About the Green Card. Everything you need to know about Green Card insurance Green Card terms of use
Abroad
When traveling abroad by car, you must have a so-called “Green Card” with you. This is your compulsory public liability insurance policy when away from home.
The essence of the Green Card system is simple and is as follows:
If the driver of a foreign vehicle is to blame for the accident, then you will be compensated for the damage.
If the accident was your fault, you only need to present the “Green Card” to the police representative or the victim. We'll take care of the rest.
The settlement of all claims is carried out within the limits of the insured amounts in accordance with the legislation of the country in which the accident occurred.
You enter Europe with a national policy that works according to European rules.
The Green Card policy is accepted in many countries around the world. The participating states of this system mutually recognize civil liability insurance contracts for vehicle owners concluded by one of the countries and guarantee that in the event of an accident abroad, the injured party will be compensated for damages.
Having a Green Card policy is a prerequisite for driving a car into any European country, as well as into the territory of Morocco, Tunisia, Israel and Iran!
By taking out a car travel policy, you will get rid of many problems abroad. You can apply for a Green Card policy at the branches of the Rosgosstrakh company.
Please note that at the moment you can buy a Green Card at the office of one of many constituent entities of the Russian Federation, including in St. Petersburg, Yekaterinburg, Krasnodar and other cities (see list of sales offices).
From the history of the Green Card
The history of the Green Card began in the post-war years.
Since 1946, motorists have been able to cross the borders of different European countries with relative ease. But, being insured in their own country, drivers who get into an accident in another country find themselves in a difficult situation. It was also difficult for the companies that insured them, since each state has its own laws and insurance rules.
In 1946, on the initiative of the Transport Committee of the Economic Commission for Europe, a working group on road transport was created in Geneva. Its task was to create a system that would protect victims of road accidents if the culprit of the accident is a foreigner, and at the same time would free motorists visiting other countries from the need to comply with insurance regulations adopted there.
The Green Card system began to operate in February 1949 in Europe and Scandinavia. On January 1, 2009, Russia also joined it.
Rates
The cost of the Green Card is established by the Russian Union of Insurers in agreement with the Ministry of Finance of the Russian Federation. Tariffs are the same for all companies. We recommend our clients to take out insurance at one of the representative offices of the Rosgosstrakh company, where you can find out the current cost of the Green Card for your car.
Attention! According to the established rules, only the civil liability of the owner of a vehicle registered in the Russian Federation can be insured using the Green Card system.
If you purchase a policy not at a Rosgosstrakh representative office, be careful:
- make sure you have a valid power of attorney giving the right to enter into Green Card agreements;
- payment for the policy is made at a time;
- tariffs do not provide for discounts;
- the insurance contract must be concluded no earlier than 30 days before the start of the insurance period;
- Vehicles registered in other states are not accepted for insurance;
- Vehicles without a state registration plate or a “TRANSIT” sign on a metalized base are not accepted for insurance;
- It is not allowed to indicate the VIN number of the vehicle in the policy;
- The policy must be issued in printed form.
On the Rosgosstrakh website you can apply for insurance for a Schengen visa in just 5 minutes, after which the policy will be sent to your email in PDF format.
Traveling abroad in your own car has certain advantages, for example, it allows you to get to know the country better and choose a more convenient route. But no matter how experienced and careful the driver is, there is always a risk of getting into traffic accidents, which happen even in the most developed and prosperous countries. A special one helps to resolve problems in such situations, without which the car owner simply will not be allowed into another country. What is a “green card” for a car, where can it be issued and how to use it in the event of an accident?
Green card - what is it?
A green card is an insurance policy intended for vehicle owners during trips abroad. That is, it is actually an analogue of compulsory motor liability insurance, only valid on the territory of foreign countries. The presence of such insurance is a mandatory condition when crossing the border and guarantees payments to the party injured in the accident.
The agreement on motor third party liability insurance was adopted within the framework of the Green Card system, which since 2016 has already included 48 countries. The policy has a uniform form and is issued exclusively in printed form. Green cards do not yet function in electronic format due to certain differences in the legislation of countries. The insurance amount in each specific case is determined in accordance with the legal regulations of the state where the accident occurred.
