The “Grüne Karte,” literally translated as “Green Card” in English, is an international motor insurance card system that serves as proof of insurance for vehicles traveling abroad.
What is “Grüne Karte”?
The Grüne Karte is an essential document for drivers traveling outside their home country, particularly in Europe and several other participating countries. It verifies that the vehicle has the minimum required third-party liability insurance. The card was traditionally printed on green paper, which is how it got its name. However, since July 2020, the card is issued on white paper but retains its original name for continuity. The Grüne Karte is relevant to drivers in Germany and other participating countries, as it simplifies the process of proving insurance coverage when crossing international borders.
More information about “Grüne Karte”
Initially, the Grüne Karte was mandatory to carry in many European countries as a physical document. However, within the European Economic Area (EEA) and Switzerland, the requirement to carry this card has been relaxed due to mutual recognition of vehicle registration and insurance. Despite this, in countries like Italy, it is still advisable to carry the Grüne Karte as authorities may request it in the event of an accident. Outside the EEA, the card is often required to prove insurance coverage, making it an indispensable document for drivers venturing into non-EEA countries where the card is recognized.
Related to “Grüne Karte”
Here are some additional terms that are related to Grüne Karte:
- Kfz-Haftpflichtversicherung: This is the mandatory third-party liability insurance for vehicle owners in Germany. It covers damages caused by the insured vehicle to others.
- Internationale Versicherungskarte für Kraftverkehr (IVK): Another term for the Grüne Karte, emphasizing its role as an international insurance card for motor traffic.
- Kennzeichenabkommen: Refers to agreements between countries that allow the mutual recognition of vehicle registration plates as proof of insurance, reducing the need for the Grüne Karte within certain regions.
The Grüne Karte system simplifies international travel by car, ensuring that drivers have the necessary insurance coverage when crossing borders[1][2][3][4][5].