Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > Planning, Trip > Trip Paperwork
Trip Paperwork Covers all documentation, carnets, customs and country requirements, how to deal with insurance etc.
Photo by Helmut Koch - Vivid autumn colors in Canada

I haven't been everywhere...
but it's on my list!


Photo by Helmut Koch
Vivid autumn colors in Canada



Reply
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 20 Apr 2008
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Aug 2006
Location: somewhere on the road between Ushuaia and Alaska
Posts: 377
Green Insurance Card

Hi all,

I'm in my final week of trip prep & got a bit of a problem with the Green Insurance card. I know it's not strictly speaking necessary to have one in most European Countries. But I heard it can be useful to have – even outside Europe, just in case.

Now... my problem is: I'm with eBikeInsurance, and I asked for the green insurance card. But they'll only issue one if I go to Bulgaria or Romania. I will actually go to Bulgaria, but:

What does a green insurance card look like? Is it gonna be restricted to the countries I tell my insurance.
I got the feeling that REAL world and INSURANCE world might differ, and certain policemen & other 'race marshalls' might be up for playing games. So I'd rather have a Green Insurance Card that fits the bill in any country. (And yes, I am tempted to use some photoshop skills on this one and print the result on a green piece of paper, just to be able to wave something into the police's face...)


Bjorn
__________________
__________________________
http://www.panomoto.com
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 20 Apr 2008
Redboots's Avatar
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Feb 2006
Location: On the border - NE FR
Posts: 865
Quote:
Originally Posted by Bjorn View Post
Now... my problem is: I'm with eBikeInsurance, and I asked for the green insurance card. But they'll only issue one if I go to Bulgaria or Romania. I will actually go to Bulgaria, but:

What does a green insurance card look like? Is it gonna be restricted to the countries I tell my insurance.
Bjorn, The Green Card should be a standard format as that is what the participating countries sign up to. If they issue you one for Bulgaria, I don't see how they can delete the other 42 countries from it without physically blanking them out.

What the police/border people look for is that it IS a GREEN card in the correct format, valid at the time they see it and then they turn it over to make sure their countries acronym is written there. If not you have to buy local insurance.

John
__________________
Nostradamus Ate My Hamster
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 20 Apr 2008
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Mar 2007
Location: UK
Posts: 4,343
Green card by exception

There are certainly a lot of different views about Green card insurance. It is my understanding that the EU has common minimum requirements of insurance companies and these apply anywhere within the EU.
Unfortunately, this situation takes time to become known in some countries, including with their police forces.

Here is one take on this:-
Car Insurance Quote - Lifestyle UK Factors
from a random search of the internet.

In the meantime, UK insurance companies, including ebike, have taken this as a general way of not issuing a green card for European travel: their cover note, policy document or whatever states which countries are covered by their insurance, which is always for all EU countries because that is what the EU requires for them to operate as an insurance company.
Therefore, they will issue a green card "if their arms are twisted" but only for those countries which are not in the EU (yet), very likely charging for the admin involved.

Anyone see it differently?
__________________
Dave
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 21 Apr 2008
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: RTW
Posts: 139
Quote:
Originally Posted by Walkabout View Post
There are certainly a lot of different views about Green card insurance. It is my understanding that the EU has common minimum requirements of insurance companies and these apply anywhere within the EU.
Unfortunately, this situation takes time to become known in some countries, including with their police forces.

Here is one take on this:-
Car Insurance Quote - Lifestyle UK Factors
from a random search of the internet.

In the meantime, UK insurance companies, including ebike, have taken this as a general way of not issuing a green card for European travel: their cover note, policy document or whatever states which countries are covered by their insurance, which is always for all EU countries because that is what the EU requires for them to operate as an insurance company.
Therefore, they will issue a green card "if their arms are twisted" but only for those countries which are not in the EU (yet), very likely charging for the admin involved.

Anyone see it differently?
My wife and I are having this problem at the moment,we are well travelled and have always had a green card on our many continental trips.
However this time, my insurance company says no problem, whilst hers says no?
At the moment the situation is this, I have asked her insurance to provide a translation of her policy into all european languages.(that should piss them off)
We await the reply
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 6 May 2008
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Mar 2006
Location: High Weald, Kent, England
Posts: 105
green card, once ın Turkey!

Hı, Im ın Turkey where arrıved by traın wıth broke down bıke.
Problem ıs: I couldnt buy ınsurance at the border.
Im ınsured wıth ebıke and they dont ıssue green cards
Any ıdeas!
thanks
dd
__________________
Smile
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 6 May 2008
Gold Member
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Apr 2006
Location: Philadelphia, US
Posts: 646
Quote:
Originally Posted by Dodgydago View Post
Hı, Im ın Turkey where arrıved by traın wıth broke down bıke.
Problem ıs: I couldnt buy ınsurance at the border.
Im ınsured wıth ebıke and they dont ıssue green cards
Any ıdeas!
thanks
dd
Why weren't you able to buy bike insurance at the border...they sell it and is dirt cheap? I'm curious as it may impact future travellers...

Contact the Horizons Community in Turkey wherever you are they will give you a lead on insurance....and who sells it...the HU community in Turkey is a GREAT resource.

PS. There's a BMW dealer in IStanbul, next to the American Embassy...pics are below...
BMW_Istanbul
__________________
edde
93 BMW K75s
www.motoedde.com
Reply With Quote
  #7  
Old 6 May 2008
Redboots's Avatar
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Feb 2006
Location: On the border - NE FR
Posts: 865
Green card... again

The Green Card System is a United Nations system overseen by the Economic Commission for Europe based in Geneva.

