Deciding what is better in our home insurance – compensation or home repair – it´s not that simple and involves taking into account the advantages that each option provides.

Home insurance provides us with great security and stability in the event of a possible claim. It offers long-term peace of mind that, in the event of an accident to our home, insurance can cover the costs of restoring it to its original condition. In the worst case scenario, such as fire, earthquake, etc., this would result in the loss of the property. It will also cover relevant operations and organise such repairs as are necessary.

Regarding Unespa statistics (Spanish Union of Insurance and Reinsurance Entities), one in four Spanish households suffers an accident during the year, but only 65% of Spanish households have their homes insured.

Is your home one of these?

At BMI – INSURANCE BROKERS we are insurance brokers for: home, vehicle, life, health, travel and more. We will assist you in finding the best quality-price ratio option that is best suited to your needs and personal circumstances. If you are thinking of taking out a home insurance policy that is right for you, we encourage you to contact our team for the personalised advice you need.

What do I do if an accident occurs at home?

There are situations we hope never to have to experience. However, it is important to be prepared and, therefore, take out home insurance through a trusted insurance broker.

If you suffer an accident at home, it is essential that you contact the insurance company to report the incident. The sooner you do so, the sooner we can start to process the claim and thus you can receive compensation or repair under the home insurance policy. You have a period of 7 days in which to submit your claim and report your incident.

Once the incident has been reported, the insurer will send an expert or a repairer to your home to analyse and assess the seriousness of the damage caused. We must also provide as much information as possible to the insurer, so that they can make an accurate estimate of the damage caused and therefore provide the appropriate response.

This is when we need to consider the best home insurance policy – compensation or home repair.

At any event, in this type of situation, we can also receive advice from an Insurance Broker to act as an intermediary between the policyholder and the insurer. This will provide us with a professional and expert perspective at a time when we are at our most vulnerable and under a lot of stress. At BMI, we continually help our clients in all areas related to the validity of their insurance policy.

What is better in a home insurance policy: compensation or repair

One of the biggest debates when it comes to home insurance is to evaluate the benefits of receiving compensation versus the benefits of home repair offered by the insurer. In the following sections, we aim to resolve all your doubts in this regard so that you can make an informed decision.

What are the conditions for choosing home repair or compensation?

To be able to repair the damage, the home insurance must have the explicit consent of the insured. This means that in the event that you would prefer compensation for the damage, the insurer is obliged to provide it.

However, this cannot be applied in the same way in the opposite case, as the insurer is not obliged to offer you home repair.

First and foremost, it is important to bear the following in mind:

• According to Article 18 of Law 50/1980, the insurer must provide compensation to the insured within 40 days.
• Furthermore, Article 11 of the General Consumer and User Defence Act requires that the service provided to the insured must be safe. This implies the quality of the work and repairs carried out by the insurer.
• The insurer must provide compensation for damages based on current market prices.

Pros and cons of a home insurance policy: compensation or home repair

Undoubtedly, both options offer very interesting advantages, but simultaneously, they have a number of implications that should be taken into account. It is normal to be in doubt or uncertain on which of the two situations is most appropriate. You need to consider both your circumstances and also your needs.

If we opt for compensation, we will have more control over the budget and be able to contract the professionals who will carry out the repairs ourselves. This gives us the possibility to save or invest as much as we consider necessary and also to contract a reliable worker.

However, the biggest drawback in this situation is the amount of time and effort involved. After suffering an accident at home, we may not be in the right psychological frame of mind to organise and prepare to repair the damage.

In contrast, if we decide that the insurer should be in charge of the home repairs, we will have more and better guarantees and this will mean a reduction of more than half the budget. Furthermore, we have a very experienced and professional team, specially selected for their high quality of work.

The final decision you make will depend on your priorities and how confident you are in your home insurance. At BMI, we always ensure that all our clients have a policy that suits their individual needs.  We advise our clients in situations of uncertainty, such as not knowing whether to choose compensation or home repair.

We would be delighted to hear from you and we will gladly provide you with the advice you require.

Funeral insurance, better known as death insurance, is one of the most widely recognised policies in Spain. There are various types of death insurance, depending on the premium to be paid or the coverage to be taken out.

After the death of a loved one, the relatives have to deal with a series of formalities which, in addition to the bureaucratic burden, entail high financial costs. The aim of the death insurance is to reduce the administrative and financial formalities that must be carried out at such a painful time for the families and relatives of the deceased. From BMI Brokers, we explain what it is and what types of funeral insurance exist in Spain.

