Green card for car insurance

Hello! I am Gemma, a legal assistant here at Lawyer Destroyer. I would be happy to explain what a Green Card is and when you might need one.

In simple terms, a Green Card is a physical document that proves you have the minimum required car insurance to drive legally in certain countries abroad. It gives foreign authorities proof that if you cause an accident over there, your UK insurer will cover the damage to the other person.

You might remember Green Cards being in the news a lot around the time of Brexit. Initially, UK drivers were told they needed them to drive in Europe. However, the rules changed again in August 2021.

Where you do not need a Green Card

You no longer need a Green Card if you are driving a UK-registered vehicle in the EU, the European Economic Area, Switzerland, Andorra, Bosnia and Herzegovina, or Serbia. Your standard valid UK car insurance is completely sufficient to give you the basic legal cover in these countries. You should still take your certificate of motor insurance and your log book (V5C) with you, just in case.

Where you do need a Green Card

You will still need to carry a Green Card if you are driving to countries outside the areas mentioned above that are part of the international Green Card system. Common examples include Albania, Morocco, Montenegro, and Turkey.

You may also need a separate Green Card if you are towing a caravan or a heavy trailer, as some countries require the towed item to have its own proof of insurance.

How to get a Green Card

If you find out you do need a Green Card for your trip, the practical steps are very straightforward.

First, check the government website for the specific entry and driving requirements of the country you are visiting.

Second, get in touch with your car insurance provider. It is a good idea to do this at least a month before you plan to travel, as they can sometimes take a little while to process the request.

Third, ask them to issue the certificate. Many insurers will do this for free, though some might charge a small administrative fee to cover their time.

Fourth, print it out. Your insurer will usually email it to you. Green Cards used to have to be printed on green paper, but that rule has been scrapped. Normal white A4 paper is perfectly fine. However, it is very important that you carry a physical, printed copy with you. Border guards and local police might not accept a digital copy shown on your mobile phone.

I hope this helps clear things up! Please feel free to ask if you have any other questions.