Insurance cover abroad - What drivers need to know

The Green Insurance Card, officially known as the “International Motor Insurance Card”, is important when traveling abroad by car. Since its introduction in 1965, it has made traveling by car considerably easier, as travelers no longer have to take out separate liability insurance for each country. The Green Card is issued free of charge by the respective motor insurance company and serves as proof that the vehicle is covered by motor insurance or third-party liability insurance when traveling abroad. It thus ensures safety and clarity in international road traffic.

In keeping with its name, the green card used to be printed on green paper. “Since July 1, 2020, however, it has only been available on white paper, which allows drivers to print it out themselves,” explains Laura Stahl. “In addition, since January 1, 2025, it has also been permitted to keep the insurance card in digital form only.” It shows the car's registration number, the validity period of the card, the insurance company and the insurance number. Countries that are excluded from insurance cover are marked with a crossed-out country code.
 

Green Card: cover abroad

Although the Green Card is not mandatory in all countries, it is strongly recommended to carry it in some European countries such as Italy, Serbia, Croatia, the Czech Republic and Hungary. “After Brexit, it is also advisable for trips to Great Britain and Northern Ireland,” recommends Laura Stahl. In countries that do not participate in the green card system, such as Kosovo, the insurance cover of the motor vehicle liability insurance does not apply. For these countries, so-called border insurance must be taken out before crossing the border.

Drivers should check before each journey whether the card is still valid and whether the data provided matches that of the vehicle. In the event of changes, a new card can be requested free of charge. Laura Stahl: “The Green Insurance Card remains an indispensable document for international car journeys. It guarantees insurance cover and facilitates the handling of accidents abroad. Drivers should remember to check their card before every trip in order to be safe and carefree on the road.”
 

Countries with limited cover

Motor third party liability insurance is generally valid throughout the European Union (EU) and in some neighboring countries such as Switzerland and Norway. The scope of motor insurance cover can vary depending on the country and insurer. There are some countries where cover may be limited or additional measures are required to ensure full protection. Here are some examples:

War or crisis zones: In regions that are considered war or crisis zones, insurance cover is often limited or non-existent. This can include countries such as Syria, Afghanistan or certain parts of Ukraine.

Non-EU countries: In some non-EU countries such as Russia, Morocco or Turkey, insurance cover may be limited or non-existent. Here, the Green Card is essential in order to be able to prove that minimum cover exists. In addition, it is usually necessary to register such trips with the insurer in advance if comprehensive insurance cover is desired. Our ecmobility competence center or the respective insurer can provide its customers with detailed information about the countries in which insurance cover is restricted and what measures can be taken to extend cover.
 

Fully comprehensive and partially comprehensive cover abroad

Before traveling abroad, it is important to check the terms and conditions of your car insurance policy carefully to ensure that the fully or partially comprehensive cover is valid in the country in question. Although many insurance companies offer Europe-wide cover, the exact conditions may vary. Due to the special regulations in some countries, it may be necessary to take out additional insurance or meet certain requirements to ensure full insurance cover. In war or crisis zones or in high-risk countries, insurance cover may be limited or even excluded, which is why particular caution is required here. “To avoid unpleasant surprises and to be well prepared in the event of a claim, drivers should contact ecmobility or their insurer before their trip to clarify the exact conditions and scope of their car insurance,” says Laura Stahl.