The Green Card, officially known as the International Motor Insurance Card, is a document that proves your vehicle has the minimum required third party liability insurance for the country you are travelling in.
Carrying a Green Card makes cross border travel easier. It serves as proof of insurance at border crossings and helps protect the interests of residents in the countries you visit in the event of a traffic accident.
The Green Card system is operated by insurance organisations in 45 countries, mainly in Europe. These organisations are all members of an umbrella organisation called the Council of Bureaux (CoB).
Countries Where a Green Card Is Not Required
The following countries do not require drivers to carry a Green Card:
Andorra, 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, Slovak Republic, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland
Countries Where a Green Card Is Required
The following countries require drivers to carry a Green Card:
Albania, Belarus, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Islamic Republic of Iran, Israel, Moldova, Morocco, Russia, Serbia and Montenegro, Tunisia, Turkey, Ukraine, Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia (FYROM)
How to Obtain a Green Card
If you are travelling to any of the countries where a Green Card is required, you can request one from your insurance company. If your insurer cannot provide a Green Card, you may consider contacting another insurance provider or purchasing border insurance at the point of entry into the country.
Why It Is Still Useful to Carry a Green Card
The Green Card remains one of the most recognised and widely understood proofs of car insurance by local police authorities. Even when travelling to countries where the document is no longer mandatory, it is recommended to carry one. It can be useful when asked to prove insurance coverage, especially after an accident.
Because the Green Card is only valid for a limited period, it is important to check its expiry date before starting your trip. In the event of an accident, a duplicate of the Green Card, if available, should be handed to the police or the injured party. If no duplicate is available, a copy may need to be made or the relevant details will be recorded in the police report.
New Green Card Model
In 2008, the Council of Bureaux approved a new Green Card model during its General Assembly. This updated format was later approved by the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UN ECE). The NBI and NGF Management Committee also approved the new format on 27 November 2008.
The new Green Card model has been compulsory since 1 January 2011. Green Cards issued before this date remain valid until their expiry date. However, any Green Card issued in the old format after 1 January 2011 is considered invalid and may be confiscated by border authorities.