A policy is issued only for vehicles registered with the state. This also applies to cars with transit license plates. At the same time, you need to insure even those vehicles that are not subject to MTPL insurance, for example, trailers, tracked vehicles, mopeds. There are no restrictions on the number of citizens allowed to drive a car, and it is not even necessary to provide information about the owner: the green card is issued to the person who submits the documents.
Types of Green Card policies
The international Green Card certificate in Russia has two varieties, depending on the territory of its validity. The first type is a policy with a coverage area of “all countries”: it is valid for all 48 countries participating in the international insurance system. The second type of insurance covers only neighboring countries - Belarus, Ukraine, Azerbaijan and Moldova, and, accordingly, is valid only on their territory. Both types of policies are issued in the same format, and the difference between them is the amount of insurance payment.
Where to apply for a policy
A limited number of internationally accredited insurance companies have the right to sell Green Card certificates. A complete list of these companies can be found on the website of the Russian Union of Motor Insurers.
In some countries, compensation payments are too large or do not have a clear limit at all, and in the event of serious consequences of an accident, insurers incur significant losses. It is for this reason that many well-known companies have refused to participate in the Green Card system.
You can apply for a green card at the insurer’s office or online, which will save effort and time. When ordering online, you will have to fill out a form and upload scans of documents, and the finished policy will be delivered by courier to the specified address within 24 hours. Those who did not have time to buy insurance in advance can apply for it right at the border crossing. True, in this case there is a risk of purchasing a fake or a policy from a company that does not have the right to issue green cards, which will result in large losses for the motorist.
Video - Differences and similarities between a real policy and a fake one
Procedure for obtaining a green card
The policy can be obtained by both an individual and a legal entity that legally owns a vehicle. According to the insurance rules in the Green Card system, it is not the car itself that is subject to insurance, but the responsibility of its driver, that is, if an accident occurs due to the fault of the policyholder, the victim will receive compensation at the expense of the company. But the culprit of the accident is not entitled to any compensation, and in the absence of other types of insurance, the car will have to be restored at his own expense.
Important! A green card only makes it possible to minimize financial costs in the event of an accident, but in no way relieves you from criminal liability. To protect yourself, carefully read the road rules of the country you are traveling to and exercise extreme caution when traveling.
The procedure for obtaining a policy is quite simple:
- choose an insurance company from the RSA list;
- determine the optimal duration of the policy;
- pay the cost;
- submit documents along with a payment receipt;
- you receive a ready-made policy.
Until 2016, the policy was issued on 4 sheets, two of which were copies of the policy itself and civil insurance, but the new sample is a single-layer form of standard size. Now almost all companies issue insurance on new forms, although the old format is also valid and can be used for its intended purpose.
Along with the policy, the policyholder receives a contract and a memo detailing the procedure in case of an accident abroad. Please note that if you do something not according to the rules, the company may refuse to compensate the victims for damages, which means that you will have to pay out of your own pocket. So, be sure to read the instructions and always strictly follow the instructions given in it.
Video - How to issue a policy correctly
What documents are needed
A green card is issued if you have the following documents:
- for an individual – citizen’s passport, registration certificate for a car;
- for a legal entity - legal registration certificates. person and vehicle, seal.
Ownership of the car is not required; it is sufficient that the policyholder has legal access to operate the vehicle.
Moreover, there may be several such persons, because the policy does not limit the number of citizens using the vehicle under insurance.
The policy begins to operate immediately as soon as you cross the border, but you cannot purchase it earlier than a month before the trip.
Advice. Before going to the company’s office, it is advisable to check the availability of policy forms, otherwise there is a risk of wasting time. You can find out this information by calling the phone numbers listed on the insurer’s website.
Insurance cost
Tariffs for green card policies are set by RSA in agreement with the Ministry of Finance of the Russian Federation, and therefore the cost of insurance in all companies is the same. Since tariffs are tied to the euro, they are recalculated monthly, depending on the exchange rate, and new rates are valid from the 15th of the current month to the 14th of the next.
The cost of a green card is determined by three factors:
Advice. In some cases, when you only need a car to get to your destination and back, without using it while living abroad, it will be much more profitable to buy 2 short-term policies instead of one for 2 or 3 months.
