Every year, the number of Ukrainians traveling abroad by car is increasing. In this regard, for many, the question of the mandatory insurance policy of international insurance “Green Card”, without which it is impossible to legally cross the border, becomes relevant. Since September 2022, an electronic version of this policy has been introduced in Ukraine, which has become a much more convenient alternative to the traditional paper form. However, drivers have many questions about the new rules: does an electronic policy have the same legal force as a paper one, can it be accepted at the border and during checks abroad, and what changes in 2024 will affect the issuance of a “Green Card”? IA “FAKT” considered all aspects in detail in order to give clear answers to Ukrainian motorists.
What is a “Green Card” and why is it needed?
“Green Card” is an international insurance policy created in 1949 to provide insurance coverage of the driver’s liability in the event of a road accident abroad. It acts as an analogue of the Ukrainian autocivilka (OSTCPV), but it covers the territories of other countries participating in the system. Ukraine is a member of this system, therefore drivers who cross the borders of Ukraine by car must have a valid “Green Card” – a document that covers damage in the event of an emergency with a foreign vehicle.
Implementation of the electronic “Green Card”: what has changed?
Since September 2022, Ukrainian drivers have had the opportunity to issue a “Green Card” in electronic form, which has greatly simplified the process of obtaining it. Thanks to the electronic version, it is no longer necessary to personally visit the office of the insurance company – it is enough to have access to the Internet. However, questions regarding the legal force of an electronic document and its recognition at borders remain relevant.
Legal force of electronic and paper “Green Card”: is there a difference?
The electronic “Green Card” has the same legal force as the paper version. According to their characteristics, they are absolutely identical, and the electronic version fully confirms the presence of insurance coverage. This means that the electronic policy is an official document that confirms third-party liability insurance in the event of an accident on the territory of the countries participating in the system.
However, there are some specifics in 2024 related to policy printing requirements that are important to consider to avoid problems at borders.
New rules for issuing a “Green Card” in 2024
From 2024, transitional rules for the “Green Card” came into force, which allow the use of an electronic policy, but in some cases it is recommended to have a printed copy. The main innovations include:
- Transitional period until the end of 2024. Although the electronic “Green Card” is a complete document, some countries, especially in Eastern Europe, may require a paper version of the policy. This is due to the fact that in some countries local law enforcement officers are not yet fully prepared to process electronic versions of documents. Therefore, by the end of the year, drivers are recommended to have a printed copy of the electronic policy.
- Full transition to electronic policies in 2025. From 2025, it is planned to completely abandon paper policies. All countries that support the “Green Card” system will accept only electronic policies, which means that there is no need to print the document for presentation at the border or during checks.
When is a printed copy of the electronic “Green Card” required?
Despite the convenience of an electronic policy, there are several situations when a paper document may be useful or even necessary:
- Demands of local law enforcement officers. In some European countries, the police may still insist on presenting a paper version of the policy, which facilitates the verification process. This is especially relevant in territories where electronic documents have not yet been fully implemented.
- Technical problems with access to the electronic document. Saving the policy on a smartphone can be convenient, but there is a risk that the device may discharge, access to the file may disappear due to lack of Internet or other technical problems. The presence of a printed policy in such cases will ensure uninterrupted access to the document.
How to issue an electronic “Green Card”?
The procedure for issuing an electronic “Green Card” is fast and convenient. Ukrainian drivers can order a policy online through official platforms, which allows you to issue a policy in a few steps:
- Go to the official site.
- Select the country to which you plan to travel.
- Select the term of the policy.
- Select the type of vehicle.
- Enter the effective date of the insurance policy.
- Fill in your personal data.
- Make the payment, after which the policy will be sent to your e-mail.
After registration, you can download the policy to your smartphone for convenient storage or print a copy if the conditions of the trip require it.
Advantages of the electronic “Green Card”
An electronic policy has numerous advantages for motorists:
Convenience. Online registration eliminates the need to visit insurers’ offices in person.
Speed. The policy can be obtained in a few minutes and is immediately valid.
Accessibility. The policy can be saved on a smartphone and shown at any time.
Environmental friendliness. Avoiding paper policies helps to reduce the use of paper, making the process more environmentally friendly.
The electronic “Green Card” in 2024 is a convenient and modern way of obtaining international insurance for Ukrainian drivers. It has the same legal force as the paper version and provides liability coverage while abroad. Although in some cases a printed version may be necessary until the end of the transition period, from 2025 the electronic format will completely replace the paper one.
Ukrainian drivers can use online services to quickly issue a policy, which will provide additional comfort while traveling. Regardless of the format, the Green Card remains a must-have document for motorists abroad, and its ease of use helps make travel safer and easier.
