What is a car Green Card or CIS and how do you get one?
If you are planning to drive abroad, you may have heard of a car Green Card. It is now officially known as the International Certificate of Insurance (CIS), although both terms are still widely used.
This document may be required to prove that your vehicle has valid third-party liability cover when driving in certain non-European countries. In this guide, we explain what the Green Card is, why you might need it, and how to request one before you travel.
What is a car Green Card and what does it do?
A Green Card (or CIS) is an official document that proves to foreign authorities and bodies that your vehicle holds valid third-party motor insurance.
Its primary purpose is to help foreign authorities easily identify your insurer when you drive outside Spain. In certain countries, it may be necessary to show that your vehicle meets the local insurance requirements in order to drive there.
Green Card and the International Certificate of Insurance (CIS)
Although this document was traditionally called a Green Card due to the green paper it was printed on, its official name changed to the International Certificate of Insurance (CIS) in 2021.
Despite the name change and the shift towards digital formats, its purpose remains identical: to prove that you hold valid compulsory motor insurance whenever required.
Is carrying a Green Card mandatory when driving abroad?
It depends where you are travelling.
If you are travelling within the European Union (EU) or the European Economic Area (EEA), you usually do not need to present a Green Card. Under existing international agreements, your vehicle's Spanish number plate serves as proof that you hold valid compulsory insurance.
The same rule applies to certain countries bound by these agreements, such as Andorra, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland, and Liechtenstein. However, if you are driving outside these areas, you should check in advance whether an International Certificate of Insurance is required.
Countries where a Green Card may be required
Whether you need to present a Green Card can vary based on current international agreements.
Because of this, it is advisable to check the latest guidance with OFESAUTO (the Spanish Motor Insurers’ Bureau) or contact your insurer directly before setting off, particularly if you are travelling outside Europe.
How to request a Green Card from your insurer
Requesting a Green Card (or CIS) is usually a straightforward process. Typically, all you need to do is:
- Contact your insurer well in advance of your trip.
- Provide details of your destination country or countries.
- Request the document to be issued.
- Receive the certificate in digital format or in whichever format your insurer provides.
If you are a SegurCaixa Adeslas customer, you can request your Green Card through your Customer Area, by phone, or via our standard customer service channels.
When should I request a Green Card?
Although certificates are usually issued quickly, it is best to request yours several days before setting off.
This allows you to confirm that you have all necessary paperwork in order before driving abroad.
Which vehicles are eligible for a Green Card?
An International Certificate of Insurance can be requested for various types of insured vehicles, including:
- Cars.
- Motorcycles.
- Vans.
Specific availability depends on the terms of your policy and the type of vehicle insured.
Is there a fee for requesting a Green Card?
In most cases, issuing a Green Card does not involve an extra charge for the policyholder.
Insurers typically provide this document when it is requested for travel to countries where carrying one is required or recommended.
What to do if you have an accident abroad
If you are involved in a road traffic accident outside Spain, carrying a Green Card can simplify the claims process.
The document allows foreign authorities and insurers to quickly identify your insurance provider, helping streamline coordination between the authorities and insurers of the countries involved.
In the event of an accident, you should:
- Complete a European Accident Statement (amicable accident report) whenever possible.
- Keep your vehicle documents and International Certificate of Insurance to hand.
- Contact your insurer to report the claim and follow their guidance.
For further details, check our guide on how to report a claim while travelling abroad.
The importance of having car insurance
Driving abroad means navigating unfamiliar road rules, procedures, and situations.
That is why, beyond carrying the right paperwork, it is important to hold a policy that offers suitable cover and assistance services, such as breakdown cover and roadside support, to protect you against unexpected incidents outside Spain.