NEWS

Green Card: Everything You Need to Know About Car Insurance Abroad

The Green Card (or Green Card for a vehicle) is a mandatory international insurance required for driving in EU countries, Moldova, Turkey, and other countries participating in the international insurance system. This article will explain how to obtain and use the Green Card to avoid issues at the border.

1. Green Card Validity Period

The Green Card can be issued for a period ranging from 15 days to 1 year. The most popular policies are short-term ones, ranging from 1 to 3 months. This is convenient for those planning temporary trips. For longer trips, it is recommended to choose a policy with the maximum validity period.

Key Points:

  • Minimum period — 15 days.
  • Maximum period — 1 year.
  • Extension is possible before the expiration date.

2. Green Card Price

In 2024, the cost of the Green Card in Ukraine increased by 20%. The price depends on several factors:

  • Destination countries (EU, Moldova, Turkey),
  • Type of vehicle (passenger car, truck, bus),
  • Insurance duration.

Approximate rates for 2024:

  • For a passenger car for 15 days: 1000-1200 UAH.
  • For 1 month: 1800 UAH.
  • For 1 year: 10,000-12,000 UAH.

3. Who Is the Green Card Issued To?

The Green Card is issued to the vehicle, not the driver. This means that any person with a valid driving license can drive the car. The policy covers the vehicle’s liability, regardless of who is driving.

4. How to Get a Green Card

The Green Card can be obtained online or in an insurance office. However, there are some nuances:

  • Online policy: It starts from 00:00 of the following day. If you buy the insurance and immediately head to the border, you might not be allowed to cross.
  • Offline policy: The policy issued on the green form is valid immediately after signing.
  • Some insurance companies send the green form to customers online, but the car must be in Ukraine.

5. Can the Green Card Be Extended Abroad?

Yes, the Green Card can be extended online. This is convenient for those already abroad. The extension can be done through the Ukrainian insurance company or its partner.

6. Where to Obtain the Policy Abroad?

If the Green Card has expired abroad, it can be extended online. In some countries (e.g., Poland), you can obtain a local insurance policy, especially for longer stays.

7. Requirements for the Printed Policy

The Green Card must be printed. The electronic version is not considered valid. If the printed document is missing, you may be fined.

8. Green Card Verification at the Border

The Green Card is checked before the checkpoint. Border guards scan the QR code on the policy or verify it through the MTSBU database. Make sure the policy is active.

9. Fines for Lack of Insurance in Europe

In Europe, there are significant fines for not having the Green Card. Here are some examples:

  • Romania: Fine from 1000 to 2000 lei (200–400 euros).
  • Poland: Fine up to 5000 zlotys (about 1000 euros).
  • Bulgaria: Fine up to 600 leva (about 300 euros).
  • Germany: Fines from 40 to 400 euros.
  • Moldova: Fine up to 1200 lei (60 euros). In Moldova, the Green Card can only be issued for the country’s territory.

10. Insurance Coverage Features

In EU countries, you cannot select specific countries for coverage — the Green Card automatically covers all EU countries. In Moldova, the policy can only be issued for its territory.

11. How to Contact the Insurance Company?

In case of an accident abroad:

  • Call the police to report the incident.
  • Notify the insurance company within 3-5 days.
  • Collect documents for reimbursement (reports, photos, invoices).
  • Emergency contact details are usually listed on the policy.

Conclusion

The Green Card (Green Card) is mandatory car insurance for traveling abroad. Be sure to obtain the policy in advance, check its validity, and comply with the requirements of each country to avoid fines and border issues.

What other documents might you need for taking a car abroad? Recently, a technical inspection (TO) is required for vehicles, and there are no longer any exceptions for vignettes in the EU for Ukrainians.