Ukrainians are applying for a ‘Green Card’ less frequently: why is this a huge mistake for drivers?

Despite the fact that Ukrainians are travelling abroad frequently, demand for the ‘Green Card’ is falling. Possible reasons include fewer trips and the dangerous practice of skimping on insurance. This could result in fines and significant costs in the event of a road traffic accident. Find out what risks drivers face and how to quickly take out a policy online

Green Card insurance policy for traveling abroad by car

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Travelling abroad in your own car always requires preparation, and having an international insurance policy is an essential requirement. However, recent statistics from the Motor (Transport) Insurance Bureau of Ukraine (MTIBU) reveal a trend: Ukrainian drivers are now less likely to obtain a ‘Green Card’. Let’s explore why this is happening and what risks motorists face if they deliberately neglect insurance.

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MTIBU statistics

Official figures for January–February 2026 show a decline in the international motor insurance market compared with the same period in 2025. The number of policies taken out fell by 2.02% (to 187,500), whilst the total premiums written decreased by 5.11%.

Although the number of road traffic accidents abroad fell by almost 5%, the amount of compensation paid out rose by 3.23% to €7.361 million. This may also mean that every accident on European roads now costs more.

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Two factors behind the fall in demand for policies

The decline in the number of ‘Green Cards’ issued is due to two completely different reasons — objective reality and dangerous negligence.

The first factor — people have started travelling abroad less frequently. This is to be expected: those who planned to stay in Europe have, for the most part, already settled there, switched to local vehicle registration and local insurance. And the number of short-term trips from Ukraine to the EU has fallen slightly compared to previous years.

The second factor is the deliberate disregard for insurance. Some drivers decide to save money by crossing the border or staying abroad without a valid policy. Many simply forget to renew their policy and hope that the local police won’t stop them for a check. And this decision is a colossal mistake.

No Green Card? Here’s the price of safety

Trying to save a few dozen euros on an insurance policy can turn into a financial disaster. Driving without insurance in EU countries is severely punished: fines start at 1,000 euros, the car may be impounded, and the driver faces visa cancellation and a ban on entry.

But the main risk is a potential road accident. Car repairs and medical services in Europe are incomparably more expensive than in Ukraine. If an accident occurs through your fault and you do not have a Green Card, you will have to pay hundreds of thousands of euros in damages to the victims out of your own pocket.

How can you sort out your insurance quickly?

Nowadays, you don’t need to visit an insurance company’s office to get an international policy — everything can be arranged online from anywhere in the world.

A reliable and quick way to protect yourself is the Visit Ukraine portal. On the website, you can calculate the cost and buy a Green Card in just a couple of minutes with no hidden fees. An electronic policy from an official insurance company will be sent to your email instantly. It is fully legally valid — you simply need to save the document on your smartphone.

Reminder! With the arrival of spring, Ukrainians are increasingly planning trips abroad in their own cars, but this also brings a greater risk of encountering fraudsters. Find out how scams involving fake ‘Green Cards’ work, what risks this poses to drivers, and how to check the authenticity of an insurance policy before your trip.

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