In short
Before the trip, check that your personal documents and driving license are valid, as well as the registration certificate, the proof of insurance required for the countries you pass through, an authorization if you are not driving your own vehicle, and your roadside assistance terms. Requirements depend on the route, so check every transit and destination country.
Make a list by person, vehicle and route
Personal documents, the driving license and vehicle documents are checked separately. Then look at which countries you pass through, because a transit country may have a requirement that does not exist at your final destination.
Use official information from the competent authorities and automobile associations, not an undated social media post. Entry rules and recognition of documents change.
A borrowed, company or leased vehicle needs extra attention
If you are not listed as the owner, check what authorization you need to cross the border and use the vehicle in other countries. With a company or leased vehicle, the owner's terms and the contract may add another document.
This is hard to fix at the border. Sort it out before you pay for accommodation or set off.
Read your insurance through scenarios
Check the territorial validity of your car insurance and whether additional proof is required. Travel health insurance protects passengers under the agreed terms, while roadside assistance organizes a callout, towing or other services according to the chosen package.
Ask what happens if the vehicle cannot continue, how many assistance callouts are included, who organizes towing and whether there are limits for accommodation or returning the vehicle.
Numbers to have at hand
Save the numbers of your insurer, assistance provider, accommodation and a contact person. Keep the policy number and basic details on paper or on another device as well, because a phone can run out of battery or be left in the vehicle.
Before the trip, do a basic check of the car: tires, fluids, brakes, lights, battery and air conditioning. Papers take care of the administration, but a technically prepared vehicle makes it less likely you will need assistance.
Key points
Three things to remember
- 01
Check the rules of all countries on the route, not only the destination.
- 02
If the vehicle is not yours, check the required authorization before you leave.
- 03
Keep the assistance number and policy number somewhere other than the phone you use for navigation.
FAQ
Straight answers
Is a green card required for every country?
Not for every country. It depends on the country and the agreements in force, so check the current rules for the whole route just before you travel.
Does travel health insurance cover a car breakdown?
No. It relates to passengers' health risks under the policy. For the vehicle, check your car insurance and roadside assistance package.
Where should I keep the assistance number?
On your phone, on paper with the documents, and with another passenger. It needs to be available even when the main phone has no signal or battery.
Sources and further reading
This article is informational. Check regulations, conditions and changing figures before a specific procedure.
