OVERSEAS INSURANCE FOR Germany

Local civilian license plates in Germany remain on the vehicle for transfer to the new owner when the car is sold. You can get new license plates for imported vehicles through:

• A U.S. military vehicle registration office — United States Army Europe, or USAREUR
• A U.S. Embassy or U.S. Consulate — diplomatic or consulate plates

If you need local German civilian, seasonal or export license plates, contact us for more information.

Your license plate and registration paperwork are your proof of insurance in Germany. Unlike the U.S., Germany does not require you to carry proof of insurance in your vehicle. We'll provide an International Motor Insurance Card.

The U.S. Army Europe, or USAREUR, system requires a White Card to register your vehicle. Let USAA know when you arrive so we can update your coverage and send the White Card to the USAREUR registration office. If you need help to register at the U.S. Embassy, U.S. Consulate or local German registration offices, please call us.

Depending on your vehicle registration type and German residency status, we may charge you a monthly Insurance Premium Tax on your auto insurance policy. Refer to your declarations documents for details.

A discount may be available on your auto insurance policy for vehicles in storage.^{See note1} You can declare your vehicle in storage online or by contacting us.

A U.S. Touring policy provides protections for you when you're driving a borrowed or rental vehicle in the U.S. while you're stationed overseas. These protections include bodily injury liability, property damage liability and uninsured motorist coverage. Contact us to purchase this policy.

Be prepared

1. Most countries may require you to complete an accident report form. We recommend you print and carry a form in your vehicle called the European Accident Statement will open a new window.
2. European countries may require or recommend you have warning triangles, reflective vests and a first-aid kit in case of an accident. Check local driving regulations to find out more.
3. Keep a copy of your Green Card handy as proof of insurance.

At the scene of an accident

1. Dial 112 for emergency service in Europe. You may be required to contact the police when injuries or serious accidents are involved, if you're in a hit-and-run, or if the other party is uncooperative and at fault for the accident.
2. Don't sign anything except the European Accident Statement, which allows each driver to explain what happened but doesn't assign blame.
3. Take pictures of the accident scene and damaged vehicles, including license plates. If possible, get the following details from the other driver: name, driver's license number, address and phone number, insurance carrier, policy number and vehicle registration.
4. Use a translation app to assist with communicating in the local language.
5. In a one-car incident, find the owner of any damaged property to complete a report. If none can be found, leave a note at the scene, and report it at the nearest police station.

After an accident

You can file a claim on the USAA Mobile App. Or you can file online. As soon as possible, contact a USAA claims representative.

Once you've removed your name from the vehicle registration and taken all the insurance documents out of the vehicle, you can cancel insurance at any time. But you must pay a premium for any coverage you've received. If you're shipping your vehicle to the U.S., you'll need to keep your German policy until it arrives.

You'll need to transfer your coverage to a stateside policy. When your vehicle arrives at port in the U.S., contact USAA.