Going on vacation with a travel trailer: Do I need a Green Card?

In the Netherlands, trailers and caravans are (co-)insured under the liability insurance policy of the towing vehicle. This means that only one green card is issued, even if a separate caravan insurance policy has been purchased.

When is a green card required for caravans?

The green card for travel trailers is required when:

• You're going on vacation to Poland, Germany, Croatia, or Spain, and:
• The total weight (curb weight + payload) of your trailer exceeds 750 kilograms.

In the cases mentioned above, you’ll need a Green Card for your trailer. Not sure exactly where your trip will take you? If so, it’s a good idea to apply for a Green Card for your trailer in advance. That way, you can at least be sure you won’t run into any surprises. If you don’t have a Green Card with you, you risk getting a fine.

Traveling with a Caravan in the Netherlands

In the Netherlands, you are not required to carry your vehicle’s green card with you. The police can determine whether you are insured based on your car’s license plate number. Your caravan is always automatically covered under your auto insurance’s liability coverage at no extra cost. However, it’s always a good idea to carry your Green Card with you, either digitally or on paper. This is because the Green Card lists, among other things, the emergency numbers you can call in the event of an accident or breakdown.

What about the green card for the car?

In the Netherlands, you are not required to carry your Green Card for your car. Different rules may apply abroad. For example, there are a number of countries where the Green Card is still required. Read here to find out in which countries the Green Card is required for your car.

Green Card; it's handy to have with you

Even though it’s not required everywhere, it can still be useful to carry your Green Card with you, especially when traveling abroad. The Green Card contains all kinds of practical information, such as phone numbers you’ll need in case of a breakdown, damage, or theft. The Green Card is an international proof of insurance. It’s formatted the same way throughout Europe, which means it’s easy for authorities—such as the police—to read even when you’re abroad.

When are you required to carry a green card for your car?

In many countries, it is not mandatory to carry the Green Card with you. However, there are a number of countries that require you to carry a Green Card for your car. Please note that in these countries, the Green Card must be printed on green paper. If you do not (or no longer) have an original green card printed on green paper, you can always request one from your auto insurance provider. Below is a list of the countries where you are required to carry a green card for your car.

• Morocco
• Albania
• Bosnia and Herzegovina
• Iran
• Israel
• Moldova
• Montenegro
• Ukraine
• Russia
• Serbia
• Tunisia
• Turkey
• Former Yugoslav Republic
• Macedonia
• Belarus

In which countries is a separate green card required for the trailer and the car?

When you travel with a trailer that has its own license plate and therefore weighs more than 750 kg, you are required in Germany, Poland, and Spain to carry both the original Green Card for your car and the original Green Card for your trailer. You can request this separate Green Card for the trailer from your auto insurance provider. The auto insurance provider will need a copy of the trailer’s registration certificate for this.