What is the difference between a foreign company's motor third party liability insurance and a Green card?

When staying in another country or planning to travel abroad in your own car, you should take care of safety. Most drivers purchase a Green Card before leaving, but those who stay abroad for a long period of time may consider purchasing a foreign company's motor insurance. Read more about the difference between these two types of insurance in the article

Issuing a policy Green card for traveling abroad by car

BUY

One of the conditions for driving a car abroad is to have a policy of motor third party liability insurance or motor third party liability insurance.

Usually, most drivers take out a Green Card policy before travelling, but if you live in a country for a long time, you may also consider buying a motor third party liability policy from a local insurance company.

What is the difference between these types of insurance? The main advantages and disadvantages of the policies are described below.

Planning a trip abroad in your own car?

Apply for a mandatory Green Card policy online in just a few minutes!

What is a Green Card?

A Green Card is an international insurance policy that is valid in 47 countries, mainly in EU member states.

In terms of the set of risks it covers, the Green Card is similar to a car insurance policy, but it works abroad: in the event of an accident, the insurance company compensates for the damage that may be caused by a car that has a Green Card policy. This means that if you hit someone else's car abroad, the insurance company will pay money to the other party to the accident (compensate for damage to property and health).

What is a foreign car insurance policy?

Insurance companies in most countries of the world offer residents to take out a national motor third-party liability policy for their cars. It is valid within the country of residence. The damages covered by the policy are similar to those covered by the Green Card: damage to property or health of the other party to an accident.

What to choose: Green Card or a foreign company's motor third party liability insurance?

Both options have their advantages and disadvantages, so the choice depends on the specific situation.

The Green Card is easy to use - it can be quickly issued online. This policy is valid in 47 countries, which makes it especially useful for travellers or those who frequently cross borders. In addition, the insurance period can be chosen individually, and in the event of an insured event, advice is available in Ukrainian. However, it is important to keep in mind that the Green Card expires as soon as the Ukrainian number plates are changed to the local number plates of the host country.

On the other hand, a motor third party liability insurance policy of a foreign insurance company becomes the only available insurance option when the car receives local number plates of the host country. In some countries, it is possible to take out annual policies, which are sometimes cheaper than a Green Card, but they are valid only within the country where they were issued. It is also worth noting that such a policy is usually more expensive than a Green Card and does not have international validity.

Don't want to miss important updates and useful articles? Subscribe to our weekly newsletter!

Why is it better to buy a Green Card in Ukraine rather than a motor third party liability policy of a foreign company?

It is much more profitable to buy a Green Card in Ukraine, because the cost of a 1-year policy is less than an annual motor third party liability policy in European countries. In addition, from the beginning of 2025, each insurance company independently sets the tariff based on its own risk assessment and market conditions.

Now, prices can vary depending on the competition between insurers, which allows drivers to choose the best offer among different companies.

Another important advantage is that the Green Card covers all European countries and, if necessary, you can travel to another country at no extra cost.

Is it possible to buy Green Card while travelling abroad?

Ukrainians can purchase Green Card insurance or extend its validity while abroad, as the entire procedure is available online, and the finished policy will be sent to your email address. Just keep in mind that the policy will be valid only 1 day after it is issued.

How much does a Green Card cost: price 2025

The cost of insurance is influenced by three main factors:

- Type of vehicle. The price will be different for cars, trucks, trailers, and motorcycles.

- Insurance period. You can take out insurance from 15 days to a year.

- Insurance company. Nowadays, each company sets its own prices.

To accurately calculate the cost of the Green Card for your car, we recommend using a convenient calculator from the Visit Ukraine portal. Just select the type of vehicle, insurance period and country of destination, click ‘Calculate the cost’ and choose the offer that suits you.

How to apply for a Green Card online?

The process of applying for a Green Card on the Visit Ukraine portal is as simple as possible and takes only a few minutes.To buy a Green Card online on the Visit Ukraine website, you need to follow a few simple steps.

1. Follow the link.

2. Select the type of vehicle, region/country of stay (where you are going), the validity period of the insurance (your stay abroad) and click the ‘Calculate the cost’ button.

3. Select the insurance agent from whom you want to issue a Green Card and click the ‘Apply’ button.

4. Fill in the form with the data about the policyholder and the car.

5. Confirm the data and agree to the terms of the contract.

6. Pay for the policy in a way convenient for you and receive electronic insurance by email.

Advantages of applying for a Green Card on the Visit Ukraine portal

Applying for a Green Card on the Visit Ukraine portal is a quick, convenient and safe way to obtain an international insurance policy. Using the service, you are guaranteed to receive:

- An official electronic policy from MTIBU, valid in all countries participating in the Green Card system;

- Instant issuance 24/7 from anywhere in the world without unnecessary procedures;

- Guaranteed insurance coverage from trusted insurance companies.

Apply for a Green Card on the Visit Ukraine portal and travel without worries!

Remember. Obtaining a Green Card is a mandatory step for travelling abroad by car. This is not only a legal requirement, but also your financial security. Here's how to get a Green Card quickly, what documents you need, and other important nuances.

Want to know more? Read the latest news and useful materials about Ukraine and the world in the News section.

Our recommendation for a safe and comfortable trip: 

Visit Ukraine Insurance - insurance for a safe stay abroad without unnecessary expenses;

Green Card - compulsory car insurance for traveling abroad;

Visit Ukraine Tickets - book tickets for buses, trains, and airplanes to/from Ukraine and between cities around the world;

Private Lawyer service - professional legal support on visa and migration issues;

Visit Ukraine Merch - buy patriotic clothing and accessories with worldwide delivery.

© 2018-2025, Visit Ukraine. Use, copying or reprinting of materials on this site is permitted only with a link (hyperlink for online publications) to Visit Ukraine.

All rights reserved.