International Green Card insurance certificate

What is a "Green Card" for a car

The "Green Card" is an international motor third-party liability insurance certificate for a vehicle owner. It confirms that insurance cover is in place for trips to countries that take part in the relevant international system.

✓ In brief: the "Green Card" confirms international liability insurance, but it does not replace comprehensive motor (CASCO) insurance.
Protection

What the solution gives you

Compensation for harm to third parties in a road accident in countries where the certificate is recognised.

Terms

Personal quotation

The price and applicability depend on the car's registration, the route, the period and border rules.

Important: the rules on recognition of the certificate, the list of countries and the ways of obtaining it change. Before every trip, check the requirements of all countries on your route, including transit countries, in official sources and with a licensed insurer.

How the international system works

In a road accident abroad, harm to the victim is settled under the rules of the country where the accident happened, within the framework of the international system in force and the terms of the certificate. The document confirms not insurance of your own car, but the driver's or owner's liability to third parties.

If the car is registered in a country whose certificates are not recognised in the destination country, border insurance or a local liability contract may be required.

What the "Green Card" covers

Covered Not covered automatically What to check
Liability to third parties Repair of the at-fault driver's own car Limits in the country of the accident
Harm to the life and health of victims The driver's personal medical expenses Claims settlement rules
Damage to other people's property Luggage and cargo of the policyholder Territory of cover
Claims under the rules of the country of the accident Breakdown, theft and natural perils Certificate validity period

For your own car, CASCO is used, and for travellers' health, travel medical insurance. These contracts complement liability cover but do not replace it.

Which trips require the document

The need depends on the country where the car is registered and the countries on the route. When planning a trip:

  • draw up the full route there and back;
  • check the requirements at each border;
  • find out whether the international certificate is accepted for a Kazakhstani car;
  • find out whether local border insurance is required;
  • check the minimum contract period;
  • take into account ferries, temporary import and transit.

Do not rely on the old map of countries from the original publication or on the experience of a previous trip. International agreements and border procedures may change.

What details are shown

  • the country and registration number of the car;
  • the category and make of the vehicle;
  • the period of validity;
  • the territory or list of countries;
  • the insurance company and contract number;
  • the policyholder and other required details.

Any error in the number, dates or category can cause a problem at the border and in an accident. Check the certificate before the trip begins.

How to arrange cover

  1. Determine the route and dates.
  2. Check the official status of the system in the countries you will visit.
  3. Contact the insurer or an authorised channel.
  4. Provide the documents for the car and the policyholder.
  5. Check the number, VIN if available, category and period.
  6. Keep the certificate and the claims settlement rules.
  7. Write down the contacts of the bureau and the insurer.

Do not buy the document from an unknown seller on an unofficial website. A forged certificate does not provide insurance cover.

What the cost depends on

  • the vehicle category;
  • the period of validity;
  • the territory of the trip;
  • the rules of the international or border system;
  • the tariffs in force on the date of issue.

Do not compare prices without checking the territory. A cheaper document may not be valid in one of the countries on your route.

What to take with you

  • the insurance certificate in the required format;
  • the vehicle registration certificate;
  • your driving licence;
  • documents giving the right to drive;
  • contacts of the insurer and the national bureau;
  • a European accident report form, if it is used;
  • travel medical insurance;
  • copies of documents in secure electronic form.

What to do in a road accident abroad

  1. Stop and ensure safety.
  2. Call the emergency services in accordance with local rules.
  3. Do not sign a document whose meaning you do not understand.
  4. Record the vehicles, number plates, damage and road conditions.
  5. Obtain the details of the participants and witnesses.
  6. Present the insurance certificate, without handing over the original unless necessary.
  7. Notify the insurer and the organisation named in the instructions.
  8. Keep the police documents and correspondence.

Do not admit liability at the scene beyond a factual description of the circumstances, and do not agree to an informal settlement if the consequences are unclear.

If the certificate is not recognised

A local border insurance contract may be required at the border. Arrange it through an official service or an authorised point of sale. Check the period, the territory and the insurer's details.

The absence of the required contract may lead to a fine, a ban on the car's entry and an obligation to compensate damage yourself.

Common mistakes

  • confusing the "Green Card" with CASCO;
  • ignoring transit countries;
  • arranging a period shorter than the trip;
  • not checking the car's number;
  • buying a forged certificate;
  • assuming the old list of countries is still valid;
  • having no contacts for claims settlement;
  • repairing the car without recording the event.

Frequently asked questions

Does the "Green Card" cover my car?

No, it covers liability to victims. For your own car you need CASCO with a suitable territory.

Do I need separate medical insurance?

Yes. A car owner's liability cover does not pay the ordinary medical expenses of the driver and passengers.

Can I buy a policy at the border?

In some countries border insurance is available. The terms and the official way to buy it must be checked before the trip.

Is one certificate valid in all countries?

Only in the countries named, and not excluded, in the document. Always check the whole route.

Compulsory insurance

Services in compulsory lines of insurance are provided only by insurance companies and other organisations authorised by the relevant legislation and the international system. An intermediary must clearly name the insurer and the territory of cover.

Conclusion

The "Green Card" confirms international liability insurance cover, but its applicability depends on the country of the car's registration and the route. Before departure, check the official status, the period, the territory and the claims settlement contacts.

This material is for information only. Border and insurance requirements should be checked immediately before the trip.