Green card to Finland: what is it for and how to apply for it

Driving your own car to Finland is common and, as a rule, comfortable. Do not depend on circumstances, calculate your own time and create your own route - these components help you get true pleasure from traveling. But we must not forget that if you are going abroad by car, then you will have to take out a civil liability policy for motorists.

Registration of a green card (Green Card)

Why do you need a Green Card?

One of the essential attributes of any trip is insurance. For a person this is travel medical insurance, and for a car it is a “Green Card”, a policy of compulsory motor third party liability insurance for causing harm to the life and property of third parties during the operation of a car. A Green Card is required for anyone traveling abroad with their own car.

It is important to remember that in the event of an accident that occurs abroad, the insurance company that issues the policy compensates the loss to the injured party, and not to the person at fault. In other words, if, while abroad, you become the culprit of an accident, payments under the “Green Card” will be received by the second, injured participant. The victim's insurance company will reimburse you for your loss.

Photo: karjalainen.fi

“Green Card” is the same auto liability insurance policy for a car driver as the Russian compulsory motor liability insurance policy. Only it operates not in the Russian Federation, but on the territory of countries that are official participants in the Green Card System. This system includes all Schengen countries, as well as Andorra, Bulgaria, Turkey, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Israel, Cyprus, Morocco, Romania, Croatia, Albania, Great Britain, Iran, Macedonia, Moldova, Serbia, Montenegro, Tunisia, Ukraine, Azerbaijan , Belarus.

The coverage area of ​​the policy can be all foreign countries and Schengen countries, or only Azerbaijan, Moldova, Belarus, Ukraine.

The minimum period for which you can buy such insurance is 15 days, the maximum is 1 year. A “Green Card” is purchased for specific calendar dates, short-term – directly for the dates of the trip. That is, if the trip is planned for February 1, then you need to take out a policy from this date. Even if you are traveling to Finland for one or two days, you will still be issued a Green Card for a minimum period of 15 days, that is, it will be valid until February 15. On the other hand, if during these two weeks you spontaneously decide to travel again to Finland or to a country participating in the GreenCard System, then you will not need to take out a new policy.

Having a Green Card when crossing the border is a mandatory condition. Otherwise, you will not only have to pay a fine of 200 euros, but also purchase a Finnish MTPL policy (this is at least another 100 euros).

The following insurance companies are accredited to issue policies: Alfa Insurance, Soglasie, Reso-garantiya, Rosgosstrakh, XXI Century, ERGO, Spasskie Vorota.

Some companies that are not part of the Green Card System, for example Ingosstrakh, can issue policies from authorized insurance companies.

Document preparation

Travelers traveling around the countries of old Europe in their own cars claim that issuing an up-to-date document does not take much time. Of course, it will take some time to find the right insurance agency.

It is important to understand that such things are not done at random and in order to protect yourself from unwanted adventures, it is important to inquire in a timely manner about the availability of a state license of an insurance agency.

After the insurer is found, the traveler undertakes to collect all the necessary documents and provide them to a specialist to prepare the necessary document.

This is what a green card for a car looks like for a trip to Finland

Next, the traveler will need to deposit a certain amount of money. This can be done at the bank that cooperates with the insurance agency. Then the traveler is given insurance.

You can calculate how much it costs to issue a policy yourself using a special calculator. This service is available on the official websites of most insurance agencies.

Where to buy

Buying a Finnish Green Card is very simple. A super-busy traveler always has the opportunity to order a document online. In this case, the document will be delivered to the traveler’s home or office.

On the Finnish road

There are many places where a traveler can easily purchase travel insurance. Today there are three main border crossings.

There are also special mobile cars on the road where you can also buy a Green Card.

Detailed road map of Finland

You can also buy the necessary document at roadside establishments and gas stations, but you need to take into account that its cost in this case will be much higher. Plus, roadside shops do not operate around the clock, and if a traveler approaches the Finnish border at night or early in the morning, it will be impossible to make a purchase.

It is not worth buying a policy in minibuses parked along the road. This is explained by:

• stopping near this point can be dangerous due to the heavy traffic on the highway;
• The green card may be issued with significant errors;
• there is a high risk of receiving a fake instead of a current document;
• The card is issued only manually.

It is important to understand that the Green Card must be issued only on a computer. Only an employee of a licensed insurance agency can issue the document. This ensures that the traveler will safely cross the Finnish border and arrive at their destination.

Document cost

All travelers are interested in the question of what determines the cost of a green card. It is important to note three significant factors:

1. Duration of insurance (from fifteen days to twelve months).
2. Vehicle type.
3. Countries in which the Green Card is valid (some policies are valid only in the countries of the former USSR, some are valid almost everywhere).

The approximate cost of obtaining a document for traveling around Finland using your own passenger vehicle is as follows:

1. Fifteen days – 2190 rubles.
2. Thirty days – 4180 rubles.
3. Sixty days – 7760 rubles.
4. Six months – 15920 rubles.
5. Year – 19900 rubles.

