Auto & Mobility
Foreign Vehicle Protection Plan
German office green card accident report
Accident with a foreign vehicle: How the German Green Card Bureau assists with accident reporting
An accident involving a vehicle registered abroad might seem complex. However, the Deutsches Büro Grüne Karte e.V. significantly simplifies the accident reporting and claims process. Find out how to secure your claims and the role played by the Green Insurance Card.
The topic in brief and concise terms
The German Green Card Bureau (DBGK) is the central contact point in Germany for accident reports and claims settlements involving vehicles from the Green Card system.
Careful documentation at the accident site (license plate, Green Card, photos, European Accident Report) is crucial for a successful accident report with the DBGK.
The Green Insurance Card (often white and available as a PDF) serves as an international proof of insurance and simplifies processing, even though the license plate agreement applies in many EU countries.
Understanding the Green Card and DBGK: Your First Aid in Case of 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, which facilitates the settlement of such cases. The German Green Card Bureau e.V. (DBGK) is the responsible organisation in Germany, serving as the central contact point for the affected parties in case of an accident with an international element.
The Green Insurance Card, which has also been issued on white paper since 1 July 2020 and is valid as a PDF, serves as proof of existing motor vehicle liability insurance for the foreign vehicle. Even though within the EU the license plate agreement often applies, and the national license plate suffices as proof of insurance, the Green Card significantly simplifies the process in the event of a claim. In some countries outside the EU, carrying it is even mandatory. The DBGK effectively assumes the role of the foreign insurer in Germany or appoints a German insurer to settle the claim. This ensures that you, as the affected party, can assert your claims under German law, which usually covers compensation of at least one million euros for personal injuries. The existence of this system means a significant simplification and security for you, as you do not have to correspond directly with a foreign insurer, often associated with language barriers and legal uncertainties.
Step-by-Step Guide: Accident Report at the German Green Card Office
After an accident with a vehicle registered abroad, quick and correct action is crucial for a smooth accident report with the German Green Card Bureau. First, secure the accident site and provide first aid if necessary. The most important thing is documentation: Note the registration number, make, and type of the other vehicle as well as its country of origin. Ask the other party involved in the accident for their Green Insurance Card and ideally take a photograph of it; it contains important details such as the insurance company and policy number. Even if the person responsible for the accident is from an EU country and does not have the card, the DBGK can often assist further based on the registration number.
Fill out a European Accident Report together with the other party. This is standardised and available in many languages, which facilitates communication. It acts as a memory aid and summarises the most important facts about the accident and the resulting damages. Take photos of the accident scene, the vehicles involved, and the damages. Also, note down the names and addresses of any possible witnesses. With this information, you then contact the German Green Card Bureau. The report can be submitted online via their website. The DBGK checks the jurisdiction and initiates the damage settlement by commissioning a German insurer or a specialised claims adjuster. This process ensures that your case is handled according to German law, typically allowing you a period 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 to the German Green Card Bureau:
The DBGK is your contact in Germany for accidents caused by vehicles from the Green Card system. More than 45 countries are involved.
The Green Card (often white) serves as proof of insurance; in many EU countries, the registration plate is often sufficient.
Thoroughly document the accident: registration plate, opponent's Green Card, photos, European accident report. At least two photos are advisable.
Report the damage to the DBGK, often possible online. It is advisable to report within seven days.
The settlement is carried out according to German law by a handler appointed by the DBGK.
The European accident report is not mandatory, but very helpful for claims processing.
These points 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 compulsory.
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 (DBGK), he does not have to deal with the Polish insurance company. He reports the damage to the DBGK, which appoints a German insurer to handle the claim. A common pitfall is incomplete documentation at the accident scene. Without the license plate or information about the insurance of the party at fault, identification becomes difficult, even for the DBGK. Another point is the statute of limitations: claims for damages from traffic accidents in Germany generally expire after three years.
Another example: A tourist from a non-EU country, whose country is part of the Green Card system (e.g. Turkey), damages a car parked in Germany while reversing out of a space. The damage amounts to 1,500 euros. Here too, the DBGK is the right contact for accident reporting. Difficulties can arise if the at-fault driver cannot or will not present a Green Card. In such cases, it's even more important to note the license plate and personal details, and if possible, involve the police. Please note that although the DBGK takes on the handling, due to necessary consultations with foreign insurers, processing times may be longer than for purely domestic accidents. An overseas claims protection insurance can provide additional security here.
More useful links
Deutsches Büro Grüne Karte e.V. provides comprehensive information about the international Green Card system and is the central point of contact in Germany for handling traffic accidents involving foreign parties.
Zentralruf der Autoversicherer allows for the quick determination of the responsible motor vehicle liability insurance of an accident opponent, both domestically and in cases involving foreign countries.
Europäische Union (EUR-Lex) is the official source for all EU legislation, including directives governing motor vehicle liability insurance and the Green Card system in Europe.
Vereinte Nationen (UNECE) is the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe, which plays a key role in developing international agreements and recommendations in the field of road transport, forming the basis of the Green Card system.
FAQ
What are the tasks of the Deutsches Büro Grüne Karte e.V.?
The DBGK is the responsible institution in Germany for handling motor vehicle liability claims caused by vehicles registered abroad. It ensures that claimants can assert their rights under German law.
Do I always need the Green Card of the other party 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), the license plate and the country of origin of the opposing vehicle are often sufficient for reporting to the DBGK.
What is the European Accident Report and do I have to use it?
The European Accident Report is a standardised form for documenting an accident. Its use is not always legally required, but it is highly recommended as it significantly simplifies the recording of accident data, especially in the case of language barriers, and supports subsequent claims processing.
Does German or foreign law apply to claims processing?
If the accident occurred in Germany, the claims processing is carried out by the Deutsches Büro Grüne Karte or its agents under German compensation law.
How can I contact the Deutsches Büro Grüne Karte to report an accident?
In most cases, you can 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 uninsured or the driver commits a hit-and-run?
In such cases, under certain conditions, the Verkehrsopferhilfe e.V. may intervene. The Deutsches Büro Grüne Karte can inform you about the possibilities.