What is funeral insurance?

Before knowing the types of funeral insurance that exist, we are going to explain what this type of policy consists of. Funeral insurance is a contract by means of which the insurer, in the event of the death of the insured person, is responsible for all the expenses that may be derived from this that are included in the policy: funeral, incineration or cremation, burial…etc.). In the event that the sum insured exceeds the costs and expenses of the services rendered, this amount is payable to the policyholder or, failing this, to the heirs of the deceased.

How to buy a car in Spain: everything you need to know

In addition, the purpose of funeral insurance is not only to cover the expenses arising from the death of a person, but also to resolve the logistical issues that arise, such as the transfer, the wake room in the mortuary, or the rental of the niche, as well as inheritance procedures, orphan’s or widow’s pensions, or wills, among others.

Given the popularity of this policy in Spain, there is a wide variety of types of funeral insurance with different covers, so you can choose the one that best suits your needs.

What does funeral insurance cover?

When taking out funeral insurance, it is important that you take into account the cover provided by the different types of funeral insurance. These are some of the ones that are generally included:

• Funeral parlour
• Burial or cremation service
• Burial
• Religious services
• Escort cars
• Handling and processing of documents relating to the death of a person

Thanatopraxy

What type of funeral insurance are there in Spain?

Below, we detail the types of funeral insurance that you can find depending on the premium to be paid:

Natural or Renewable Premium Death Insurance Annually

The Natural Premium or Annually Renewable death insurance is a type of policy that is contracted for a period of one year and that is automatically renewed, once this time has elapsed, until the death of the insured person. The premium or fee to be paid in this type of death insurance is very low when you are young, and as the insured person reaches the age of majority, the amount will increase progressively. Depending on the insurance company, there is a maximum age limit for taking it out.

 Why should take out life insurance

Semi-natural Premium Death Insurance

Semi-natural premium death insurance is a type of policy similar to the previous one, but with some variations.

In this case the premium is reduced when it is contracted at an early age and, as in the previous case, it increases as the insured person reaches a certain age, however, in this case it is updated every five years.

Once the insured person has reached a certain age, depending on the insurance company, normally between 60 and 70 years of age, the premium levels off.

Level Premium Insurance

The Level Premium Insurance or Constant Premium consists of paying the same amount of premium during the whole period of validity of the insurance contract, as its name indicates. The premium is paid annually and, for its calculation, the insurance company has calculated the average of the premiums to be paid in a period of time (normally on the years of life expectancy that the insured person has according to certain data).

One of the aspects that differentiates it from other types of death insurance is that the insured person knows the premium to be paid during the whole time that the contract is in force.

Mixed premium insurance

This is the combination of two types of funeral insurance, the Annual Premium insurance and the Level Premium insurance. This insurance is divided into two parts; first, until the insured person reaches a certain age, normally between 60 and 70, depending on the company, the same calculation is carried out as in the Natural Premium Insurance. The amount of the premium increases progressively as the years go by.

Electric skate / bike included in your home insurance in Spain

Once the insured has reached the age established in the policy, the rate becomes a level rate. This is one of the most popular types of funeral insurance due to the financial savings it represents in the first years of the contract, compared to the level premium funeral insurance.

Single Premium Death Insurance

 This type of funeral insurance is intended exclusively for people who reach a certain age, between 60 and 70 years of age, and have not previously taken out any other funeral insurance.

It consists of the payment of a single premium, which covers the expenses and costs of the services provided that are included in the insurance policy after death. If you are interested in taking out this, or any other type of insurance: life, car, home, health, at BMI we can help you find the one that fits your needs so that you don’t have to worry about anything.

For more information do not hesitate to contact us, we will be delighted to help you.

 

Unfortunately, every day many people are victims of crimes such as theft, robbery, or fraud or even others that can lead to the loss of life.

When you have been a victim, a witness or may have valuable information about a criminal offense it is very important to report it to law enforcement.

In this article, BMI Spain tells you how to report a crime in Spain.

“Denuncia”: What it is?

A “denuncia” is a statement made by the victim, witness or any citizen who may have had a relationship with the criminal act to security agents or officials, who will communicate it to the competent authority.

In case you know, or may know who may have committed the crime, it is very important that you provide information that may help identify them. This is one of the most important keys to knowing how to report a crime in Spain.

