FAQ: This applies to the insurance cover of Ukrainian vehicles
Ukrainian drivers who have been living in Germany for more than a year must register their vehicle in Germany from 01.04.2024 at the latest. Otherwise, they will have to pay a fine. What else needs to be considered can be found in this FAQ.
For deutsche version, please see below.
If you drive your car registered in Ukraine in Germany: Where can you get car insurance coverage?
What is frontier insurance?
Frontier insurance is a motor vehicle liability insurance for vehicles registered outside the EU that do not have any other effective proof of liability coverage, such as a green card provided by the foreign motor liability insurer. If a driver crosses the border to an EU member state with his vehicle registered in a third country, he must take out motor vehicle liability insurance, the so-called border insurance, when crossing the border.
Where can I get frontier insurance?
In principle, frontier insurance can be taken out with motor insurers in Germany – these insurers, among others, have informed us that they offer frontier insurance:
How long is frontier insurance valid for?
Border insurance can be taken out for a period of up to one year. The details must be agreed with the motor vehicle liability insurer that offers the border insurance. The insurance cover exists in the geographical borders of Europe as well as in the non-European territories that belong to the territory of the European Union. If the insurance cover expires during the stay in the area of validity, the driver must arrange for an extension in good time.
The driver of the motor vehicle is obliged to carry the insurance certificate issued by the motor vehicle liability insurer with him so that he can prove that motor vehicle liability insurance exists for his vehicle. According to the current legal situation, the insurance certificate must be presented in paper form at a vehicle inspection. The driver must therefore print out an insurance certificate provided digitally by the insurer and carry it with him in the vehicle.
Is it also possible to obtain a "Green Card" for a car registered in Ukraine in Germany?
Motor vehicle liability insurers can only take out "normal" motor vehicle liability insurance for vehicles registered in Germany. If the vehicle is registered in Ukraine, only border insurance can be offered. If the owner of a vehicle registered in Ukraine decides to register his vehicle in Germany, German motor vehicle liability insurance would be necessary. For this purpose, the vehicle owner can contact a German motor vehicle liability insurer before registration.
What is the Green Card and who needs it?
The "International Motor Transport Insurance Card" is better known as the Green Card. It serves as proof in all countries that are members of the "Green Card Agreement"
that the car is covered by motor vehicle liability insurance – in accordance with the regulations of the respective host country. It also contains important data about the vehicle, owner and its insurance. Since July 1, 2020, the color has changed for Germany: The green document became a black and white one.
Ukrainian refugees can obtain a Green Card from their Ukrainian car insurer – digitally and even if the vehicle is not in Ukraine. For more information, please visit
http://www.mtsbu.ua/ua/presscenter/news/168164/
Where does the Green Card apply?
In the states of the EEA (i.e. the EU countries as well as Iceland, Norway, Liechtenstein and Croatia) as well as in Andorra, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Monaco, San Marino, Serbia, Switzerland and the UK, the so-called license plate agreement applies. This means that in these countries, the respective valid registration number is already valid as proof of insurance cover for vehicles registered in these countries. Such vehicles therefore do not need a green card if they are on the road in the EEA states.
If you are driving a vehicle registered in a country that is part of the "Green Card Agreement" (such as Ukraine) and is not an EEA state, you must also carry the Green Card in the EEA states.
Where can I get the Green Card?
You can get the Green Card from your car insurer. The owner of the vehicle registered abroad should contact his (foreign) car insurer, who can provide more detailed information on how to issue and send the Green Card.
How long is the Green Card valid?
The expiry date of the Green Card is on the front.
What happens if you are on the road in Germany without motor vehicle liability insurance?
Motor vehicle liability insurance ensures that a traffic victim is comprehensively compensated. If you drive on public roads in Germany without motor vehicle liability insurance, you are committing a criminal offence that is punishable by imprisonment or a fine. It is not important that you violate it intentionally, simple negligent behavior is sufficient. In addition, you will be personally held liable for the damage you cause to third parties with your vehicle.
Furthermore, the German authorities would seize the vehicle, which is on the road in Germany without valid motor vehicle liability insurance cover, and prevent it from continuing its journey.