Car insurance and green cards in Germany (2026)

Last reviewed: 9 October 2026

In short: Foreign cars may be driven in Germany only if damage is covered by insurance. Drivers of cars with a plate from an EU state or the UK are exempt from carrying proof of insurance.

RuleWhat applies
Third-party insurance compulsoryVisiting with a foreign-registered carYes [1]
Green card needed for cars from other EU statesVisiting with a foreign-registered carNo [2]
Green card needed for cars from the UKVisiting with a foreign-registered carNo [2]
Proof of insurance for cars from EU statesVisiting with a foreign-registered carDrivers of cars with a mandatory plate from an EU state are exempt from carrying and handing over proof of insurance. [2]
Cars from other non-EU statesVisiting with a foreign-registered carA foreign car may be driven only if damage is covered by German border insurance, by liability insurance required in another EEA state, or by other foreign insurance whose claims are settled through the national bureaux. [1]

Notes

  • The exemption covers carrying and showing proof of insurance. Cover is still required under section 3 of the AuslPflVG.
  • The exemption covers carrying and showing proof of insurance. Cover is still required. Military vehicles registered in the UK are excluded.

Sources

  1. Gesetze im Internet (Bundesministerium der Justiz): § 3 AuslPflVG - Verbot des Gebrauchs nicht versicherter Fahrzeuge (consulted 9 October 2026) · all sources
  2. Gesetze im Internet (Bundesministerium der Justiz): HPflEGRLDV - Verordnung über die Kraftfahrzeug-Haftpflichtversicherung ausländischer Kraftfahrzeuge und Kraftfahrzeuganhänger (consulted 9 October 2026) · all sources

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General information, not legal advice. Rules change: check the official source before you fly or ride.