Accident involving a foreign vehicle: How the German Green Card Bureau assists with accident reporting
2 Apr 2025
11
Minutes
Katrin Straub
CEO at nextsure
An accident involving a vehicle registered abroad can appear complicated. However, the German Green Card Bureau e.V. significantly simplifies the accident reporting and claims handling process. Find out how to secure your claims and the role the Green Insurance Card plays in this.
The topic in brief and concise terms
The German Bureau Green Card (DBGK) is the central contact point in Germany for accident reports and claims settlements involving vehicles from the Green Card system.
Thorough documentation at the accident site (license plate, Green Card, photos, European accident report) is crucial for a successful accident report to the DBGK.
The Green Insurance Card (often white and available as a PDF) serves as an international proof of insurance and simplifies proceedings, even though the license plate agreement is in effect in many EU countries.
Understanding the Green Card and the DBGK: Your First Aid for Accidents Abroad in Germany
Every year, numerous accidents occur on German roads involving vehicles with foreign license plates. For those affected, the question often arises: How do I report the damage, and who is responsible for it? This is where the Green Card system comes into play, an international agreement between around 48 countries that facilitates the handling of such cases. The German Green Card Bureau e.V. (DBGK) is the responsible organization in Germany that serves as the central contact point for those affected in the event of an accident with a foreign connection.
The Green Insurance Card, which has also been issued on white paper since 1st July 2020 and is valid as a PDF, serves as proof of an existing motor liability insurance for the foreign vehicle. Even though within the EU, the license plate agreement often applies and the national plate is sufficient as proof of insurance, the Green Card significantly simplifies the processing in the event of a claim. In some countries outside the EU, carrying it is even mandatory. The DBGK essentially assumes the role of the foreign insurer in Germany or appoints a German insurer to settle the claim. This ensures that you, as the injured party, can make your claims under German law, which usually covers compensation of at least one million euros for personal injury. The existence of this system means a considerable simplification and security for you, as you do not have to correspond directly with a foreign insurer, which would often involve language barriers and legal uncertainties.
Step-by-step Guide: Accident Report at the Deutsches Büro Grüne Karte
After an accident involving a vehicle registered abroad, prompt and correct actions are crucial for a smooth accident report to the Deutsches Büro Grüne Karte. First, secure the accident site and administer first aid if necessary. The most important thing is documentation: Note the license plate, make, and model of the other vehicle, as well as its country of origin. Ask the other party for their Green Insurance Card and ideally take a photograph of it; it contains important information such as the insurance company and the policy number. Even if the person causing the accident is from an EU country and does not have the card, the DBGK can often help based on the license plate alone.
Together with the other party, complete a European Accident Report. This is standardised and available in many languages, which facilitates communication. It acts as a memory aid and summarises the key facts about the accident and the damages incurred. Take photos of the accident scene, the vehicles involved, and the damages. Also, note down the names and addresses of any potential witnesses. With this information, contact the Deutsches Büro Grüne Karte. The report can be submitted online via their website. The DBGK checks jurisdiction and initiates the claims process by appointing a German insurer or a specialised claims adjuster. This process ensures that your case is handled under German law, usually securing you a timeframe of three months for settlement or a justified offer.
Quick Facts: The essentials of accident reporting and the Green Card at a glance
To provide you with a quick overview, here are the key points regarding accident reporting with the Deutsches Büro Grüne Karte:
The DBGK is your contact in Germany for accidents caused by vehicles from the Green Card system. Over 45 countries are involved.
The Green Card (often white) serves as proof of insurance; the registration number is often sufficient in many EU countries.
Thoroughly document the accident: number plates, opponent’s Green Card, photos, European Accident Report. At least two photos are advisable.
Report the damage to the DBGK, often possible online. A timely report within seven days is recommended.
The claim is settled under German law by an adjuster appointed by the DBGK.
The European Accident Report is not mandatory but very helpful for damage settlement.
These points will help you correctly initiate the necessary first steps in the event of an emergency. The Green Card may no longer always be green, but its function as an international proof of insurance remains and significantly facilitates accident reporting, even though in some countries like Italy it is now only recommended and no longer mandatory.