Tariffs for insurance with a coverage area of “all countries” (amounts are indicated in rubles)
| Kind of transport | Minimum tariff (15 days) | Maximum tariff (12 months) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 160 | 10 540 |
| 2 320 | 21 070 |
| 3 870 | 35 160 |
| 6 640 | 98 230 |
| 690 | 6 300 |
| 780 | 7 050 |
Tariffs for a policy with a coverage area of "Azerbaijan, Ukraine, Moldova, Belarus"
| Kind of transport | Min. rate | Max. rate |
|---|---|---|
| 390 | 2 600 |
| 790 | 5 270 |
| 1 340 | 8 960 |
| 1 650 | 24 430 |
| 240 | 1 580 |
| 270 | 1 790 |
When purchasing a green card at the company’s office, payment is made strictly at the specified rate, but those who purchase insurance at the border often have to overpay for registration services. To avoid being deceived and having to pay exorbitant prices, check the current tariffs on the RSA website in advance.
Procedure in case of an accident
The insurance certificate and its tear-off copy must be carried with you during the entire trip. In the event of an accident on the road, you must follow the procedure specified in the memo, regardless of whose fault the accident occurred.
Step 1. Stay where you are and call the local police (the EU has a single emergency number - 112).
Step 2. Turn on your warning lights and post a warning sign in front of the scene of the incident.
Step 3. If possible, take contact information from witnesses to the situation and definitely from the second participant in the accident.
Step 4. If you are at fault for what happened, provide the injured party with a copy of the policy, but if the second participant is at fault, get information about his insurance from him.
Step 5. After the police draw up a report, be sure to ask for a copy of it. If you do not speak the language of the country where you are, call the Green Card office (all numbers are listed on the back of the policy).
Step 6. Once you receive a copy of the accident report, call the insurance company and notify about the incident.
The company’s employees will do the rest, the main thing is not to give the original policy to anyone and do not sign documents if their meaning is not clear to you. There is also no need to pay anything at the scene of the accident, because all payments are made by the insurance company.
Video - What is a green card for a car
The Green Card is a mandatory document when entering the Schengen zone by vehicle. The conditions for obtaining a card, the necessary documents for registration and other basic issues are covered in the article.
Motor transport is the main means of transportation for modern people. Traveling by car is becoming more popular. This method allows you to create your own route, plan travel time and stops.
Hitchhiking around countries is cheaper than flying or traveling by train. To avoid unpleasant incidents in the host country, transport must be insured.
Green card to the Schengen area
Green Card is an international insurance contract for owners of a vehicle (vehicle) who travel outside their state.
You can compare the Green Card with the Russian OSAGO policy. A distinctive feature of the Green Card is the validity of the insurance contract in the Schengen area. It gives the right to compensation for damages in case of an accident (traffic accident), in accordance with the current legislation of the state in which the car accident occurred.
A green card is required for the driver when traveling by car in the Schengen area. The policy is valid in European countries, the Republic of Belarus, Moldova, Ukraine and some countries in Africa and Asia.
Car owners receive compensation depending on the severity of the accident and the damage caused to the vehicle after the culprit of the accident is identified.
In some European countries, the person responsible for the accident pays damages for treatment, the rehabilitation period of the driver, and also bears the cost of restoring the vehicle. The amount depends on the state in whose territory the traffic accident occurred.
In order not to purchase a fake certificate, it is important to issue it in trusted organizations that have the right to issue an insurance policy in the Schengen area. Carefully check all the data that the employee enters into the document (personal data, green card expiration date, etc.)
Be wary of offers to purchase an insurance policy at a low price; there is a risk of making a purchase from scammers. Such an insurance policy will be invalid and useless.
Benefits of international insurance
The Green Card is your guarantor during road trips and business trips in Europe and neighboring countries. Main advantages and features of the Green Card:
- Insurance companies that issue international insurance for the Schengen area offer the same rates and terms of the insurance contract;
- The document is issued for the vehicle. In this case, the person entering into the contract is indicated (he may not be the owner of the car);
- The insurance policy is valid for all drivers who use the vehicle legally;
- It is recommended to purchase a certificate no earlier than 1 month before travel;
- If the culprit of the accident is a foreign citizen, compensation for damage is guaranteed. If your car is the cause of the accident, you must provide a green card to the arriving police or the driver who was injured;
- All claims and conflict issues are governed by the laws of the state where the accident occurred.
