Refugees from Ukraine on German roads
Read about it in the basic reference prepared by journalists of Deutsche Welle.
What insurance is needed in Germany?
In Germany, it is forbidden to drive a car without insurance coverage. In the first weeks of the war in Ukraine, when the first wave of refugees arrived, German insurance companies reacted immediately and found a mechanism to cover costs related to possible consequences of accidents involving uninsured Ukrainian cars. However, the temporary mechanism expired on May 31, and since then all vehicles with Ukrainian license plates must be insured in Germany.
Standard third-party liability insurance policies only cover cars with German license plates. Therefore, for Ukrainians, a number of companies have offered special tariffs called Grenzversicherung (border insurance policy). Such a policy is valid in all EU countries, clarifies the German Federal Ministry of Transport, as well as in other countries if specified in the policy.
The cost of such insurance ranges from 10 to 30 euros per month. At the same time, the cheapest tariffs sometimes have a long validity period – for example, 120 euros per year. So if you do not plan to stay in Germany that long, you may have to buy a relatively more expensive policy for a shorter period. For example, 90 euros for three months. The German Insurance Association has compiled a list of companies offering border insurance policies – it is worth comparing prices carefully.
Who does not need a German "border policy"?
If you have a valid "Green Card" (international motor insurance card) issued by a Ukrainian insurance company and can present the corresponding policy upon request, you do not need a German border insurance policy.
There is also no need for additional insurance if you have already purchased a border insurance policy, for example, in Poland, whose validity and coverage extend to the territory of Germany. This is clarified, in particular, in the explanations for Ukrainians from the insurance company AXA.
Are Ukrainian driving licenses valid?
A Ukrainian driver's license is valid in Germany for six months from the moment of moving. However, regarding how this period is calculated, the information is not always clear.
According to explanations, in particular from the Berlin state authorities, the six months are counted for Ukrainians "from the moment of registration of the main place of residence in Germany." Thus, it is not about the moment of crossing the border or the moment of applying for asylum, social assistance, or obtaining the corresponding status, but precisely the moment when the registration of the place of residence at a specific address in Germany was made. The six-month validity period usually cannot be extended.
However, in particular, in the memo of the authorities of the German capital, there are exceptions: "If it is known in advance that you will keep your place of residence in Germany for no longer than 12 months, you can (for a fee) apply for an extension of the validity of your driver's license at the vehicle registration office. Relevant documents about your stay must be attached."
At the same time, it is not specified whether this exception applies to Ukrainians who have received temporary protection from the war. Ukrainians, according to the decision of EU countries against the background of the war in Ukraine, are usually granted a residence permit until spring 2024, i.e., longer than a year. It is possible that in the coming months, new rules regarding the validity of Ukrainian driver's licenses will be agreed upon in Brussels. The European Commission proposed allowing Ukrainians staying in the EU under the temporary protection regime to continue using their driving licenses issued in Ukraine. This was reported by the press service of the European Commission on Tuesday, June 21. Now this proposal by the EC must be considered by the European Parliament and the Council of the EU.
Do I need to register the car?
Not yet – you can drive with foreign license plates without registration in Germany for one year. According to the German Federal Ministry of Transport, this period starts from the moment of entry into Germany. The ministry warns in a memo for Ukrainians that if this requirement is not met after one year of stay, drivers will be fined.
You can register a car in Germany at the state registration authorities (Zulassungsbehörde) at your place of residence. Fees for this administrative service vary depending on the municipality, car, and circumstances – from 20 to over 100 euros. At the same time, there are currently no clear explanations regarding customs duties. The German Ministry of Transport's explanations only state that "an assessment of your vehicle by a so-called monitoring organization, i.e., an official traffic expert or a so-called technical service that meets certain requirements, may be required."
Registration is an expensive pleasure
It should be kept in mind that after registering a vehicle, you will have to pay vehicle tax. Depending on the engine size, year of manufacture, and environmental friendliness of the car, this tax will range from 200 to over 500 euros per year. In addition, you will need to take out German insurance for the car, the cost of which will depend, among other things, on your driving experience.
Keep in mind that driving experience in Ukraine – i.e., before obtaining a driver's license in Germany – is generally not taken into account by insurance companies. Thus, with a license obtained in Germany, you will be considered a "beginner" and will likely pay the highest insurance premiums. Third-party liability insurance for beginners in Germany, according to estimates by the insurance company CosmosDirekt, costs on average about 1000 euros per year. The price can vary significantly depending on the car model.
Obtaining a driver's license in Germany through the full procedure – attending theoretical and practical classes – typically costs several thousand euros. Ukrainians do not need to attend a full course of classes to re-register their licenses, which can save a significant portion of this amount.
However, as experience shows, driving schools and examiners recommend that foreign drivers take at least a shortened practical course, because the specifics of taking the driving test in Germany can differ significantly from other countries. In addition, do not forget that during the test you will have to follow the examiner's instructions in German.
Free assistance for problems on the road
A punctured tire, engine problems – if the car breaks down in the middle of the road – you need a tow truck or an experienced mechanic to help on the spot. These services in Germany are mostly provided by specialists from the General German Automobile Club – ADAC. For Ukrainians, as well as for Germans who help Ukraine or refugees from Ukraine, ADAC services are currently free.
The campaign, which the club first announced in March, continues to operate, the club said in response to a DW inquiry. "We continue to provide free assistance to refugees and volunteers whose activities are related to the crisis in Ukraine," the ADAC press service said on Tuesday, June 21.