What is the Green Insurance Card and when do you really need it?
23 Apr 2025
7
Minutes
Katrin Straub
CEO at nextsure
Planning a car trip abroad and unsure about the Green Card insurance? This article explains when carrying it is a must and how it can concretely assist you in the event of an accident. Learn everything important for a worry-free journey beyond borders.
The topic in brief and concise terms
The Green Insurance Card (IVK) is an international proof of motor 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, a purely digital certificate will be valid.
In many EU/EFTA states, the license plate agreement replaces the requirement for a card, but in countries like 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 vehicle liability insurance. It contains important information such as your license plate number and details of your insurance. Originally printed on green paper, it has been issued on white paper since the first of July 2020, allowing for digital transmission as a PDF. From the year 2025, even a purely digital proof via PDF on a smartphone will suffice. Its main function is to simplify the handling of claims in the event of accidents abroad. This system was initiated as early as 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 vehicle insurance. It is generally valid for three to five years. For trips to certain countries, it is essential to provide proof of insurance during checks or accidents. Therefore, taking along the motor vehicle liability insurance documents is always a good preparation.
Although often no longer mandatory, the Green Card can considerably speed up the settlement of an accident abroad. The introduction of the license plate agreement has reduced, but not eliminated, the necessity in many countries. This change highlights the ongoing digitalisation in the insurance sector.
Define the scope: Where is the Green Card mandatory?
Within the European Union and countries like Switzerland, Norway, or Iceland, the Green Insurance Card is often no longer required thanks to the license plate agreement. 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 requested in the event of accidents. For travel to the United Kingdom, it is strongly recommended to bring it along since Brexit. In some countries, presenting the Green Card upon entry is mandatory. These include among others:
Albania
Azerbaijan
Morocco
Moldova
North Macedonia
Tunisia
Turkey
Ukraine
Check the current regulations for your destination country before every trip abroad, as rules may change. If the card is missing in a mandatory country, a costly border insurance policy often needs to be concluded at the border. Also note that Kosovo does not recognize the Green Card; here, a border insurance is always necessary. Information from the German Office Green Card can be helpful here.
Master practical handling: From application to claim
The Green Insurance Card can be obtained free of charge from your car insurance provider, often together with the insurance policy. A request is usually possible online, by email, or by phone. It is advisable to apply for the card well in advance of your trip, especially if it is being sent by post. The validity duration is typically three years, and with some insurers, five. Check the expiration date before each journey. The card contains important information like the registration number, the insurer, and the validity period. It also lists the countries where the insurance coverage applies (or is crossed out if not valid). In the event of an accident abroad, you should always call the police, especially in the case of personal injury. Note the details of the other party involved in the accident, particularly their Green Card, or take a photo of it. Use the European Accident Report to document the incident; it is often bilingual and helps overcome language barriers. Report the damage immediately to your insurance company and, if necessary, to the Central Call of Car Insurers if the opposing insurance is unclear.
Our expert tip: Always carry a copy of the European Accident Report in the vehicle. This can significantly simplify and speed up the recording of an accident involving foreign participants. While the electronic insurance confirmation is important for registration, the Green Card is what counts abroad.
Understanding the German Green Card Office: Your Contact Point for Foreign Damage in Germany
The Deutsches Büro Grüne Karte e.V. (DBGK) plays a central role when you are involved in an accident in Germany with a vehicle insured abroad. It acts as a point of contact and settlement body for such cases. You can file your claims directly with the DBGK, which then coordinates the settlement with the foreign insurer or steps in itself. To report a claim to the DBGK, the details from the opposing party's Green Card or their registration number are often sufficient, particularly if they are from an EU country or certain other states of the registration agreement. The DBGK essentially operates like a German motor liability insurance and applies German compensation law. This means that you are entitled to repair costs, expert fees, or compensation for pain and suffering under German law. Although the settlement may 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 bear the costs, even if the accident causer 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 contract remain unaffected by this.
The DBGK provides an important protective function for traffic accident victims in Germany and significantly simplifies international claims settlement. It is an association of motor vehicle liability insurers operating in Germany. The existence of such offices in each member country is a key component of the Green Card system.
