Invoices and Warranties

Always request an invoice (factura)—especially for work over €100
Spanish consumer law grants a minimum 1-year guarantee on services
Without a factura, you may have no legal recourse if something goes wrong

Tip:

If the tradesperson refuses to issue an invoice or asks for full payment in cash, this is a red flag. Work with verified professionals only.

📄 3. Service Agreements & Maintenance Contracts in Spain

When it comes to ongoing services like cleaning, gardening, pool maintenance, or alarm systems, written service agreements (contratos de servicio) are common and advisable.

What Should Be Included in a Service Contract?

Full legal name and ID of both parties
Description of the service scope
Frequency and duration of service
Pricing (monthly, hourly, flat rate) and payment terms
Cancellation policy
Responsibility for materials or tools
Liability coverage and applicable guarantees

Common Services with Formal Contracts:

Property management for second homes
Pool and garden maintenance
Alarm and surveillance systems (often with large national companies)
Cleaning services for rentals or communities
HVAC or solar panel maintenance
Annual pest control (desinsectación/desratización)

Are Verbal Agreements Valid?

Yes, but not enforceable. For anything beyond a one-time service, always sign a simple written agreement—even just a signed PDF or email confirmation can help avoid disputes.

⚠️ Avoiding Common Pitfalls

Don’t hire “off-the-books” professionals without verifying legal status
Avoid verbal-only agreements—especially for anything over €200
Ensure all service providers carry insurance in case of damage or injury
For major repairs or renovations, consult a gestor or lawyer before signing

✅ Quick Checklist: Smart Homeowner Practices in Spain

✔️ Take out a home insurance policy that fits your needs
✔️ Only work with legal, insured professionals
✔️ Ask for and keep all presupuestos and facturas
✔️ Sign simple service contracts for ongoing services
✔️ Keep digital records of insurance policies, contacts, and warranties

🤝 Need Trusted Local Help?

At ServiceHero.es/en/, we connect residents and property owners on the Costa del Sol with:

Verified, insured tradespeople
Service providers who offer contracts and invoices
Quick quotes for home repairs, cleaning, security systems, and more
Bilingual support in English and Spanish

👉 Whether you’re insuring your home, planning a renovation, or looking for maintenance services, ServiceHero makes it simple and safe.