The Green Card is a document that proves your car has valid RCA insurance, also known as third-party liability insurance, in other countries. In essence, it shows that the owner is insured for civil liability for damages caused by the vehicle.
If you drive your car in a foreign country, the Green Card helps you demonstrate that, in case of an accident, someone will cover the damage. It’s proof that you take care of your car and abide by the rules, even abroad. You can obtain it from your insurance company, and you must carry it with you when traveling to other countries.
Territorial validity of Green Card Insurance
The International Motor Insurance Card, or Green Card insurance certificate, is valid only within the territory of countries whose National Bureau is a member of the Green Card System.
This system includes the following countries:
(A) Austria, (AL) Albania, (AND) Andorra, (AZ) Azerbaijan, (B) Belgium, (BG) Bulgaria, (BIH) Bosnia and Herzegovina, (BY) Belarus, (CH) Switzerland, (CY) Cyprus, (CZ) Czech Republic, (D) Germany, (DK) Denmark, (E) Spain, (EST) Estonia, (F) France, (FIN) Finland, (GB) United Kingdom, (GR) Greece, (H) Hungary, (HR) Croatia, (I) Italy, (IL) Israel, (IR) Iran, (IRL) Ireland, (IS) Iceland, (L) Luxembourg, (LT) Lithuania, (LV) Latvia, (M) Malta, (MA) Morocco, (MD) Moldova, (MK) North Macedonia, (MNE) Montenegro, (N) Norway, (NL) Netherlands, (P) Portugal, (PL) Poland, (RO) Romania, (RUS) Russia, (S) Sweden, (SRB) Serbia, (SK) Slovakia, (SLO) Slovenia, (TN) Tunisia, (TR) Turkey, (UA) Ukraine.
The validity of the Green Card document varies and is valid in the territory of the states whose symbols are not crossed out with an “X” on the document.
What to do when driving abroad: Green Card and accident procedures
If you’re involved in an accident and the other vehicle is at fault
Both drivers involved should complete the amicable accident report form. If by law authorities needs to be present, wait for them to arrive.
The document or official report must include: the license plate number, make, type, color, Green Card insurance document number and series, validity period, and insurance company.
If the at-fault vehicle is a tractor-trailer/semi-trailer, the identification details for these must also be noted. It is recommended to take photos of both vehicles involved in the accident. Include here the license plates, and of the at-fault driver’s documents.
Where to seek damage settlement
1.If the at-fault vehicle is registered in the country where the accident occurred, you can contact:
- The RCA (third-party liability) insurer.
- The National Bureau of Motor Insurers (BAAR) upon returning home, if the country where the accident occurred is part of the European Economic Area (EEA), and if the vehicle is drivable.
2. If the at-fault vehicle is registered in a country other than where the accident occurred, you can contact:
- The National Bureau of the country where the accident occurred.
- BAAR upon returning home, if the country where the accident occurred is part of the EEA and the at-fault vehicle is registered in one of these countries, and if the vehicle is in good condition to be driven.
3. If you have CASCO insurance, contact your insurer directly.
If you are at fault for the accident
Complete all sections of the amicable accident report form. Or, if required by law, wait for the authorities to arrive and complete the necessary documents. Provide the other driver with a copy of your Green Card insurance document, vehicle registration certificate, and driver’s license. It is also recommended to take photos of the accident scene, including details of the other vehicle involved.
Notify your insurer, either for RCA insurance or CASCO, and roadside assistance if needed, and follow their instructions.
When driving in Romania and involved in an accident caused by a foreign-registered vehicle
Complete all sections of the amicable accident report form. If police intervention is necessary, wait for them to arrive. The document must clearly indicate the vehicle’s license plate number, make, type, color, Green Card insurance document number/series (if applicable), validity period, and insurance company.
If the at-fault vehicle is a tractor-trailer/semi-trailer, the identification details for these must also be noted.
It is recommended to take photos of both vehicles involved, including license plates, and the at-fault driver’s documents. Include photos of traffic signs, the street/intersection, and the position of the vehicles involved. Also, include photos of the identification documents of the drivers and/or vehicles involved (ID card, passport, driver’s license, vehicle registration certificate, RCA/Green Card insurance documents, etc.).
Where to Seek Damage Settlement:
- BAAR – where you will receive the necessary instructions.
- If you have a copy of the at-fault vehicle’s Green Card, you can check on the BAAR website under “Correspondent Identification” if the foreign insurer has an appointed correspondent in Romania, and if so, contact them directly.
- If you have CASCO insurance, contact your insurer directly.
If the at-fault vehicle leaves the scene
Try to remember at least the license plate number, type, and color of the vehicle. Immediately notify the police. With this information, you have a chance to be compensated for the damage suffered.
International system and Green Card insurance number
Even if the at-fault vehicle comes from another country, the Green Card System guarantees that all parties involved in an accident will receive full compensation. The Green Card insurance number is the unique code or number associated with this certificate. It is used to verify the policy’s validity in insurers’ systems. The Green Card is not the same as the driver’s license or vehicle registration certificate.
Through this system, all participating countries have a guarantee fund that ensures full coverage of all damages and compensation in the unfortunate event that the at-fault insurer is unable to pay.
Therefore, accident victims will receive the necessary compensation for their damage. The Green Card provides every driver with a uniform protection system. It ensures equal and complete protection for all drivers and pedestrians involved in international traffic.
USEFUL CONTACTS:
GREENLINE: 0800.825.627
www.asfromania.ro
BAAR – Biroul Asiguratorilor de Autovehicule din Romania