Shaping the Future of the Green Card: Digitalisation and Outlook
The Green Insurance Card has evolved continuously throughout its more than 75-year history. Originally a document printed on green paper, the switch to white paper occurred in July 2020. This step allowed insurers to send the card as a PDF document via email, enabling customers to print it themselves. A further significant change is due from the first of January 2025: The Green Card will also be recognised in purely digital form, such as a PDF on a smartphone. This development not only reduces paper consumption but also speeds up the process of issuing and availability for the policyholder. Despite these modernisations, the name “Green Card” will remain and continues to symbolise cross-border insurance coverage. The adaptation to digital formats demonstrates how traditional insurance tools are embracing modern technological possibilities to further enhance benefits for motorists. The insurance policy itself remains unaffected, but proving coverage becomes easier.
Digitisation makes the Green Card more accessible and user-friendly, without changing its fundamental function. It is an example of how the insurance industry uses innovation to improve services. This is particularly relevant when considering that over 375,000 cross-border accidents are handled by the system each year.
Check additional coverage: What the Green Card does not cover
The Green Insurance Card serves as proof of your motor vehicle liability insurance. It covers damages you may cause to other road users abroad. However, it does not cover damage to your own vehicle resulting from accidents caused by you or theft. For this, a comprehensive insurance (partial or fully comprehensive) is necessary. Before travelling abroad, check the coverage area of your comprehensive insurance, as it can vary. A car protection policy can also be a valuable addition as it offers services such as breakdown assistance or vehicle repatriation that go beyond basic liability coverage. The Green Card merely confirms liability coverage according to the minimum coverage amounts of the host country, which might be lower than those in Germany. It is advisable to inform yourself about the coverage amounts available in your travel destination. Also consider an international 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 comprehensive solution for car trips abroad. Thorough travel preparation also includes reviewing other insurance aspects. To register a vehicle in Germany, you need an insurance number, and the IVK is relevant for cross-border travel.
Request an individual risk analysis now: Have your insurance situation reviewed free of charge and receive specific recommendations for improvement.
More useful links
Das Deutsche Büro Grüne Karte provides comprehensive information on the International Motor Insurance Card and its application.
The GDV informs in a press release about the 75th anniversary of the Green Insurance Card and its significance for cross-border insurance coverage.
On the GDV website, you can find details about the change of the Green Insurance Card from green to white and the associated innovations.
Die Versicherer (a portal of the GDV) offers a news article on the Green Card and its relevance for motor vehicle insurance.
The portal Gesetze im Internet of the Federal Ministry of Justice provides the full text of the Compulsory Insurance Act for International Road Traffic (AuslPflVG).
The Federal Foreign Office offers current travel and security advice for Great Britain, which may include information on the Green Card post-Brexit.
Wikipedia offers a comprehensive article on the International Motor Insurance Card, known as the Green Card.
The Zentralruf der Autoversicherer answers frequently asked questions in its FAQs about claims handling and the role of Zentralruf in accidents.
FAQ
What exactly is the Green Insurance Card?
The Green Card, officially known as the "International Motor Insurance Card" (IVK), is proof of your motor vehicle liability insurance for trips abroad. It facilitates claims settlement in the event of accidents.
How long is my Green Card valid for?
The validity period is usually three to five years and is indicated on the card. Check this before each trip abroad.
Do I need to carry the Green Card in every country?
No, in most EU/EFTA countries as well as, for example, Switzerland, the license plate agreement applies. However, in some other countries (e.g. Turkey, Albania), it is mandatory. It is always advisable to have it with you.
What happens if I don't have the Green Card with me in a required country?
You will typically need to purchase a paid border insurance at the border, which is often more expensive and has lower coverage limits.
Is the Green Card still green?
No, since the first of July 2020, it is issued on white paper. This facilitates digital transmission and printing. The name has stayed the same.
Where can I obtain the Green Insurance Card?
You receive the Green Card free of charge from your car insurance company.
