When signing a home insurance contract in Spain, every homeowner inevitably encounters two fundamental concepts: continente and contenido. At first glance, the difference between them may seem obvious, but in practice, the line separating the two can be blurred. Underestimating the importance of these terms can lead to significant financial losses in the event of an insurance claim. That is why it is essential to fully understand what is included in each category, so that your policy truly protects your property, rather than simply creating an illusion of security.
Understanding these concepts not only helps you select the right coverage, but also prevents unpleasant surprises if an insurance company refuses to pay, citing clauses in the contract you may have overlooked. In essence, this is the foundation upon which all protection for your home is built. Let’s look at the details so you can sign documents with confidence and rest easy about your property.
What are the “container” and its “contents”
Simply put, continente refers to the physical ‘shell’ of your house or apartment. This includes all the structural and building elements of the property that cannot be taken with you when you move. That means the walls, floors, ceilings, roof, as well as built-in engineering systems such as electrical wiring, plumbing and drainage pipes, and heating. This category also covers garages, storage rooms, fixed swimming pools, and even elements of landscape design, provided they are an integral part of the property.
Conversely, contenido covers everything inside that ‘shell.’ These are the movable belongings you would pack up and take with you when relocating. This includes furniture, appliances, electronics, clothing, dishes, decorative items, and personal effects. Depending on the terms of your policy, it can even cover jewelry, bicycles, or works of art. Contenido insurance protects your belongings from risks specified in the contract, such as theft, fire, flooding, and other hazards.
Gray areas: where is the line drawn?
The biggest challenges arise with items that blur the line between the two categories. To provide clarity, insurers have established certain rules that are helpful to know. Let’s look at a few practical examples that cause the most confusion.
Flooring. Parquet or laminate installed using the floating method, like ceramic tiles, are considered part of the continente since they are permanently attached to the building structure. In contrast, a rug placed on top is considered contenido. Carpet presents an interesting case: since it is fixed to the floor, it is more often classified as continente.
Kitchen. Here, it all depends on the specific element. Built-in kitchen furniture, countertops, and sinks—especially if custom-made as part of the construction—are classified as continente. However, standalone appliances (refrigerator, stove, microwave) and the dining table with chairs are typical examples of contenido.
Bathroom. Sanitary fixtures (toilet, sink, faucets) are usually classified as contenido, since these elements can be relatively easily removed and replaced. Meanwhile, the pipes inside the walls and the tiles on the walls and floor are, without question, continente.
Decorative elements. Wallpaper, wall paint, moldings, and false ceilings are all part of the continente, as they finish the building’s structural elements. Chandeliers and light fixtures that can be removed without damaging the ceiling, on the other hand, are considered contenido.
How to properly evaluate your property
Accurately calculating the value of continente and contenido is a crucial step in obtaining proper insurance coverage. For continente, it’s not the market value of the property that matters, but the cost of completely rebuilding it from scratch. This figure takes into account the property’s size, the quality of building materials, geographic location, and current construction costs. Insurance companies typically use standard calculations, but for full confidence—especially with unique properties—it’s advisable to consult an independent appraiser (perito).
To assess the contenido, you need to create a detailed inventory of all your belongings, specifying their approximate value. This will help you determine the total amount to insure your possessions for. A common mistake is to understate the actual value of your items in order to save on the insurance premium, but this should be avoided. In the event of a claim, compensation will be calculated proportionally to the declared sum and may not be enough to cover the real loss. It’s also important to regularly review and update your insured amount when you acquire new valuable items.
The home insurance market in Spain is highly competitive, featuring major international companies such as Allianz, AXA, and Generali, as well as strong national players like Mapfre, Mutua Madrileña, and Santalucía. For foreigners who own property in the country, having insurance (seguro de hogar) is often a mandatory requirement when obtaining a mortgage. Standard policies typically cover fire and natural disaster risks for the continente, but full coverage—including contenido, theft protection, and liability insurance—requires more comprehensive and expensive products.
