When traveling across borders in Europe with your vehicle, understanding the Green Card system is essential for ensuring you have proper insurance coverage. This international insurance certificate proves that your vehicle has at least the minimum third-party liability insurance required in each country you visit. Let's explore how this system works and what recent changes mean for European drivers.

What is the Green Card System?

The Green Card (International Motor Insurance Certificate) is an internationally recognized document that serves as proof of valid motor insurance when traveling abroad. The system is managed by the Council of Bureaux and currently includes 48 countries across Europe, the Middle East, and parts of Africa.

Despite its name, the Green Card is no longer necessarily green in some countries, though the standardized format is maintained. The certificate contains essential information including:

• The issuing country's bureau code
• The insurer's name and code
• The policy number
• Vehicle registration details
• The type of vehicle
• Validity period
• Countries where the coverage is valid

Recent Changes to the Green Card System

In recent years, the Green Card system has undergone some significant changes:

1. Digital Green Cards

As of July 2020, the Council of Bureaux allows Green Cards to be issued in digital format. This means you can have your Green Card as a PDF document on your phone or tablet, though it's always advisable to carry a printed copy as a backup, especially when traveling to countries that might not yet fully recognize the digital format.

2. Color Changes

As of July 2020, Green Cards no longer have to be printed on green paper. They can now be printed in black ink on white paper, making it easier for motorists to print their own Green Cards at home if their insurer offers this option.

3. Brexit Impact

Following the UK's exit from the European Union, there were temporary requirements for UK drivers to carry Green Cards when traveling to the EU. However, as of August 2021, the European Commission announced that UK drivers would no longer need to carry Green Cards when driving in the EU, EEA, Andorra, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Serbia, and Switzerland.

Do I Need a Green Card?

Whether you need a Green Card depends on which country you're from and where you're traveling to:

For EU/EEA Countries:

If you're driving between EU and EEA countries:

• Your standard motor insurance policy automatically provides the minimum third-party liability coverage required by law in all EU/EEA countries
• The Green Card is not mandatory but can be useful as clear proof of insurance
• Your number plate serves as proof of insurance within these countries

For Non-EU Countries in the Green Card System:

When traveling to countries like Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Moldova, Morocco, Russia, Tunisia, Turkey, Ukraine, or others:

• A Green Card is typically required
• Check with your insurer before travel as requirements can change

For Non-Green Card System Countries:

If traveling to countries outside the Green Card system:

• You'll need to purchase border insurance (frontier insurance) upon entry
• This temporary insurance typically provides only the minimum required coverage

How to Obtain a Green Card

Getting a Green Card is generally straightforward:

1. Contact your insurer: Request a Green Card from your motor insurance provider before traveling
2. Processing time: Allow at least two weeks before your journey, though many insurers now provide them instantly
3. Cost: Many insurers provide Green Cards free of charge, but some may charge a small administrative fee
4. Validity: Ensure your Green Card covers the entire duration of your trip

Coverage Levels and Extensions

It's crucial to understand that while a Green Card guarantees the minimum third-party liability coverage required in each country, this might be different from your home coverage:

• The coverage limits may be lower than what you're used to
• Comprehensive coverage is not automatically extended
• To maintain your normal level of coverage abroad, you may need to purchase an extension

Additionally, check the sections of your Green Card that list covered countries. If a country is crossed out, you won't have coverage there through this system.

Green Card System Countries

The Green Card system currently includes the following regions:

• All EU and EEA countries: Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden
• Other European countries: Albania, Andorra, Belarus, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Moldova, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Russia, Serbia, Switzerland, Ukraine, United Kingdom
• Middle East countries: Iran, Israel, Morocco, Tunisia, Turkey
• Asian countries: Azerbaijan

What to Do in Case of an Accident Abroad

If you're involved in an accident while driving abroad:

1. Ensure everyone's safety and call emergency services if needed
2. Exchange details with the other driver(s), including insurance information
3. Take photos of the accident scene, vehicle positions, and damages
4. Complete a European Accident Statement form (available in multiple languages) if possible
5. Contact your insurance company as soon as possible
6. Note the details of any police officers involved
7. Don't sign any documents you don't understand

Claims Handling Under the Green Card System

The Green Card system facilitates claims processing across borders through a network of national bureaux:

• Each country has a national bureau that represents foreign insurers in that country
• If you're involved in an accident caused by a foreign driver, you can make a claim through your country's national bureau
• The claim is then forwarded to the at-fault driver's insurer via their national bureau
• This system helps overcome language barriers and different legal systems

Practical Tips for Cross-Border Driving

To ensure a smooth experience when driving abroad:

• Request your Green Card well in advance of your journey
• Carry both digital and printed copies of your Green Card
• Check if you need additional coverage beyond the minimum third-party liability
• Verify if the countries you're visiting require any additional insurance
• Keep your insurer's international assistance number handy
• Familiarize yourself with the road rules of countries you'll be visiting
• Consider taking out European breakdown cover for longer trips