Green Card for cars: what it is and whether it is mandatory for traveling abroad

The Green Card is a universal and reliable tool that guarantees protection while traveling, as it allows you to avoid serious financial losses in the event of a road accident. You can apply for it quickly and conveniently online, which makes the process even more comfortable for drivers, UNN reports.

Green Card for traveling abroad

A Green Card is a mandatory international insurance policy for drivers that is valid within a certain system of countries. It protects the vehicle owner from financial consequences in the event of a road traffic accident (RTA) caused to third parties abroad.

In essence, a Green Card for a car is an analogue of OSAGO (compulsory civil liability insurance), which operates in Ukraine, but covers international travel.

Ukraine joined the international car insurance system for traveling outside the country in 2005. This was an important step that provided Ukrainian drivers with the opportunity to travel abroad by car with a single insurance document for different countries. The system allows checking it online through the MTSBU database, which facilitates control at checkpoints.

The main purpose of an international insurance policy is to protect third parties in the event of a road accident. This means that if you cause an accident outside Ukraine, your insurance company will compensate the victims. For example, in the event of an accident in Germany or France, the injured party receives compensation for damages at the expense of the green card.

To apply for a Green Card, the following documents are required:

1. Vehicle registration certificate.
2. Passport or ID card.
3. Identification code.

The policy can be issued both online and through insurance companies that are members of the MTSBU. The cost of an international insurance policy depends on its validity period. For example, a contract can be issued for 15 days, a month, or even a year. The longer the validity period, the higher the price. For example, for 2024, prices for an annual document can be over UAH 12,000, depending on the type of vehicle and the direction of travel.

In the event of a road accident abroad, you must follow a certain algorithm of actions:

• Do not move the car until the police arrive.
• Call the police and the insurance company.
• Take photos or videos of the accident scene.
• Fill out a European Accident Statement or wait for the police to draw up the documents.

A Green Card for a car helps cover the costs of compensation for damages in the countries where it is valid, making travel safer and more peaceful.

Is a Green Card mandatory for a car and is it needed when leaving Ukraine?

When leaving Ukraine by car for most European countries, a Green Card policy is mandatory. The system operates in Europe, North Africa, and some Asian countries, such as Israel and Turkey.

After the start of the full-scale war, the rules for Ukrainian drivers changed slightly: at the beginning of 2022, temporary entry to neighboring countries without this policy was allowed. However, since April 2023, most countries, including Poland, again require a Green Card.

An international insurance policy is necessary, because without it you risk getting a large fine, deportation, or even arrest of your car. In addition, car repairs outside our country can cost significantly more, and without insurance, you will have to pay all costs yourself. It is important to know that this document only covers damages caused to third parties, but does not cover the cost of repairing your car. Thus, when planning a trip outside Ukraine by car, it is important to apply for a Green Card in advance, as this is not only a legal requirement, but also a way to protect yourself from possible financial risks during the trip.

Fine for not having a Green Card and how to buy a Green Card at the border

Fines for not having a Green Card at the border or while abroad can amount to serious sums. In 2023-2024, in many European countries, the amount of the fine for driving without this policy can range from 600 to 1000 euros, depending on the country.

For example, in Poland, this fine is approximately 2800 zlotys (about 700 euros) for a violation of up to 14 days, and in Germany, it can reach 1000 euros. In addition, having an international insurance contract is not only a legal requirement, but also protection against financial losses if you cause a road accident outside your country.

If you suddenly forgot to apply in advance, you can do it directly at the border. However, this approach has its risks. Firstly, the price at the checkpoint is often higher due to the markups of intermediaries, who take into account the complexity of the situation.

For example, the cost for 15 days for a passenger car to the EU is about UAH 982 in Ukraine, but when purchased at the border, the price can be significantly higher. Secondly, there is a risk of encountering fraudsters who may sell you an invalid document. This can lead to additional financial losses and legal problems.

One of the safest ways to avoid problems is to apply online. This can be done in a few minutes on various specialized platforms, for example, through services like Easypay. A policy issued online is stored in electronic form, which allows you to easily check its validity through the MTSBU database. In addition, the electronic form is as valid as the paper version. Thus, applying for a Green Card in advance will help avoid fines and unforeseen expenses at customs, saving you time and money.