Card validity period

The shortest period of validity of a green card is 15 days.

That is, even if a Russian traveler arrives in Finland for a couple of hours, he will still have to pay for the entire 15 days. Finnish legislation does not yet provide for termination of a Green Card.

In this regard, purchasing a 12-month policy seems quite beneficial for someone who regularly visits this country. This option is especially attractive if the number of visits to the country varies from 8 or more.

Documents to be received

To obtain a Green Card, you must contact one of the insurance companies or the Visa Center. The policy is issued on the basis of a foreign passport and a vehicle passport/vehicle registration certificate. Payment for the policy is made on the spot, in a lump sum, in cash or by credit card. Documents that remain in your hands after concluding the contract:

• Green Card Policy;
• Reminder of actions in case of an accident
• Rules
• Payment receipt (or electronic check if payment was made by card)

Registration of a green card (Green Card)

The cost of the Green Card depends on a number of criteria, in particular on the category of the vehicle, zone and validity period of the policy. Tariffs for all participants in the Green Card System in the Russian Federation are the same.

Features of the program

The program of the same name “Green Card” unites 46 countries not only in Europe, but also in Africa and Asia. Its main purpose is to resolve issues of driver liability in the event of a traffic accident.

If a Russian driver was found guilty of an accident that occurred abroad, the injured party will be compensated for damages in accordance with the rules of the Finnish state. At first, only countries from Europe and Scandinavia were included in this program. Subsequently, geographical participation began to expand. Some countries in Africa and Asia joined it.

You can apply for a policy such as a green card for a car only in the country where the vehicle was registered. Other features of the program include:

• A Green Card policy obtained in Russia does not replace the MTPL policy;
• the green card does not limit the number of persons who are allowed to drive a vehicle;
• You cannot insure cars that do not have a state registration plate or a “Transit” sign;
• with the registration plate “Transit” the policy period is one month;
• the commencement of the policy itself should not exceed thirty days, starting from the date of signing the insurance contract;
• A green card does not relieve the driver at fault from liability.

You need to clearly understand that a Green Card to Finland, the cost of which depends on the issuing company, does not become a replacement for a CASCO policy. It has the same functions as the national OSAGO policy. You can learn more about why a Green Card is needed by following the link.

What is the price?

The tariff schedule for the cost of the “Green Card” in accordance with the length of stay in the country and the category of the vehicle.

Cars:

Motorcycles, scooters, mopeds:

Rates

The minimum policy period is 15 days. But it is better to purchase it with a reserve. Why? Let's say you were stopped by local inspectors, but you don't have insurance or it expired just yesterday. In this case, the fine will be simply cosmic, in no way comparable to the cost of the document.

The best option is to purchase a green card to Finland for a year. Let's look at the approximate prices for passenger cars:

• 15 days - about 2500 rubles.
• For 30 days - 4500 rubles.
• For six months - almost 17 thousand Russian rubles.
• For 1 year - a little more than 20 thousand rubles.

Prices for cargo vehicles:

• 15 days - almost 4 thousand rubles.
• 30 days - a little more than 7 thousand.
• 6 months - around 26,000 rubles.
• 12 months - 35 ponytail.

Bus fares are even higher. So, for example, the cost of insurance for 1 month is approximately 12 thousand Russian rubles.

Where can I buy

Buying a green card on the way

A “Green Card” can be purchased on the eve of the trip or in advance (but not earlier than 30 days before the policy comes into force) at the office of the insurance company or at the Visa Application Center. But if you don't have enough time for this, that's okay. On the roads leading to all checkpoints in Finland - Brusnichny, Torfyanovka, Svetogorsk, Vyartsilya - you will have the opportunity to buy a policy. In cars and minibuses parked on the side of the road, in roadside cafes, special trailers and at gas stations. The fact that the “Green Card” is being sold in this place will be announced by signs - from handwritten ones on a piece of Whatman paper to electronic displays with a running line.

In order to protect yourself as much as possible from possible complications, it is better to apply for a Green Card not in an open field, but either in the pavilion of a specific insurance company (for example, ERGO), or in a specially equipped insurance department at a gas station.

Pavilions of specific insurance companies

Perhaps the best place to buy a Green Card. Official agents of insurance companies work here who know their business well, will quickly issue a policy and clearly explain how to behave in the event of an insured event.

Small insurance points located in cafes and gas stations

Another good place to buy a Green Card. Firstly, here you can be offered policies from several insurance companies to choose from. Secondly, these “safety points” often operate around the clock.

Minibuses or cars parked by the road

In fact, this is not a very good place to purchase a Green Card. No, they will most likely sell you real insurance. The point is different. Such mobile “offices” most often do not have a computer or a printer. Employees issue policies manually, occasionally making mistakes. If an insured event occurs or even just checking the “Green Card” at the borders, problems may arise because of this.