The certificate is your protection in the event of an accident while traveling abroad in a vehicle. The culprit of the accident, who has a green card, will not independently compensate for the damage; employees of the insurance company are responsible for this.
Features of the green card design
At the insurance company, you enter into an agreement, pay the required amount according to the receipt and pick up a package of documents (international insurance agreement Schengen Green Card, a reminder for the driver, a payment receipt (indicating the cost of the service), special notification forms). The certificate is required at the border to a European country and in the event of an accident on foreign territory.
When registering, be sure to indicate:
- Type of vehicle (car, truck, motorcycle, moped, agricultural vehicle, etc.);
- If the vehicle has a trailer, then a Green Card is issued for it;
- The person who concludes the insurance contract;
- Vehicle registration number;
- Document validity period (from 15 days to 1 year);
- Coverage area of the insurance policy (all countries or Belarus, Ukraine, Moldova).
Some insurance organizations ask to indicate the exact length of stay in a European country and an approximate travel route.
It is recommended to issue a certificate in advance (about 30 days before the trip). If you don’t have time or the trip is urgent, you can quickly get a policy near the border. But the purchase there will cost 500 rubles more, and there is also a high chance of running into scammers. Therefore, if possible, deal with the insurance contract in advance.
To obtain a Schengen visa, a Green Card is sometimes required (for countries for which insurance is required, check with the consular offices).
You need to contact licensed insurance companies to obtain the document.
Documents for obtaining a green card
To apply for a green card, you must provide a package of documents. To draw up an insurance contract, have with you:
- International passport;
- Original documents for the vehicle;
- For a legal entity: certificate of registration.
The number of drivers who can legally use a green card is not limited, since the policy is issued on a vehicle.
Where to apply for a green card
You can apply for a Green Card at any insurance company that has been accredited and has the right to issue a policy. Organizations issuing a Green Card may be located on the territory of the Russian Federation or near the border of European countries.
The list of authorized companies that provide services for obtaining a Green Card in the Russian Federation is approved by the RSA (Russian Union of Auto Insurers). Examples of companies: JSC Ergo, JSC IC Twenty-First Century, LLC Rosgosstrakh, JSC VSK, JSC SG MSK.
A complete list can be found on the RSA (official national bureau) website.
If the trip is urgent and you do not have time to issue a certificate on the territory of the Russian Federation, then you can buy an insurance contract in offices that are located near the European borders. Such a policy will also be an official document.
Registration takes place in the same manner as in any insurance company. Mini-offices are usually located in minibuses or at a gas station. However, when purchasing a certificate at the border, there is a risk of receiving a fake document. Check all personal data on site.
A policy made on a false form or if you are not included in the general database does not guarantee insurance protection for the driver. Plus, a fine is imposed for fake documents. The amount is determined by the laws of the country where the document was found.
It is currently not possible to purchase a Green Card on the Internet. When applying for a policy, the driver is required to provide original documents, not copies.
What is indicated in the Green Card
When completing a document, it is important to check that the information filled in is correct. What must be specified in an international insurance policy:
- Full name of the insurance organization, exact name of the document;
- Data of the person who enters into the contract;
- Registration number of the vehicle (trailer);
- Validity period of the certificate, territorial zone in which the card is valid;
- Additional information, date of conclusion of the contract;
- Signature of the policyholder.
Procedure for obtaining a Green Card
In order to receive a certificate you need:
- Choose an insurance company that will issue an insurance policy;
- Prepare a package of documents;
- Determine exactly how long you will stay abroad and the countries you plan to visit;
- Submit an application, pay the receipt;
- Receive a package of documents. Check the entered data.
The most important point is the choice of an insurance company. Accredited companies provide quality services and consultations.
How to calculate the cost of a service
Tariffs for a Green Card are the same in all insurance companies that issue this policy. There is no point in visiting several organizations in search of a lower price.
To conclude an insurance contract, the policyholder submits to the insurer an application for concluding an insurance contract in the required form, as well as the following documents:
- Passport or other identification document (if the insurance contract is concluded by an individual).
- Certificate of registration of a legal entity (if the car insurance contract is concluded by a legal entity).
- One of the vehicle registration documents issued by the vehicle registration authority (vehicle passport, vehicle registration certificate, technical passport or similar document).
It should be remembered that the Green Card is NOT a CASCO insurance policy, but works only as compulsory motor liability insurance abroad.
