Shipping Your UK Registered Car to Spain

As more and more people move abroad to start a new life, almost all families will also ship the car they have purchased in the UK as well as other personal belongings and furniture. The warm weather, beautiful beaches and appealing sea are a few of the reasons why many people decide to live in Spain rather than in England. However a car is a much needed commodity if you want to take full advantage of what the country has to offer and make things easier on you. Popular destinations where Britons go are Alicante and Malaga but that doesn't mean you cannot get your car over to other places in Spain though.

What is the process to ship a car to Spain?
Different countries have different laws and regulations regarding car shipping but if you are shipping within Europe the process should be easier and hassle free. Depending on the car and its value, you will need to decide whether you want your car shipped in a fully enclosed trailer or an open trailer instead. When it comes to dropping off the car for shipment, you can either do this yourself by driving it to the port of departure or pay a fee for the shipping company to pick it up for you.

Documents required for shipping your vehicle to Spain
To avoid complications and reduce delay, you will need the following:

• The original vehicle log book V5 or a DVLA certified copy
• Copy of car owner’s passport
• The vehicle must be insured as when it is being transported on the road, the shipping company is not liable; once the car is in the trailer the insurance is covered by the car shipping company
• You will need to have all the car documentation in the glove box i.e. log book, MOT, insurance certificate and driving licence whilst driving in Spain as it is the law, if you are found not to have all the necessary documents you may have to pay a hefty fine

Getting your car shipped to Spain can cost as little as £500 with insurance for the vehicle while it is at sea and this includes door to door transportation or even port to port transport. There are other important regulations that may apply to your vehicle when you are in Spain though and they are as follows:

• A new Spanish licence plate must be applied for within 6 months of arrival
• The car may need to be modified to meet European requirements,
• If you are caught speeding in Spain as a non-resident you will be expected to pay the fine on the spot
• Only licence holders over the age of 18 are allowed to drive in Spain
• Speed is measured in Kilometres or Kilometres per Hour
• You must have a Permiso de Circulación that shows your name and address if you are the owner of the vehicle, a Ficha Tecnica card is also needed to show the technical details of the car
• Like in the UK, the car if over 4 years old must undertake an ITV (MOT test) and the disc must then be displayed in the windscreen of the car

Shipping your car to Spain can be hassle free if you choose the right company and not necessarily the cheapest one. Go for a well known company that has many previous satisfied customers rather than one with a cheap quote and hidden charges or extra fees. Make sure the car is insured for both road and sea transportation.