Faced with the alarming chain of hoaxes circulating on social media these days, today we want to clarify some points relating to car insurance cover and the State of Alarm that has been declared.
Royal Decree 463/2020, which governs that state, not only does not prevent travel on public roads, but actually allows it for the following activities: buying food and pharmaceutical products, attending healthcare centres and services, travelling to the workplace, returning to one’s usual place of residence, assisting and caring for other people, going to financial and insurance institutions, and reasons of force majeure or situations of necessity. Since travel is permitted in such broad terms, it is clear that the risk is covered by insurance policies in general.
Having clarified that the State of Alarm allows travel, albeit in a limited way, and having debunked the hoax about a total exclusion, it is also necessary to debunk the idea that there is cover in every case. It must be borne in mind that a policy may expressly include the State of Alarm as a ground for exclusion and, in that case, the risk would not be covered.
Nor should the State of Alarm be confused with the general grounds for exemption from liability contained in virtually all insurance policies (armed conflicts, pandemics, etc.), which require claims to be directed to the Insurance Compensation Consortium (Consorcio de Compensación de Seguros).
Our recommendation is to review the exclusions contained in each policy, bearing in mind the free legal assistance included in it through the Legal Defence cover. That cover allows you to choose the lawyer who will best defend the insured’s interests, which are logically different from those of the company, entirely free of charge to the consumer.
That said, should any doubt arise, our recommendation is always to seek the best possible advice in order to avoid unpleasant surprises, placing at your disposal our team of professionals who are sure to resolve all your problems.