Community Insurance Policies

Community insurance policies in Spain—known as “seguro de comunidad”—are designed to protect the shared spaces and responsibilities within residential buildings or urbanisations. Here's a breakdown of what they typically cover and how they work:

🏢 What Is Community Insurance?

Community insurance covers common areas of a building or residential complex, such as:

  • Hallways, staircases, elevators
  • Roofs, façades, and foundations
  • Gardens, swimming pools, and shared aerials
  • Civil liability for accidents in communal areas (e.g., someone slipping on a wet staircase)

It’s meant to ensure habitability and comfort for all residents by protecting against risks like fire, flooding, vandalism, and structural damage.


📜 Is It Mandatory?

  • Not compulsory nationally, but highly recommended.
  • Some regions have local regulations that require minimum coverage.
  • The Horizontal Property Law (Ley de Propiedad Horizontal) encourages communities to maintain a reserve fund for repairs and insurance.

💧 What Does It Cover?

Typical coverage includes:

  • Civil liability (e.g., falling tiles injuring someone)
  • Material damage (fire, explosion, lightning)
  • Water damage from mains (coverage for private pipes is optional)
  • 24/7 emergency assistance
  • Legal protection and claims for damages
  • Accidents involving community employees

🏠 Does It Cover Individual Apartments?

No. Community insurance does not cover damage inside your private apartment or your personal belongings. For that, you need a separate home insurance policy.


👥 For Expats and Residents

Expats often find that community policies don’t meet their needs, as many communities try to keep premiums low by limiting coverage. It’s wise to:

  • Request a copy of your community’s policy
  • Review it carefully (many are available in English)
  • Consider additional private insurance for full protection