 Green Card System
The Green Card or International Motor Insurance Certificate is equivalent to the national motor insurance certificates of all of the countries a motorist visits. It is an internationally recognised document that is accepted by the authorities of all countries in which the Green Card is valid.
The Green Card System is managed by the Council of Bureaux in London.
It is essential when driving in the EU and certain other European countries (see the Association of British Insurers for details) to carry either the Green Card or a Certificate of Insurance. The Green Card can serve as easily recognisable proof of third party insurance which is preferable in the event of an accident when travelling abroad.
The Green Card itself doesn't provide insurance cover but does certify that the holder has at least the minimum compulsory Third Party insurance cover required by law in the countries visited. Insurance against other hazards, such as fire or theft abroad, should be applied for from the insurance company who may demand a supplement if the existing cover is limited to the Member State in which the vehicle is registered.
Where to get a Green Card
- From the insurer who issued the motor insurance policy
It is normally free of charge or there may be a small administrative fee
Participating Countries
For visits by motorists to countries participating in the Green Card System the Green Card is not a required document since it is substituted by the national vehicle registration plates of those countries. These countries are the Member Countries of the European Union plus Andorra, Croatia, Iceland, Norway and Switzerland. It is still advisable to carry the Green Card when travelling abroad.
In Gibraltar, Monaco, Liechtenstein and San Marino, the same situation normally applies but it is advisable to check the cover carefully.
The national registration plates of the countries signify to the authorities of the country that your car is insured in respect only for Third Party liabilities for which insurance is compulsory.
It is recommended to discuss the following with the insurer:
- what, if any, insurance documentation is necessary for the countries to be visited
- the extent of the cover provided by the existing motor insurance policies for the countries to be visited
- the procedure to be followed in the event of an accident in a visited country
Other countries are party to the Green Card arrangements (you will either need to have a Green Card or purchase insurance at the border).
Currently these are:
- Belarus, Albania, Moldavia, Andorra, Morocco, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Romania, Bulgaria, Tunisia, Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, Turkey, Iran, Ukraine, Israel, Union State of Serbia and Montenegro (Kosovo, while regarded as a part of Serbia, is in effect under the control of the United Nations. Green Cards are not available for Kosovo and border car insurance must be purchased).
Having signed an Agreement called the Uniform Agreement, Spain participates in the Green Card System with all foreign Bureaux members, with the exception of Turkey.
Accident Abroad
Accidents Abroad
In the event of an accident abroad, immediately contact the insurer or their representative in the country concerned. The Green Card gives details of the local Green Card Bureau.
If the accident was caused by an uninsured or unidentifiable car, the victim is entitled, under Community law, to compensation from the motor vehicle guarantee fund of the Member State in which the accident occurred. This is in accordance with the rules in force in that Member State.
New rules have been introduced to ensure that motorists get rapid compensation for accidents regardless of where they are in the EU. This has made procedures easier and settling claims quicker, with fines being charged on late payments. This applies not only to accidents that happen in the EU but also to accidents between two EU parties in a country outside the EU but which belongs to the Green Card System.
Vehicle Insurance in Spain
All vehicles must have at least third party insurance. Proof of insurance must be carried at all times. There are penalties for drivers of vehicles without valid insurance.
Types of Insurance
Spanish insurance policies may differ to other countries standards, including EU countries. For example when a car is considered a write-off in Spain the insurance company will only refund a percentage of the value.
- It is obligatory for all cars to have - at least - third party, fire and theft insurance (part comprehensive). This is called: Seguro de terceros o de responsabilidad civil obligatoria
- Fully comprehensive "all risks" insurance (Seguro a todo riesgo) is available and often obligatory when leasing a car or buying on hire purchase
- Optional driver and passenger insurance (Seguro de ocupantes) provides compensation for loss of earnings and death. Special insurance may be required for exceptional contents and accessories
The Spanish insurance system operates on a no-claims bonus (bonification/sistema bonus-malus). In order to benefit evidence of no prior claims will need to be provided. It can significantly reduce the cost of insurance. A permium may be reduced by electing to pay an excess (franquicia).
If an accident is caused by an uninsured vehicle, the damaged/injured party is entitled to compensation from the Insurance Compensation Pool (Consorcio de Compensación de Seguros).
If the car is registered in another country, a Green Card, certificado internacional de seguro de automovil must be displayed.
Insuring an EU registered car in Spain
If the car spends over six months of the year in an EU country other than Spain it is necessary to take out a European insurance policy with the home insurer. EU regulations mean that all vehicles must be insured in the country in which they are registered. Therefore if the car is (for example) UK-registered it cannot be insured with a Spanish company. The vehicle can, however, be insured with a British insurer in Spain, by using the Spanish branch of a UK insurance company.
As the law stands a foreign registered car can spend six months per calendar year on Spanish roads without any additional paperwork. It can remain in Spain indefinitely as long as it is garaged on private land (not left on the roadside) for six months per year. The vehicle will need to maintain a valid roadworthiness (MOT in the UK).
To register a car in Spain it needs to be deregistered in the country of origin then re-registered with the authorities in Spain.
- Here to download the form to register a vehicle in Spain
Further Information
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