People who have been victims of a crime, witnesses, or are affected by an act or omission can file a complaint to the security agents. When the crime has been committed against minors, the complaint may be filed by parents, legal guardians or the Public Prosecutor’s Office.

What kind of complaints exist?

In the Spanish legal system, there are two types of complaints. Knowing the differences is very important to know how to report a crime in Spain.

• Administrative complaint: these are reports about facts or omissions that are contrary to administrative law or regulations.
• Criminal complaint: these types of complaints are those in which the perpetration of a criminal act or misdemeanor that is typified in the Criminal Code is reported.

How to report a crime in Spain: principals keys

To answer the question of how to report a crime in Spain, you should know in advance that there are three different forms of reporting: in writing, verbally or via the Internet, the differences between these forms will be explained later.

When an individual file a complaint, in any of the three ways mentioned above, it must be done before the officials or the authorities. You can file a complaint in person or through a legal representative.

For the fact of denouncing, except for a false denunciation, there is no responsibility at all, so no bail or lawyer will be necessary.

Differences between verbal, written or internet complaints

To know how to report a crime in Spain, you should know the difference between a verbal, written or Internet report:

• Verbal complaint: when the facts are manifested orally before an official or authority agent who will collect them in writing.
• Written complaint: when the reported facts are submitted in writing to the competent authority.
• Internet complaint: this means filing a written complaint through the official pages of the security authorities; however, this possibility is limited only by the loss or theft of identity documents.

Whether the complaint is made verbally, in writing, or online, the document must be signed by the complainant, or if the complainant cannot designate a person. The officer in charge of receiving it will sign and seal the document on all its pages.

When the complaint has been made through the Internet, the document will be assigned with a reference number that must be handed in at the police station that you have designated when you go to sign the document, which must be done in less than 72 hours.

The authority in charge of receiving the complaint will provide a copy if it is requested by the complainant.

Rights and obligations of the complainant

If you want to know how to report a crime in Spain, you should know about the obligations of the complainant:

• You are required to be truthful, otherwise you may be charged with filing a false report.
• In addition to the signature to formalize the complaint, you have to identify yourself in it.
• If you cannot understand or speak the language which has official status in the place where the complaint is filed, you are entitled to receive free language assistance and a written translation of the copy of the complaint you submit.
• If you are the victim of the crime, then you have the right to obtain information from the police, except where this would affect the investigation.
• As a complainant you have the right to be informed of the date, time and place of the trial, as well as the content of the accusation against the offender.

Before which authorities should I report a crime in Spain?

The complaint must be presented to the authorities in charge of investigating and, if necessary, punish the criminal act, and this is how a crime must be reported in Spain.

In the case of a criminal complaint, it must be filed at the Court or the agents of the authority of the place where the criminal act was committed or the residence of the complainant.

When it is an administrative complaint, it must be presented at the competent administrative institution or to the security forces. In the case that they can appreciate facts that constitute a crime, they will open the pertinent proceedings to investigate and inform the judicial authority in its case.

The filing of a false report may result in negative consequences such as a fine or prison sentence. In addition, anyone who has been falsely reported may report the person who made the false report.

Take out good insurance

It is not only important to know how a crime is reported in Spain, but also to take into account all the procedures that may follow later.

You can avoid a lot of headaches by taking out a good home insurance, in case of theft or burglary, or car insurance, which can cover theft or damage that a criminal may have done to your car.

Many insurance companies in Spain cover robbery or theft at home, burglary outside the home, broken glass, car windows, among others, also the costs of legal proceedings in some cases.

At BMI Spain we can help you find the home or car insurance that suits your needs, you just have to explain us what you need, and we will do the rest.

For more information, do not hesitate to contact us, our team will be glad to help you.

Spain has thousands of reasons why you should move there. Its quality of life concerning expatriates is outstanding when it comes to family and customs. However, before diving into Spanish culture, first you should know which one is the best city to live in Spain for expats.

Choosing among the best cities to live in Spain is not easy. There is a great variety of traditions and lifestyles in each region. Moreover, each of them has a different cost of living, so it also will depend on what kind of person you are.

Keep reading to find the best city to live in Spain for expats.

The best cities to live in Spain for expats

Which cities are the best places to live in Spain?

What are you looking for? Big cities filled of skyscrapers, a house close to the beach or the tranquillity of the countryside? Depending on what kind of life you are expecting to live, one city will be better than the other. Enjoy the wonderful quality of life in Spain!