The Green Card is valid for a minimum of 15 days, and then at monthly intervals - 1 month, 2 months, 3 months, etc. The maximum validity period of the Green Card is 12 months. The insurance contract cannot contain an insurance period starting later than 30 days from the date of issue of the insurance certificate.
The Green Card policy protects the civil liability of vehicle owners, including for the life and health of an injured third party abroad.
To travel within the territory of the Russian Federation, it is mandatory for the car owner to have an MTPL policy.
We answer frequently asked questions
What is the Green Card system or simply Green Card?
“Green Card” is a system of international treaties that allows for compensation for damage to a victim in an accident, the culprit of which is a citizen of a foreign country, in accordance with the legislation and established amounts of compensation of the country where the accident occurred. The cost depends on the type of vehicle, the validity period and the type of card (two types of cards): Tariffs are set by the Russian Union of Auto Insurers and are an annex to the Insurance Rules. Tariffs are the same for all system participants in the Russian Federation (12 insurance companies). In all countries participating in the system, without exception, namely:
(since January 1, 2016),
- Iraq,
- Ireland,
- Spain,
- Italy,
- Cyprus,
- Latvia,
- Lithuania,
- Luxembourg,
- Malta,
- Morocco,
- Moldova,
- Macedonia,
- Netherlands,
- Norway,
- Portugal,
- Poland,
- Russia
(from 01/01/2009), - Romania,
- Serbia,
- The Slovak Republic,
- Slovenia,
- Tunisia,
- Türkiye,
- Ukraine,
- Finland,
- France,
- Croatia,
- Czech Republic,
- Switzerland,
- Sweden,
- Estonia.
The insurance period under the Green Card can begin immediately after its issuance, but no later than 30 days from the date of issue. This is regulated by law.
Why is the column “Signature of the Policyholder” only on the last two pages of the self-copying policy out of four?This was done in order to meet the requirements of both foreign and Russian legislation in one document. Abroad, the policyholder's signature is not required. Therefore, when applying, it is necessary to obtain the signature of the policyholder on the third and fourth pages of the Green Card Certificate and fill out information about the insurance premium. Everything else is identical.
What documents are given to the policyholder upon concluding the contract?The Green Card certificate is a 4-layer self-copier.
The Policyholder retains:
- 1st, 2nd and 3rd pages of the certificate (2nd page is given to the police officer in case of an accident).
- Reminder of actions in case of an accident.
- Original receipt A-7 (if payment was accepted in cash).
- Rules.
The insurer remains:
- 4th page of the certificate.
- Original application.
- Copy of receipt A-7 (if payment was accepted in cash).
When making a non-cash payment (for example, when working with a company), the invoice remains with the policyholder, and we have either confirmation of the receipt of payment or a copy of the payment order. Or a receipt for payment through a bank (in the case of an individual depositing cash into a bank).
If an insured event occurs, how will the losses be settled?Under Rosgosstrakh policies in all countries except Belarus, Bulgaria, Hungary, Greece, Finland, the Netherlands, Turkey and Poland, loss settlement is carried out by the European company AVUS. In Poland - by the Polish company ROM. In the countries of Belarus, Bulgaria, Hungary, Greece, Finland, the Netherlands, and Turkey, losses are settled by the national Green Card Bureaus of these countries.
How long will it take for the victim to receive compensation?The victim will receive compensation no later than 3 months from the date of the accident.
What is the maximum sum insured?It is limited by the MTPL legislation of the country where the accident occurred, but in a number of countries the insurance amount is not determined due to the unlimited payment, i.e. payment to victims is made in full according to bills for repairs and treatment (unlimited, for example, France, Belgium, England, etc.)
Which Russian insurance companies have the right to sell the Green Card certificate?Insurance companies that are members of the Green Card Bureau, including Rosgosstrakh, have the right to sell the Green Card certificate. Also, the “Green Card” certificate has the right to sell agents to whom member companies of the “Green Card” Bureau have delegated their rights to issue Certificates.”
Where can I purchase a Green Card certificate?You can buy a “Green Card” at all Moscow and Moscow region offices of the Rosgosstrakh company, as well as at the Company’s branches in 60 regions of the Russian Federation (see list of sales offices).
What is the Russian Green Card Bureau?All information about the Russian Green Card Bureau can be found.
