Where is the Green Card required?
After taking out auto insurance, the insurer will send you a green card. It serves as proof that your car is insured. In the Netherlands, you’re not required to carry your Green Card with you whenever you drive. Still, it can be handy to have it with you. In addition, there are a number of countries where you are required to carry your original Green Card. The original card is actually green, so a copy isn’t allowed. You can find out which countries these are on this page.
What is a green card?
The Green Card is an international proof of insurance. It allows police anywhere in the EU to check the central registries to verify that you are insured. The Green Card also contains all kinds of practical information, such as phone numbers you can call in the event of a breakdown, an accident, or theft.
It seems logical that this card would actually be green; otherwise, it would have had a different name. Insurers are increasingly using digital insurance certificates. These are no longer physical documents but rather PDFs stored on devices such as smartphones. Still, it’s advisable to print the card on green paper—primarily to avoid confusion. Initially, the agreement was to print the international insurance certificate on green paper. So let’s just keep it green.
Why a Green Card?
Regardless of the language spoken in the country, the information on the card is clear. This card was developed about 70 years ago to protect victims of traffic accidents when the at-fault party is driving a foreign vehicle. Drivers were required to carry this proof with them when driving abroad. It’s also convenient for drivers, as it contains all the necessary information about their auto insurance. The Green Card is still in use, but it’s usually no longer mandatory. Read more here about what a Green Card is.
Are you required to carry your Green Card with you?
Within the EU, you no longer need the international insurance certificate. There is often confusion about whether or not this card is mandatory in Belgium. Belgians themselves are, in fact, required to have it. While it may not be mandatory, it’s best to have the certificate with you in case of an accident. Outside the EU, the Green Card is also not mandatory in the following countries, among others:
- Norway
- Andorra
- Iceland
- Switzerland
- Liechtenstein
There are many countries where the card is required
Especially in more distant parts of the world, there are still many countries where the card is required. These include the following countries:
- Albania;
- Bosnia (and Herzegovina);
- Israel;
- Iran
- Morocco;
- Moldova;
- Montenegro;
- Ukraine;
- Russia;
- Republic of Serbia;
- Tunisia;
- Turkey;
- The Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia;
- Belarus.
Some insurers no longer provide a physical green card with auto insurance policies, but the authorities in these countries do not accept this. If you print the PDF on paper, it’s best to use green paper. It’s better to have the insurer do it, because there are specific requirements regarding the quality of the card. After all, it must be an official document.
In summary, the green card is not required when driving in green zones. However, if you have a written copy of the document, you should make sure it is printed on green paper. Different requirements apply to travel trailers. Keep this in mind if you’re going on vacation with a travel trailer.
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