These are some things you should consider when moving to Spain:

• Having a good home insurance to cover you from any external damage.
• A health insurance. Spain has a public health care system, but we also recommend you getting an expat health insurance to have a wider coverage.
• Do you want to take your car to Spain or buying a new one there?
• Get informed about the residence and the possible work permit.
• Learn Spanish. Even in the big cities sometimes people will not get along with English very well, so speaking a little bit of Spanish will be very helpful.

And the last thing is to find which one is the best city to live in Spain.

Barcelona: one of the best places to live in Spain for expats

Barcelona is usually one’s favourite for all tourists. It has the benefits of living in a capital city and also the perks of the beach and the sea. If you cannot yet decide whether you prefer a coast city or a big metropolis, Barcelona is an option that should be taking into consideration.

One of the best things of Barcelona is the great amount of expats living there. There are lots of different communities that organize hang outs and meetings that it will almost feel like home.

There is always something to do there. Barcelona has always the lasts trends on lifestyle and there are places for almost any activity you can think of. Also, their public transportation system is perfect for you to get around without having a car.

Madrid, the capital city of Spain and one of the best places for expats to live in Spain

Madrid and Barcelona are eternal rivals. The only thing that Barcelona has that Madrid has not is the beach. However, there is a higher chance of finding a job in Madrid and it is said to be better paid, but it depends on many other things like the type of work and the field.

Madrid has the greatest public transport system in Spain, so you will be able to move around from almost any part of the city or even, of the region. They also have implemented new restrictions on the centre of the city to reduce their carbon footprint.

Madrid has such a big cultural tradition that there is always something to do. One of the reasons it is considered to be the best city to live in Spain for expats is because of the many theatres, cultural activities, bars and concerts that are taking place there.

Valencia: city life meets the sea

If you are not sure whether you want to live in the big city or you prefer a quitter lifestyle, then maybe you should consider moving out to Valencia, one of the best cities to live in Spain for expats.

You will find many of the benefits of living in a big city, but also the cost of living will be cheaper than in Madrid and Barcelona. If you are worried about not having enough things to do there, it is also known as the prefect destination for families and couples because of its immense activities offer.

Also, do you know Las Fallas? Valencia has beautiful historical and cultural traditions that will leave you breathless. They are also the creators of the famous Paella, among other dishes that will dance on your taste buds.

Malaga: enjoy the sun at Costa del Sol

It was about time that we talked about Andalusia, one of the best places in Spain to live for expats. And also, one of their favourites. There are so many things that you cannot miss from Malaga.

One of the main reasons why expats move to Malaga is because of the beach and good weather. They have very soft temperatures in winter and it has about 2901 sun hours per year. Sounds like paradise, right?

Malaga it is said to be the centre of the cultural and commercial of the region. They mainly rely on their touristic offer, so you will find lots of things to do and cultural activities every week.

Bilbao: where nature and modernity meet

Have you heard about Bilbao? This city is situated at the north of Spain, in the Basque Country province. It does not have as many sun hours as Barcelona or Malaga, but it is also one of the best cities to live in for expats.

The Basque culture is unique and one of the most antique in the world. You will love their gastronomy based on the typical and well-know Pintxos. They are able to put any kind of food on top of a slice of bread so you can try all kinds of flavours and textures.

One more thing you will love about Bilbao is their beautiful nature. It has great mountains, green forests and also incredible beaches where you will be able to practice infinitude of water sports, surf being the most popular one.

Vigo: beautiful landscapes and great quality of life

Galicia has something special. Maybe it is their people, their culture of the food. We consider it one of the best cities to live for expats in Spain because of their tranquillity and their unique culture.

Just like Catalonia, Valencia and Basque-Country, Galicia has also its own language. However, almost everyone in Vigo speaks Castilian and you will not have any problem if you talk to them in Spanish. Galician people are very familiar and welcoming, they will take you into their familiar traditions and will not let go so easily.

Vigo has also a cheaper cost of living than the other cities on this list. It also has its own beach and everyone that has been there at least once has fallen in love with their nature and landscapes. If you love to get lost in the nature once a week, Galicia is your place.

If you are moving to Spain or you are planning to, do not hesitate on counting with us, BMI Brokers. We will work as intermediates to offer you a safer and more confortable stay. You can count on us to find the best health care quote or to start your own pension plan. Get in contact with us or give us your information through this form and we will contact you.