What is the Green Insurance Card and when do you really need it?
23.04.25
3
Minutes
Katrin Straub
Managing Director at nextsure
Are you planning a road trip abroad and unsure about the Green Insurance Card? This article explains when you must take it with you and how it can help you in the event of a claim. Find out everything you need to know for a worry-free journey beyond the borders.
The topic in brief and concise terms
The Green Insurance Card (IVK) is international proof of motor third-party liability insurance, available free of charge from the insurer and usually valid for three to five years.
Since July 2020, the card has been issued on white paper and can be sent as a PDF; from 2025, purely digital proof will be valid.
In many EU/EEA countries, the number plate agreement replaces the card requirement, but in countries such as Turkey, Albania or North Macedonia, it remains mandatory.
Understanding the Green Insurance Card: More Than Just a Document
The Green Insurance Card, or IVK, serves as international proof of your motor third-party liability insurance. It contains important details such as your registration number and information about your insurance. Originally printed on green paper, since 1 July 2020 it has been issued on white paper, which makes digital delivery as a PDF possible. From 2025 onwards, even a purely digital proof in PDF format on a smartphone will be sufficient. Its main function is to simplify claims handling in the event of accidents abroad. This system was initiated back in 1949 to facilitate cross-border traffic. More than 1,500 insurers are part of this system. The card is available free of charge from your motor insurance provider. It is generally valid for three to five years. For journeys to certain countries, it is essential in order to prove insurance cover during checks or accidents. Carrying the motor third-party liability insurance documents with you is therefore always good preparation.
Although no longer mandatory in many cases, the Green Card can significantly speed up the handling of an accident abroad. The introduction of the registration number agreement has reduced the need in many countries, but not eliminated it. This change highlights the ongoing digitalisation in the insurance sector.
Define validity area: Where is the Green Card required?
Within the European Union and in countries such as Switzerland, Norway or Iceland, the Green Insurance Card is now generally no longer required thanks to the number plate agreement. Here, the official vehicle registration plate serves as sufficient proof of insurance. Nevertheless, there are exceptions and recommendations: in Italy, for example, it is often still required in the event of accidents. For trips to Great Britain, carrying it has been strongly recommended since Brexit. In some countries, presenting the Green Card on entry is mandatory. These include, among others:
Albania
Azerbaijan
Morocco
Moldova
North Macedonia
Tunisia
Turkey
Ukraine
Please check the current regulations for your destination country before every trip abroad, as rules may change. If the card is missing in a country where it is required, border insurance often has to be taken out at the border, and it can be expensive. Please also note that Kosovo does not recognise the Green Card; a border insurance policy is always necessary there. Information about the German Green Card Office may be helpful here.
Mastering practical handling: From application to claim
You can obtain the Green Card free of charge from your motor insurance provider, often together with the certificate of insurance. A request can usually be made online, by email or by telephone. It is advisable to apply for the card in good time before setting off, especially if it is sent by post. The validity period is typically three years, and five years with some insurers. Check the expiry date before every journey. The card shows important information such as the registration number, the insurer and the period of validity. It also lists the countries in which cover applies (or is crossed out if not valid). In the event of an accident abroad, you should always call the police, especially if there are injuries. Note down the other party’s details, in particular those from their Green Card, or take a photo of them. Use the European Accident Statement to document what happened; it is often bilingual and helps to overcome language barriers. Report the claim to your insurer immediately and, if necessary, to the Central Call Centre of Motor Insurers if the other party’s insurer is unclear.
Our expert tip: Always carry a copy of the European Accident Statement in the vehicle. This can make dealing with an accident involving foreign parties much easier and faster. The electronic insurance confirmation is important for registration, but abroad it is the Green Card that counts.
Understanding the German Green Card Bureau: Your point of contact for foreign claims in Germany
The German Green Card Bureau (DBGK) plays a central role if you are involved in an accident in Germany with a vehicle insured abroad. It acts as the point of contact and claims-handling body for such cases. You can assert your claims directly with the DBGK, which then coordinates the settlement with the foreign insurer or steps in itself. To report damage to the DBGK, the details from the other party’s Green Card or their vehicle registration number are often sufficient, provided they come from an EU country or certain other states covered by the registration agreement. The DBGK operates in principle like a German motor vehicle liability insurer and applies German compensation law. This means that, for example, you are entitled under German law to repair costs, expert fees or compensation for pain and suffering. Although settlement can sometimes take longer because consultation with the foreign insurer is required, you are protected as the injured party. The system ensures that you do not end up bearing your own costs, even if the person responsible for the accident comes from one of the 46 member states of the Green Card system. The General Terms and Conditions for Motor Vehicle Insurance of your own policy remain unaffected.
