What you need to Know about the Green Card for Driving Abroad

You must not leave your home without the Green Card if you are planning to take a roadtrip beyond Spain. It could be a quick trip to France or an adventure that takes you across Europe.

Green Card (also known as International Motor Insurance Certificate) is a document that proves your vehicle has third-party insurance, which is mandatory in many foreign countries.

How can you obtain one before leaving? This guide is written for travellers and expats.

Why you need a green card to drive abroad

The Green Card is more than just a piece paper. It’s proof that you have valid car insurance in case of an accident abroad or if, god forbid, you are stopped by foreign authorities. Consider it your insurance passport, proving that you can legally drive in any country.

• This will help you avoid getting fined and your car being impounded when the police ask for proof.
• The system makes it much easier to make an accident claim, as you will see who covers you and be linked up with an international system.
• Since Brexit, it’s a legal requirement in many non EU countries as well as certain EU member states.

Applying for a car green card online is easy and fast.

The process of obtaining your Green Card is now mostly electronic. How do most Spanish insurance companies handle it?

1. Log on to the website of your insurer. Whether you’re with Mapfre, Allianz, AXA, Línea Directa or any other provider, you’ll usually find a customer area or paperwork section.
2. Look for ‘Green Card’ or ‘International Insurance Certificate’. It’s often under ‘documents’, ‘travel’, or ‘policy management’.
3. Please fill in the online form. Your policy information, your car registration and the dates/countries of your trip will be required.
4. Submit and download. Your Green Card should arrive as a PDF ready to print in most cases. You can still request a printed copy from some insurers if that is what you prefer.

Pro tip: Ask for it at least one week before your trip, in case you need extra processing time from your insurer.

Where can you get a Green Card?

In a number of countries it is mandatory, including
Albania, Andorra Bosnia, Georgia Israel Kosovo, Morocco Montenegro North Macedonia Serbia Tunisia Turkey Ukraine and more. You should also get a foreign license if you’re driving in EU nations with non-Spanish plate numbers, or if it is recommended by your insurance company for France, Italy or Portugal.

Check your destination before traveling, because rules and border guards may change.

How long does your green car card last? Avoid road surprises

Your Green Card’s validity depends on the dates you provide when you request it—anything from a single day to a few months, though three months is the typical maximum. The card will have the start and finish dates printed on it.

You’ll need to extend your Green Card or apply for a new one if you intend to stay longer abroad than you expected. You could be fined or your car immobilised if it expires while you are away.

Find out how to use your insurance code by using the Green card number

Each Green Card is assigned a unique reference code that links the card to your car, insurance policy, and insurer. It’s located at the top of the document or prominently displayed, along with your vehicle information and a list of countries covered.

This code is vital—it’s how police and insurance companies verify your insurance is real and current, and it’s essential if you need to make a claim after an accident abroad.

Final tip: Be safe and legal

• Request your Green Card in advance—don’t leave it until the last minute.
• You can print out the form and keep it with your car keys. Digital versions are not accepted in many countries.
• Double-check which countries you will be visiting. Some countries may require extra documents or only accept originals.
• Your insurance policy number as well as emergency contact information should be kept handy.

Enjoy your travels and drive safely wherever you go!