A Green Card insurance policy is mandatory for driving in 50 countries. Find out what penalties are provided for drivers if they do not have a Green Card or their insurance policy has expired
There are fines for not having a compulsory insurance policy for driving abroad. At the same time, the amount to be paid is several times higher than the cost of the insurance policy itself, even if compared to the price of a Green Card issued for 1 year.
What is more profitable: a Green Card or a local car insurance policy?
Car insurance, for example, in Europe is not a cheap pleasure. For example, in Germany, an insurance policy for a year will cost from 900 euros, and in the Netherlands, some insurance companies charge from 100 euros per month. But at the same time, the final cost of insurance will depend on the country of residence, the chosen insurance company, the driver's fines and recorded accidents. After all, insurers often charge much higher amounts for drivers who have already been involved in traffic accidents or regularly exceed the speed limit.
It should be borne in mind that a local motor citizen is definitely not suitable for those who plan to cross the borders of several countries, because the insurance will be valid only in one country.
Instead, the cost of the Green Card is fixed and such an insurance policy allows you to travel freely through all member countries of the Green Card system.
Which countries impose fines for not having a Green Card?
The policy must be taken out if you plan to travel to one of the member countries of the Green Card system, which is 50 countries in Europe, North Africa and the Middle East. In particular: Albania, Andorra, Austria, Azerbaijan, Belgium, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Belarus, Switzerland, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Germany, Denmark, Spain, Estonia, France, Finland, Greece, Hungary, Croatia, Italy, Iran, Ireland, Iceland, and Spain, Luxembourg, Lithuania, Latvia, Malta, Morocco, Moldova, North Macedonia, Montenegro, Norway, the Netherlands, Portugal, Poland, Romania, russia, Sweden, Slovakia, Slovenia, Serbia, Tunisia, Turkey, Ukraine, and the United Kingdom.
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What are the fines for an overdue or missing Green Card?
The amount of the fine depends on the current legislation of the host country. As a rule, this amount starts from 1000 euros. At the same time, the fine is not the only problem for drivers and car owners, because in some countries, the lack of insurance can lead to deportation, a ban on subsequent entries into the country, as well as the seizure or arrest of the vehicle.
And if an accident occurs and the driver does not have a Green Card for the car, he or she risks spending tens of thousands of euros on car repairs and compensation for the treatment of the victims. And it should be borne in mind that in some countries, including Europe, there are no limits on compensation for damages. This means that the culprit of the accident will be obliged to support the victims for life.
So, do not neglect to take out a Green Card for your car, because the consequences of such a decision can leave an imprint on the rest of your life. You can buy a Green Card insurance policy quickly and easily for the required period by following the link.
We remind you! Many drivers traveling abroad face a situation when their Green Card has expired. Read more about what to do in this case and whether it is possible to extend the validity of the insurance while abroad in our previous article.
Photo: GERT EGGENBERGER / APA / AFP
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