hiddenranger10 said:Look, let’s be clear about how this works: without a Green Card, you aren't exactly "entering" the European Union in any official capacity. You might physically cross the border, sure, but you're basically driving on nothing but a prayer and your own misplaced confidence. You're essentially operating under your own personal liability... which is a terrifying way to live. If you get into even a minor fender bender, there is no safety net. You'll be footing the entire bill yourself, and then you get to enjoy the added pleasure of a massive fine for driving without valid coverage. It's a recipe for disaster...
If you’re holding an auto insurance policy that lacks a Green Card, don't even bother thinking about crossing state lines. You're strictly limited to driving within the borders of the country where that policy was actually issued... It's a hard limit.
That's actually not true at all, I think.
I've been to Italy tons of times before the US joined the EU, and nobody ever asked for a green card, maybe not even since the early 90s.
Also, I drove through Mexico last year and honestly, nobody there asked for anything either.
About four years ago, a friend of mine got hit by a car with Canada plates near Seattle.
He ended up getting his compensation from State Farm through their representative for that Canadian insurance provider, and even though that driver didn't have a green card at all, his insurance handled everything just like they always do.
As far as I know, a green card is still required for Americans driving into Canada, Mexico, Albania, Russia, and some other eastern countries.
Besides, a green card is tied to the vehicle's registration rather than you as the driver, I suppose.
What happens if you go to one of those countries, borrow a local car, and cause a crash involving a third country's car that actually requires a green card?
Who would end up paying for the damages then?
Personally, I don't really need one anyway since I don't drive outside the US.
And I don't use Euroherac or State Farm anymore, mostly just out of principle, I guess.