The Green Card itself doesn't provide insurance cover but does certify that you have at least the minimum compulsory Third Party insurance cover required by law in the countries you visit. However, if you also want insurance against other hazards, such as fire or theft abroad, the insurance company is entitled to demand a supplement if your cover is limited to the Member State in which you reside.

Read more here: I have been told that a green card is not necessary for travel in Europe. Is this true ? and other places.

This ought to be a "sticky"... if its not already...

John
__________________
Nostradamus Ate My Hamster
Reply With Quote
Reply


Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 Registered Users and/or Members and 1 guests)
 
Thread Tools
Display Modes

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are On
Pingbacks are On
Refbacks are On


Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
Green Card Insurance andy Travellers' questions that don't fit anywhere else 7 19 Jun 2011 12:14
Insurance, Green Card, RTW skidder Trip Paperwork 9 9 May 2006 20:08
Green card and USA insurance bharadwaj Trip Paperwork 2 22 Mar 2006 02:28
Green card insurance pco98 Trip Paperwork 1 11 Apr 2005 05:51
Green card insurance ??? Bigtrip05 Trip Paperwork 9 16 Feb 2005 17:25

 
 

Announcements

Thinking about traveling? Not sure about the whole thing? Watch the HU Achievable Dream Video Trailers and then get ALL the information you need to get inspired and learn how to travel anywhere in the world!

Have YOU ever wondered who has ridden around the world? We did too - and now here's the list of Circumnavigators!
Check it out now
, and add your information if we didn't find you.

Next HU Eventscalendar

ALL Dates subject to change.

2024:

  • California: April 18-21
  • Virginia: April 25-28
  • Germany Summer: May 9-12
  • Québec: May 17-19
  • Bulgaria Mini: July 5-7
  • CanWest: July 11-14
  • Switzerland: August 15-18
  • Ecuador: August 23-25
  • Romania: August 30-Sept 1
  • Austria: September 12-15
  • France: September 20-22
  • Germany Autumn: Oct 31-Nov 3

2025:

  • Queensland is back! May 2-4 2025!
  • CanWest: July 10-13 2025
  • France: September 19-21 2025

Add yourself to the Updates List for each event!

Questions about an event? Ask here

HUBBUK: info

See all event details

 
World's most listened to Adventure Motorbike Show!
Check the RAW segments; Grant, your HU host is on every month!
Episodes below to listen to while you, err, pretend to do something or other...

Adventurous Bikers – We've got all your Hygiene & Protection needs SORTED! Powdered Hair & Body Wash, Moisturising Cream Insect Repellent, and Moisturising Cream Sunscreen SPF50. ESSENTIAL | CONVENIENT | FUNCTIONAL.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

"Ultimate global guide for red-blooded bikers planning overseas exploration. Covers choice & preparation of best bike, shipping overseas, baggage design, riding techniques, travel health, visas, documentation, safety and useful addresses." Recommended. (Grant)



Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance.

Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance™ combines into a single integrated program the best evacuation and rescue with the premier travel insurance coverages designed for adventurers.

Led by special operations veterans, Stanford Medicine affiliated physicians, paramedics and other travel experts, Ripcord is perfect for adventure seekers, climbers, skiers, sports enthusiasts, hunters, international travelers, humanitarian efforts, expeditions and more.

Ripcord travel protection is now available for ALL nationalities, and travel is covered on motorcycles of all sizes!


 

What others say about HU...

"This site is the BIBLE for international bike travelers." Greg, Australia

"Thank you! The web site, The travels, The insight, The inspiration, Everything, just thanks." Colin, UK

"My friend and I are planning a trip from Singapore to England... We found (the HU) site invaluable as an aid to planning and have based a lot of our purchases (bikes, riding gear, etc.) on what we have learned from this site." Phil, Australia

"I for one always had an adventurous spirit, but you and Susan lit the fire for my trip and I'll be forever grateful for what you two do to inspire others to just do it." Brent, USA

"Your website is a mecca of valuable information and the (video) series is informative, entertaining, and inspiring!" Jennifer, Canada

"Your worldwide organisation and events are the Go To places to for all serious touring and aspiring touring bikers." Trevor, South Africa

"This is the answer to all my questions." Haydn, Australia

"Keep going the excellent work you are doing for Horizons Unlimited - I love it!" Thomas, Germany

Lots more comments here!



Five books by Graham Field!

Diaries of a compulsive traveller
by Graham Field
Book, eBook, Audiobook

"A compelling, honest, inspiring and entertaining writing style with a built-in feel-good factor" Get them NOW from the authors' website and Amazon.com, Amazon.ca, Amazon.co.uk.



Back Road Map Books and Backroad GPS Maps for all of Canada - a must have!

New to Horizons Unlimited?

New to motorcycle travelling? New to the HU site? Confused? Too many options? It's really very simple - just 4 easy steps!

Horizons Unlimited was founded in 1997 by Grant and Susan Johnson following their journey around the world on a BMW R80G/S.

Susan and Grant Johnson Read more about Grant & Susan's story

Membership - help keep us going!

Horizons Unlimited is not a big multi-national company, just two people who love motorcycle travel and have grown what started as a hobby in 1997 into a full time job (usually 8-10 hours per day and 7 days a week) and a labour of love. To keep it going and a roof over our heads, we run events all over the world with the help of volunteers; we sell inspirational and informative DVDs; we have a few selected advertisers; and we make a small amount from memberships.

You don't have to be a Member to come to an HU meeting, access the website, or ask questions on the HUBB. What you get for your membership contribution is our sincere gratitude, good karma and knowing that you're helping to keep the motorcycle travel dream alive. Contributing Members and Gold Members do get additional features on the HUBB. Here's a list of all the Member benefits on the HUBB.




All times are GMT +1. The time now is 09:56.