The DBGK performs an important protective function for traffic victims in Germany and considerably simplifies international claims handling. It is an association of motor vehicle liability insurers operating in Germany. The existence of such bureaux in each member country is a core component of the Green Card system.
Shaping the future of the Green Card: digitalisation and outlook
The Green Insurance Card has continually evolved over the more than 75 years of its existence. Originally a document that had to be printed on green paper, it was switched to white paper in July 2020. This change enabled insurers to send the card as a PDF document by email, allowing customers to print it themselves. Another significant step will follow from 1 January 2025: from then on, the Green Card will also be recognised as proof in purely digital form, for example as a PDF on a smartphone. This development not only reduces paper consumption, but also speeds up the process of issuing and making it available to the policyholder. Despite these modernisations, the name „Green Card“ remains and continues to symbolise cross-border insurance cover. The move towards digital formats shows how traditional insurance instruments are adapting to modern technological possibilities in order to further increase the benefits for motorists. The insurance policy itself remains unaffected, but the proof becomes easier.
Digitalisation makes the Green Card more accessible and user-friendly without changing its core function. It is an example of how the insurance industry uses innovation to improve its services. This is particularly relevant when you consider that over 375,000 cross-border accidents are handled through the system every year.
Check additional cover: What the Green Card does not cover
The Green Card is proof of your motor third-party liability insurance. It therefore covers damage you cause to other road users abroad. Damage to your own vehicle, for example caused by an accident for which you are at fault, or theft, is not covered by the Green Card. For this, comprehensive insurance cover (part or fully comprehensive) is required. Before travelling abroad, check the scope of your comprehensive insurance, as this can vary. A motor vehicle breakdown cover can also be a useful addition, as it offers services such as roadside assistance or vehicle repatriation that go beyond mere liability cover. The Green Card only confirms liability cover in accordance with the minimum cover limits of the respective host country, which may in some cases be lower than in Germany. It is advisable to find out about the cover limits in the country you are travelling to. Also think about overseas health insurance, as the Green Card does not cover medical costs for you or your fellow travellers.
The Green Card is an important component, but not a complete worry-free package for travelling abroad by car. Comprehensive travel preparation also includes checking other insurance aspects. To register a vehicle, you need an insurance number in Germany; the IVK is relevant for cross-border traffic.
Request an individual risk analysis now: Have your insurance situation checked free of charge and receive specific suggestions for optimisation.
More useful links
The German Green Card Bureau offers comprehensive information on the International Motor Insurance Card and its use.
The GDV provides information in a press release on the 75th anniversary of the Green Insurance Card and its importance for cross-border insurance cover.
On the GDV website you will find details of the changeover of the Green Insurance Card from green to white and the associated changes.
The Insurers (a GDV portal) offer a news article on the Green Card and its relevance for motor insurance.
The Laws on the Internet portal of the Federal Ministry of Justice provides the full text of the Foreign Compulsory Insurance Act (AuslPflVG).
The Federal Foreign Office provides current travel and safety advice for Great Britain, which may also contain information on the Green Card after Brexit.
Wikipedia offers a comprehensive article on the International Motor Insurance Card, known as the Green Card.
The Motor Insurers’ Central Enquiry Service answers frequently asked questions in its FAQs about claims handling and the role of the Central Enquiry Service in accidents.
FAQ
What exactly is the Green Insurance Card?
The Green Insurance Card, officially the "International Motor Insurance Card" (IVK), is proof of your motor third-party liability insurance for journeys abroad. It makes claims handling after accidents easier.
How long is my Green Card valid?
The validity period is usually three to five years and is noted on the card. Please check this before each trip abroad.
Do I need to carry the Green Card with me in every country?
No, the licence plate agreement applies in most EU/EEA countries and, for example, in Switzerland. In some other countries (e.g. Turkey, Albania), however, it is mandatory. It is always advisable to carry it with you.
What happens if I don't have the Green Card with me in a country where it is compulsory?
You will then usually need to take out a paid border insurance policy at the border, which is often more expensive and has lower coverage limits.
Is the Green Card still green?
No, since 1 July 2020 it has been issued on white paper. This makes digital sending and printing easier. The name has remained the same.
Where can I get the Green Insurance Card?
You receive the Green Card free of charge from your motor insurance company.
