What the Green Card is

The Green Card is both an international system of motor third-party liability insurance and a certificate confirming that the owner of a car travelling abroad has third-party liability cover. In essence it is the equivalent of OSAGO (Russia's compulsory motor third-party liability insurance) that works abroad: if a driver with a Green Card causes an accident in another member country, the victim is compensated by the insurer that issued the card, through the national bureaux.

The system has existed since the 1950s and brings together European countries and several states in the Middle East and North Africa. The functions of the Russian Green Card bureau are performed by the Russian Union of Motor Insurers (RSA): it was admitted to the system with the right to operate from 1 January 2009 and became a full member on 1 July 2015.

What changed in 2023

Russia formally remains on the list of member countries but cannot currently operate in the system:

  • from 1 June 2023, the RSA's bilateral agreements with the bureaux of EU countries, the United Kingdom and Switzerland ceased to apply — Russian Green Cards are no longer recognised there, and vice versa;
  • on 8 June 2023, the General Assembly of the Council of Bureaux suspended the RSA's membership indefinitely from 30 June 2023; the same decision was taken regarding the Belarusian bureau.

As a result, Russian insurers may not issue Green Card certificates, and previously issued cards ceased to be valid from 30 June 2023 regardless of the period stated on them. Foreign Green Cards are not valid in Russia either, except under certain bilateral arrangements.

How to insure a car for a trip abroad now

Border insurance

To enter a country by car where motor liability insurance is required, you buy that country's national border insurance policy. It is sold at border crossings or by local insurers. The period and price depend on the rules of the country of entry — check them before you travel.

Belarus

A separate agreement on mutual cross-border insurance is in place between the RSA and the Belarusian bureau. Since 1 April 2024, Belarusian insurers have issued certificates of the new "Blue Card" system for trips to Russia, and previously issued Belarusian Green Cards are recognised in Russia until they expire. For a trip from Russia to Belarus, it is best to check the current terms with your insurer or the RSA before departure.

Other friendly countries

The RSA concluded bilateral agreements with the bureaux of Azerbaijan and Turkey, which ensured the settlement of claims under cards issued before 1 July 2023 and provide for joint work on the Blue Card system. Agreements with other countries are being developed. The rules keep changing, so check the current requirements of your destination before you go.

If you have an accident abroad

The rules are similar in most countries:

  1. Stop, switch on the hazard lights and place a warning triangle.
  2. If anyone is injured, give first aid and call an ambulance. In the EU and many other countries the single emergency number is 112.
  3. Call the police if local law requires it or if there is a disagreement.
  4. Exchange details with the other party: names, registration numbers, insurance policy details. Many countries use a standard accident report form (European Accident Statement).
  5. Photograph the scene, the damage and the documents.
  6. Report the accident to the insurer that issued your policy, using the number stated on it.

Do not sign documents in a language you do not understand — ask for a translation or note your disagreement.

What else to take with you

  • Travel medical insurance. A motor liability policy does not cover your own medical treatment. You can arrange travel insurance in the Travel insurance section.
  • Vehicle documents and a power of attorney if the car is not yours.
  • An international driving permit if the country of entry requires one.

OSAGO at home

A Russian OSAGO policy is valid only in Russia. If you are going away for a long time, make sure the policy is still valid when you return. Learn more in the OSAGO section and on the Green Card page.