In which countries do you need a green card?

What is the content of the green card?

On the Green Card, the insurer specifies the countries in which the auto insurance provides coverage. The Green Card also states the period of coverage and the specific motor vehicle it applies to. The insurer usually also lists on the Green Card the agencies the insured can contact in the event of a breakdown, accident, broken window, or theft, both domestically and abroad. Although the Green Card is not mandatory, it is still very useful because it provides a concise and clear summary of all insurance details. The card also has a so-called Green Card number.

Has my Green Card been revoked while I'm abroad?

In a large area, border checks for the presence of a green card have been suspended. In most countries, however, you are required to prove that your vehicle is insured during a traffic stop or in the event of a collision. In principle, you can do this by presenting the Green Card. Of course, your auto insurance must be valid. You used to be required to carry it with you when traveling abroad by car. This is no longer mandatory, but it is still advisable to bring the Green Card with you.

Does a green card have to be green?

In many European countries, it is no longer mandatory for the Green Card to be green. This applies to all EU countries, with the exception of Belgium. In addition, the Green Card is not required in Andorra, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, and Switzerland. However, even though it is not mandatory in these countries, we do recommend that you always carry your Green Card with you.

Is a green card required?

In the countries listed below, it is mandatory to carry your green card with you, so it must be printed on green paper:

Albania, Belgium, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Israel, Macedonia, Morocco, Moldova, Montenegro, Ukraine, Russia, Serbia, Tunisia, Turkey, and Belarus.

In which countries is the Green Card valid?

This varies by insurance company, but the countries listed below are covered by most insurers. However, we recommend that you check this carefully before traveling abroad.

• Albania
• Andorra
• Belgium
• Bosnia and Herzegovina
• Bulgaria
• Cyprus
• Denmark
• Germany
• Estonia
• Finland
• France
• Greece
• Hungary
• Ireland
• Iceland
• Iran
• Israel
• Italy
• Croatia
• Latvia
• Lithuania
• Luxembourg
• Morocco
• Malta
• Moldova
• Netherlands
• Northern Ireland
• Norway
• Ukraine
• Poland
• Portugal
• Romania
• Russia
• Serbia
• Slovenia
• Slovakia
• Spain
• Czech Republic
• Tunisia
• Turkey
• United Kingdom
• Belarus
• Sweden
• Switzerland

The country does not appear on the green map

For countries that are crossed out on the green map—or aren't even listed on it—insurance can usually be purchased at the border.

A separate green card for a trailer?

Are you traveling abroad with a trailer or RV? You may need to apply for a second Green Card for your trailer or RV. In the Netherlands, trailers and RVs are covered under the liability insurance of the towing vehicle. Your Green Card will then display the code AF. Are you traveling to Germany, Poland, or Spain with a trailer or RV? If so, you’ll need a second Green Card if your trailer or RV weighs more than 750 kg. These heavy trailers or RVs have their own license plate. That’s why, in these countries, you’ll need a second Green Card registered to the license plate of the trailer or RV. If you need a separate Green Card for your trailer or caravan, we recommend that you apply for a (separate) Green Card well in advance.

My Green Card has expired—what should I do now?

When your Green Card expires, you will generally receive a new one from your insurance company. The Green Card is always valid for one month longer than the insurance period. This is to prevent your Green Card from expiring while you are abroad.

Does the green card really have to be green?

Aftertaking out car insurance, the insurer (usually) sends the green card. It seems logical that it would actually be green; otherwise, the card would have had a different name. But is it possible for the card to be a different color, or does the green card have to be that color?

Want to apply for a new green card?

If you haven't received a new green card or if you've lost your green card, you can easily apply for a new one—completely free of charge.

8 Things You Need to Know About the Green Card

Everyone with car insurance has one: the green card. You receive it automatically when you purchase car insurance. However, there are many misconceptions about the green card. For example, it doesn’t necessarily have to be green, and in some countries, you’re required to carry it with you. 8 things you need to know about the green card.

1. A green card doesn't have to be green

In the past, the green card was an insurance certificate printed on green paper. These days, the card comes in all shapes and sizes. However, the “standard” paper green card still exists. Nowadays, you can also get a digital card and a credit-card-sized card.

If your insurer sends you a paper Green Card, the card is almost always green. If an insurer sends you a PDF and you print it out yourself, the card doesn’t necessarily have to be green—that’s not required. Please note: In some countries, it is mandatory to carry a paper Green Card with you.

2. The card serves as an international proof of insurance

You receive the green card from your insurer after you purchase auto insurance. The green card allows you to prove that your car is insured. The card is also valid abroad. However, a green card does not actually prove that the insurance is valid.

3. The Green Card is not required in the Netherlands. It is required in some other countries.

In the Netherlands and many other countries, it is not mandatory to carry your Green Card with you. There are a few countries where it is mandatory to carry a (paper) Green Card with you. You can find this information on your Green Card.

4. The card is valid for 1 year. Or is it?

The Green Card has an expiration date. It is usually valid for one year. However, many Green Cards state that they are valid for 13 months. When an insurance year is renewed, the insurer automatically sends a new green card. You may happen to be on vacation right around the time of renewal. To prevent you from being abroad with an invalid green card, it is valid for 13 months instead of 12.

5. Sometimes you need a separate green card for your RV or trailer

Going on vacation with a trailer? In that case, you may need a separate green card. In Germany, Spain, and Poland, for example, you’re required to carry a separate green card if your trailer weighs more than 750 kilograms. You can request this second green card from your insurance provider.

6. If your green card is lost or stolen, you can apply for a new one

You can easily request a new card using the form below. Please keep in mind that it will take a few days for you to receive the card in the mail.

7. Always bring your Green Card with you on vacation

Even though the green card isn't required in every country, it's still a good idea to always carry it with you. That's because it contains important information, such as phone numbers for agencies you can call in the event of an accident, breakdown, or theft. It also includes your policy details and your insurer's information.

8. The pass is not limited to car use

The Green Card applies to all motor vehicles. So even if you're traveling abroad on a motorcycle, scooter, or RV, don't forget to bring your Green Card with you.

When is a green card not proof of insurance?

As strange as it may sound, a green card (proof of insurance) isn't actually proof at all. The insurer issues the card once a year, at the beginning of the insurance year. If you pay your premium late during that insurance year, you'll ultimately have no coverage.

See also:

Where are winter tires required?

Am I covered by insurance without winter tires?