The green card is one of the most important documents for the driver. Yet there are many myths surrounding it. Many people confuse it with compulsory liability insurance itself, others believe they don’t need it at all. But the truth is different. The green card is a confirmation that you have taken out compulsory insurance and in many countries you can’t do without it. We’ll explain exactly what a green card is, how valid it is, where you’ll need it and how to get one.
If you are not sure what to do in the event of an accident abroad, or if you have a problem with your insurance company regarding compulsory insurance or green card, please contact us. We will advise you quickly, online and clearly.
The validity of the green card is always directly linked to the validity of the compulsory insurance. If your compulsory liability expires or is no longer valid, the green card will automatically cease to be valid.
The card always shows the period of validity – the beginning and the end. The insurance company will also issue you with a new card when you renew or extend your compulsory insurance.
In the event of a roadside check or an accident, the green card is the document you use to prove that your compulsory insurance is valid. If you were to drive a vehicle with an invalid card, this effectively means that you are driving without insurance, which has very severe consequences.
The Green Card is recognised in all countries that are members of the Council of Bureaux system. This includes all EU countries, but also other European and non-European countries such as Norway, Switzerland, Serbia, Turkey and Tunisia.
A green card is therefore essential when travelling abroad by car. If you go to a country that is not part of the scheme, you will need to take out so-called border insurance. This is taken out directly when you enter the country and is usually much more expensive than normal compulsory insurance.
We therefore recommend that you check the current list of countries where the card is valid before you leave – you can always find it on the back of the document.
Your insurance company will issue you with a green card automatically when you take out compulsory insurance. It used to come only by post, but now you can often download it online.
Most insurers offer the option of sending the card by email in PDF format. You can then print it out on white paper and use it just as if it had arrived in the post. However, this is not necessary as you no longer need to physically carry the green card, see below. This trend is not only more convenient, but also faster – you can have the document virtually immediately after arranging your policy.
Tip: Compulsory insurance is one of those things that we often only realise when there is a problem. Maybe you forgot to make a payment, bought a used car without insurance, or even received a letter asking you to pay a debt. What to do in such a situation?
Until a few years ago, it was compulsory to carry the original green card with you at all times. Today, this is no longer the case in the Czech Republic – the police have access to an electronic database and can verify the validity of compulsory liability insurance themselves.
But beware: this option is not valid abroad. In some countries, a photo on your mobile phone or an electronic version in an email is not enough. They require a paper copy, or at least a printed PDF copy. That’s why it’s always safer to carry your card physically when travelling by car.
If you lose, damage or have your green card stolen, there’s no need to panic. Just contact your insurance company and ask for a duplicate.
Most insurance companies will simply email you the card so you can print it out again. This will save you the hassle and possible fines at a roadside check. We also recommend you save it to your mobile phone so you have at least an electronic backup.
Myth 1: “A green card is the same as compulsory third party liability.”
This is one of the most common misconceptions. Many drivers feel that a green card is insurance in itself, and as long as they carry it, that solves everything. In reality, however, it works differently. Compulsory third party insurance is a legally binding contract between you and the insurance company, under which you are insured in case you cause damage while operating your vehicle. A green card, on the other hand , is just a document that confirms this fact.
It is similar to an ID card – it is also not a nationality, but only a proof of it. Therefore, if someone carries a green card, but the compulsory liability insurance has expired in the meantime (e.g. by not paying the insurance premium), the card becomes invalid. The paper itself does not protect you, only a valid insurance policy protects you.
Myth 2: “There is no need for a green card anymore.”
Often you will also come across the claim that you don’t need a green card anymore. This myth has arisen mainly in connection with a change in Czech law, where from 2021 it is no longer obligatory to carry a green card physically when driving in the Czech Republic. The police will be able to verify the validity of the compulsory insurance by themselves through a central database.
This does not mean that the green card has lost its meaning completely. If you plan to travel abroad by car, the card is still essential. The local police do not have access to Czech databases abroad, so they may ask you for this document when they check you. Without it, you risk being fined or even banned from continuing your journey.
So you may be able to get by without it in the Czech Republic, but abroad the green card is still a compulsory part of the vehicle equipment.
Hint: All citizens can now present a classic ID card on their mobile phones. How will this eDoklady app work in competition with classic ID cards and will it affect their validity in any way?
Myth #3: “You only need to have a green card on your mobile phone.”
With the development of digitalisation, the question arises whether it is not sufficient to have a green card stored on a mobile phone, for example as a PDF file or a photo. In some cases it is indeed enough, especially in the Czech Republic where the police are content with electronic checks.
The problem arises when travelling abroad. Not all countries recognise the electronic form of the document and many still insist on the paper form. In addition, when carrying out road checks in smaller towns or more remote areas, the police may not have the technical means to verify the document in digital form. Therefore, a photo on a phone may not be considered sufficient evidence.
It is therefore always safer to carry a printed version of the green card, ideally the original or at least a good quality copy. This will save you any inconvenience, delays and, in the worst case, financial penalties.
The Green Card, officially the ‘International Car Insurance Card’, is a document confirming that you have taken out compulsory third party insurance, without which you must not operate a vehicle. Its validity is always directly linked to the validity of the compulsory liability insurance and the card automatically ceases to be valid when it expires. It is issued by the insurance company when you take out the policy, often online, and although it is no longer necessary to have it physically on your person in the Czech Republic, most countries abroad require it. It is therefore safe to always have a printed version, even if there is an electronic alternative. If you lose your card, the insurance company will issue you a duplicate.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a green card and what is it for?
It is a document that proves you have taken out compulsory insurance.
Do I need to have a green card in my car?
Not in the Czech Republic, but usually abroad.
Is the Green Card valid throughout Europe?
Yes, in most European countries. Exceptions require border insurance.
What should I do if I forget my green card at home?
No problem in the Czech Republic, but it is better not to travel abroad without it.
Can I only have a green card online?
In the Czech Republic yes, abroad it is better to have a paper version.
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