How to insure a car abroad: instructions for Ukrainians

All drivers of vehicles who drive their own cars on European roads or are planning a trip should know that vehicle insurance is a prerequisite for legal driving. Find out more about how to insure your car abroad and how to apply for a policy online in a few minutes

Insurance policy Green card for traveling abroad by car

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Car insurance is mandatory for all vehicles not only in Ukraine but also abroad. Drivers face significant fines for ignoring this rule. How to insure a Ukrainian car abroad, whether it is possible to buy a policy online, and whether Ukrainians need to take out a local motor third party liability insurance policy when they are in another country are discussed in the article below.

Planning a trip abroad in your own car?

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

Car insurance abroad: information for Ukrainian drivers

All Ukrainian drivers who have re-registered their cars and received new licence plates in the country of residence are required to take out a local civil liability insurance policy. It is analogous to the Ukrainian motor third party liability insurance and covers damages caused to another vehicle in the event of an accident.

A local policy is also required when buying a new car in the host country.

However, drivers who continue to legally drive cars with Ukrainian licence plates abroad do not need to take out local insurance, as there is a single insurance policy that protects Ukrainian cars in Europe.

The Green Card is an international insurance policy for motorists. If you have driven your own car out of Ukraine, you know that this policy is mandatory for crossing the border. However, it is also valid in other countries. The main thing is to keep track of the policy's validity period and renew it in time.

If you have a Green Card, the insurance company will reimburse you for any damage that may be caused abroad by a car that has a valid policy. It's important to remember that damage caused to third parties is covered, but the coverage does not apply to the person responsible for the accident. This means that if you hit someone else's car abroad, the insurance company will pay money to the other party to the accident, not you.

Keep in mind that it is impossible to leave Ukraine without a Green Card for a car with Ukrainian registration, because the border will check for a valid policy.

In which countries is the Green Card valid?

The Green Card is valid in the territories of all member states of the Green Card Agreement: Albania, Austria, Azerbaijan, Belgium, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Cyprus, Denmark (except Greenland and the Faroe Islands), Estonia, Germany, Greece (except for Athos), Ireland, Israel, Iceland, Italy, Israel, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Moldova, the Netherlands (except Aruba), the Netherlands (except for the Caribbean, Caribbean Netherlands, Curacao, St. Maarten), Germany (except Büsingen am Hochrein), Norway (except Svalbard and Bear Island), North Macedonia, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Turkey, Hungary, Finland, France (except Overseas Region), Croatia, Czech Republic, Montenegro, Switzerland, Sweden, Morocco, Tunisia and Iran.

That is why drivers who plan to transit several countries do not need to worry about additional insurance services, as the Green Card covers 46 countries.

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Green Card: price on the Visit Ukraine portal

Three main factors affect the cost of insurance:

- 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 buy a Green Card online?

You can buy a Green Card for a car with Ukrainian registration both abroad and in Ukraine. However, insurance abroad will cost much more.

Therefore, it is better to buy insurance online, as it is quick and easy. 

The process of applying for a Green Card on the Visit Ukraine portal is as simple as possible and takes only a few minutes:

1. Follow the link.

2. Click the ‘Order a policy’ button.

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

4. Choose an insurance agent from whom you want to issue a Green Card and click the ‘Issue’ button.

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

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

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

Please note! The online Green Card becomes valid the next day after the insurance is issued. That is, it is impossible to take out a policy ‘for today’. Take this into account when planning your trip.

Why should you get a Green Card on the Visit Ukraine portal?

Green Card for a car issued on the Visit Ukraine website:

- Confirms the legality of crossing the border - without this policy, travelling outside Ukraine by car is impossible;

- Guarantees financial protection - the insurance covers damages caused to third parties in the event of an accident;

- Internationally recognised - the policy is valid in all countries participating in the system without additional local insurance.

Going abroad in your own car?

Don't forget to get a Green Card — an international insurance policy that you'll need to cross the border.

You can easily order a Green Card online on the Visit Ukraine website. In just a few minutes, you will receive a policy with guaranteed coverage by email. The service is available around the clock, fast, reliable and with support at every stage.

Order a Green Card through Visit Ukraine and travel with peace of mind!

Just a reminder. Obtaining a Green Card is a mandatory step for car trips abroad. It is not only a legal requirement but also your financial security. What you need to obtain a Green Card and a checklist for drivers can be found at the link.

Photo: Freepik

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