Does your EU/UK/US car insurance work in Ukraine? (Spoiler: not fully)

When planning a trip to Ukraine in your own car, it is important to know that standard car insurance from the EU, the UK or the US does not cover all risks, especially those related to the state of war. Find out what additional documents and insurance you will need to feel safe and avoid financial losses

Take out Mini Hull insurance at Visit Ukraine - guaranteed car protection in just 5 minutes!

BUY

If you are planning to travel to Ukraine by car from the EU, the UK or the US, congratulations! This is a great opportunity to discover the beauty and hospitality of Ukraine. However, before you set off, you need to make sure that your car and you are properly protected. Although you probably already have standard car insurance in your country, we have an important warning: it does not cover all risks in Ukraine.

Travelling to Ukraine in your own car: what you need to know

Foreigners must have the following mandatory documents with them to enter Ukraine in their own car:

1. Vehicle registration certificate (technical passport).

2. Driving licence – international or issued in a country that is a signatory to the Vienna Convention on Road Traffic.

3. Compulsory insurance – ‘Green Card’. This is an international motor insurance policy that is mandatory for all foreign drivers. Without a Green Card, entry into Ukraine is prohibited.

It is important to know that you must obtain a Green Card in the country where your car is registered before crossing the border. If you are looking for reliable insurance services, the Visit Ukraine platform offers a range of solutions for travellers to help you prepare for your trip.

Why is your EU/UK/US car insurance not enough?

Standard EU, UK or US car insurance is designed for the domestic market and has significant limitations that make it invalid or ineffective in Ukraine.

Territorial restrictions of insurance policies

Most insurance policies have a clearly defined territory of validity. This usually includes EU countries, the Schengen area, the UK or the US. Ukraine, especially under martial law, is often excluded from the list of countries where your insurance policy is valid. This means that in the event of any accident or damage, your insurance company will not be liable.

A memo for drivers in case of an accident in Ukraine can be found on the Visit Ukraine portal.

Exclusion of war risks in standard packages

This is the most important aspect. Standard car insurance does not cover damage related to military actions, shelling, explosions or other consequences of martial law. If your car is damaged as a result of explosions or other risks, you will not receive any compensation. This can lead to huge financial losses. That is why insurance against war risks in Ukraine is essential for foreign drivers.

The best options for night parking in Ukraine can be found at the link.

Emergency services and liability in Ukraine

Even if your insurance is valid in Ukraine, it may not cover all types of damage, and you may encounter difficulties communicating and interacting with emergency services and insurance agents on site. Ukraine has its own rules and procedures that may be unfamiliar to foreign drivers.

For maximum comfort and safety while travelling in Ukraine, we recommend purchasing a mini-CASCO insurance policy that also covers military risks.

What is a ‘Green Card’ and is it sufficient?

A ‘Green Card’ is an international compulsory civil liability insurance policy for owners of land vehicles (OSCPV). This policy covers only the driver's liability for damage caused to third parties as a result of a traffic accident.

Why is it not enough? The Green Card does not insure your car, but your liability to other road users. This means that if you are at fault in an accident, your insurance will cover the repair of the other party's car. However, if your car is damaged as a result of an accident (even if it is not your fault), shelling, fire or natural disaster, the Green Card will not provide any compensation. To insure your vehicle, you need additional insurance.

We remind you that you can choose a car insurance policy for entry into Ukraine on the Visit Ukraine website to ensure comprehensive protection.

Mini Hull insurance in Ukraine: additional protection that is worth having

To fully protect yourself and your vehicle, foreign drivers are advised to purchase Mini Hull insurance. This is a special type of insurance that covers damage to your car.

What does Mini Hull insurance cover?

Depending on the insurance package you choose, this may include:

Damage in an accident: Compensation for damage to your car, regardless of who is at fault.

War risks: Many insurance programmes in Ukraine, including those available on Visit Ukraine, offer coverage for damage caused by shelling, falling debris, etc. This is critically important during martial law.

Natural disasters and fires: Protection against damage caused by storms, floods, fires and other unforeseen events.

Tow truck services.

Check out the current Mini Hull insurance offers on the Visit Ukraine website to find the best option for your trip.

Travel insurance: worth remembering

When travelling in your own car, it is important to take care not only of your vehicle, but also of yourself. Travel insurance covering military risks is recommended for all foreigners entering Ukraine. It provides:

1. Medical assistance and treatment.

2. Emergency evacuation.

3. Hospitalisation in case of injury or illness.

Don't want to miss important updates and useful articles? Subscribe to our weekly newsletter!

Final list of what you need before entering Ukraine by car

To ensure that your trip is safe and brings only positive emotions, make sure you have all the necessary documents and insurance for travelling to Ukraine:

1. Green card.

2. Additional car insurance (Mini Hull insurance), preferably with coverage for military risks.

3. Medical insurance covering military risks.

4. Car documents and driving licence.

Be fully prepared for your trip with reliable insurance and support services available at Visit Ukraine.

Reminder! We previously told you what to look for when choosing a Mini Hull insurance package.

Photo: Freepik

Want to know more? Read the latest news and useful materials about Ukraine and the world in the News section.

We recommend purchasing it for a safe and comfortable trip to Ukraine: 

Visit Ukraine Insurance – insurance covering military risks for entry and travel in Ukraine;

Visit Ukraine Car Insurance – car insurance with extended coverage in Ukraine;

Visit Ukraine Legal Advice – comprehensive legal support on entry to Ukraine;

Visit Ukraine Tickets – bus and train tickets to/from Ukraine;

Visit Ukraine Tours – the largest online database of tours to Ukraine for every taste;

Visit Ukraine Hotels – hotels for a comfortable stay in Ukraine;

Visit Ukraine Merch – patriotic clothing and accessories with worldwide delivery.

© 2018-2025, Visit Ukraine. Use, copying or reprinting of materials on this site is permitted only with a link (hyperlink for online publications) to Visit Ukraine.

All rights reserved.