Important points

Don't forget to check that your first name, last name and vehicle registration number are correct on your insurance. If errors are detected at the border, you will have to pay a fine and buy a Finnish compulsory motor liability insurance policy, just like in the absence of a policy.

Alexandra Storozhuk

What is needed for a green card to Finland

To apply for a Green Card for a trip to Finland, you need to contact the insurance company office, apply online or at the border. You must also pay an insurance fee.

Required documents:

• identification document (passport);
• statement;
• a document confirming ownership of the applicant's car;
• if the policy is drawn up not by the owner, but by an authorized person, then a notarized permission;
• a document that confirms the state registration of the vehicle.

Before obtaining insurance, determine the exact date of entry into Finland and the length of stay in order to issue a policy immediately before leaving the country and for the required period.

Important! If the information about the owner and the vehicle contains errors or other inconsistencies, then border control officers will not allow you to enter Finland, and the border crossing policy will need to be reissued. Also, if documents are falsified, a fine is possible.

Should it be made for motorcycles?

Insurance in the Green Card system is carried out for all types of vehicles:

• cars;
• trucks and tractors;
• buses;
• motorcycles, sidecars, scooters;
• motorized bicycles;
• mopeds;
• construction equipment;
• agricultural machinery;
• trailers for cars;
• trailers and semi-trailers for trucks.

Insurance implies protection of motor vehicle liability to third parties. And purchasing a policy is required for any equipment that takes part in road traffic.

Motorcycles and similar types of vehicles also require insurance. And in the absence of a policy, entry into Finland will become impossible.

Where and how to buy?

Nowadays, almost everything can be bought without leaving your computer. This also applies to the Green Card. This is the simplest and most cost-effective option - order an insurance policy online and have it delivered to your home or office. Why waste your free time? Stand in lines? After all, you can order it, the courier will deliver the document directly to the customer. You can find many resources on the Internet through which you can order a card. There you can also calculate the cost of the policy based on the entered queries.

For those who for some reason cannot take advantage of modern technologies, insurers live and work. Before paying for his services, you should check the availability of a license, since in the event of an unpleasant situation abroad, it may turn out that the purchased green card is invalid. Of course, the insurer's services must be paid for.

Remember that the data should be entered very carefully, as this is an important document.

Apply for a Green Card for a car online

To purchase a Green Card in St. Petersburg, contact. The organization specializes in the sale of insurance products and offers solutions for legal entities and individuals.

To buy a green card to the Eurozone countries you need:

• Apply for Green Card insurance. The client contacts one of the offices in St. Petersburg and reports that he needs a Green Card to Finland. Specialists inform you about the list of required documents and announce the price of the Green Card.
• Prepare papers. A green card for a car is issued if you have a passport, PTS and STS. Documents for the Green Card are transmitted remotely or through the office.
• Wait for registration in the international insurance system. A green card to Finland takes 30 days to prepare. During this period, the client cannot visit EU countries.
• Obtaining a green card in St. Petersburg. The Green Card is issued online, but is issued in person. The customer can order delivery of the policy or pick it up themselves. Delivery by courier or mail is allowed.

Green Card 2021 – cost changes:

• On March 15, 2021, there was no change in Green Card tariffs! 15 days (from 05/06/19) – 2450 rubles;
• On February 15, 2021, there was a change in tariffs for the Green Card! 15 days (from 02/15/19) – 2450 rubles;
• On January 15, 2021, there was a change in tariffs for the Green Card! 15 days (from 01/15/19) – 2830 rubles;
• On December 15, 2021, there was a change in tariffs for the Green Card! 15 days (from 12/15/18) – 2700 rubles;

Payments under the policy

The international Green Card system provides for the payment of compensation in a manner convenient for the client. The cash reward is transferred to the cardholder upon the occurrence of an insured event.

By collaborating with, you can buy a Green Card that meets international standards.

The document has the following features:

• You can apply for a Green Card for 15-365 days. Purchasing a Green Card for a year provides the greatest benefits. Purchasing a Green Card for a day is not possible.
• The border insurance policy is filled out in Russian and English. It contains information about the vehicle and the countries available to visit. The start date of the policy and the insurance period are indicated.
• Insurance is issued only for transport. The tow hitch is insured separately.

It is worth getting a Green Card for the following reasons:

1. Protection during foreign trips.
2. No problems at customs.
3. Seamless interaction with police officers.
4. Possibility to take a trailer with you (additional Green Card policy required).
5. Insurance is provided by trusted companies.
6. The policy is issued for the entire trip and does not require renewal.
7. Flexible tariff system.
8. Possibility to choose the optimal period.
9. Minimal hassle on the part of the client: it is enough to conclude an insurance contract and pick up the documents.
10. Residents of border settlements will be able to regularly visit neighboring states.