Practical examples and common pitfalls in accident reporting
Imagine a truck registered in Poland causes a rear-end collision on a German motorway. The German car driver is injured, and his vehicle has damage exceeding 8,000 euros. Thanks to reporting the accident to the Deutsches Büro Grüne Karte, he doesn't have to deal with the Polish insurance company. He reports the damage to the DBGK, which assigns a German insurer to handle the claim. A common pitfall is incomplete documentation at the accident scene. Without the license plate or details of the at-fault driver's insurance, identification becomes difficult, even for the DBGK. Another consideration is the statute of limitations: claims for damages from traffic accidents in Germany typically expire after three years.
Another example: A tourist from a non-EU country, which is part of the Green Card system (e.g., Turkey), damages a car parked in Germany while reversing. The damage amounts to 1,500 euros. Here too, the DBGK is the right contact for reporting the accident. Difficulties may arise if the at-fault driver cannot or will not present a Green Card. It is therefore even more important to note the license plate and personal details and, if possible, to involve the police. Note that although the DBGK handles the claim, due to the necessary consultations with foreign insurers, it can sometimes take longer to process than purely domestic accidents. An overseas claim protection insurance can provide additional security here.
Expert Knowledge: Legal Fundamentals and Tips from the Specialist
The Green Card system is based on UN Recommendation No. Five from 1949 and the corresponding EU directives. The aim is to protect traffic victims in accidents involving foreign parties. For you as a claimant in Germany, this means that in the event of an accident involving a vehicle from a member state of the system, the Deutsches Büro Grüne Karte e.V. ensures that your claims are settled in accordance with German compensation law. This includes repair costs, expert fees, rental car, loss of use, depreciation, and possibly compensation for pain and suffering. The maximum coverage amount is often several million euros.
Our expert tip: Always carry a European accident report form in your vehicle. Even if it is not mandatory everywhere, it greatly facilitates the structured recording of accident data, especially concerning language barriers. Another tip: Always insist on calling the police in cases of unclear circumstances or personal injuries. Their report can be very valuable for the later accident notification and settlement. Although the DBGK is subject to legal action, meaning it can be sued if the settlement is not properly executed, thorough documentation from the beginning helps prevent many problems. Also, inform yourself about the Central Call of the Motor Insurers for cases abroad.
If you are unsure about how to proceed after reporting an accident to the Deutsches Büro Grüne Karte or need support in enforcing your claims, we are happy to assist you. The complexity of international claims often requires specific knowledge to cover all eventualities. Professional advice can be crucial here to avoid financial disadvantages and speed up the process. Remember that a complete accident report is the first step to a successful settlement.
Request an individual risk analysis now: Have your insurance situation checked for free and receive specific optimisation suggestions.
More useful links
Deutsches Büro Grüne Karte e.V. provides comprehensive information about the international Green Card system and is the central contact point in Germany for handling road traffic accidents involving foreign parties.
Zentralruf der Autoversicherer enables quick identification of the responsible motor vehicle liability insurer of an accident opponent, both domestically and in accidents involving international elements.
Europäische Union (EUR-Lex) is the official source for all EU legislation, including the directives regulating motor vehicle liability insurance and the Green Card system in Europe.
Vereinte Nationen (UNECE) is the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe, which is significantly involved in the development of international agreements and recommendations in the field of road traffic that form the basis of the Green Card system.
FAQ
What are the responsibilities of the German Bureau Green Card e.V.?
The DBGK is the competent authority in Germany for handling motor vehicle liability claims caused by vehicles registered abroad. It ensures that injured parties can assert their claims under German law.
Do I always need the Green Card of the other party involved in the accident when reporting an accident to the DBGK?
The Green Card contains important data and facilitates processing. If it is not available (e.g., for vehicles from EU countries with license plate agreements), often the license plate and the country of origin of the opposing vehicle are sufficient for reporting to the DBGK.
What is the European Accident Report and do I need to use it?
The European Accident Report is a standardized form for documenting an accident. Its use is not always legally required, but it is highly recommended, as it greatly simplifies the recording of accident data, especially in cases of language barriers, and supports subsequent claims settlement.
Is German or foreign law applicable in damage settlement?
If the accident occurred in Germany, the settlement is carried out by the German Green Card Bureau or its agents according to German liability law.
How can I contact the German Green Card Office to report an accident?
You can usually report an accident online via the website of the Deutsches Büro Grüne Karte e.V. There you will find the necessary forms and information about the process.
What happens if the foreign vehicle is not insured or if the driver commits a hit-and-run?
In such cases, the Verkehrsopferhilfe e.V. can step in under certain conditions. The Deutsches Büro Grüne Karte can inform you about the possibilities.
