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    Do foreign-registered cars need extra motor insurance in Finland?

    When border insurance is needed and where to buy it.

    Answered at: Checked at:

    Short answer

    The Finnish Motor Insurers' Centre explains that a foreign-registered vehicle used in Finland must have valid motor insurance here. Cars registered in an EEA country need no border insurance. If the country of registration is not in the green card system, the vehicle must take out border insurance for the whole stay. The same applies to a car from a non-EEA green card country that has no valid green card. Border insurance is sold at customs offices.

    Transport, roads, car rental

    Why

    1. The Finnish Motor Insurers' Centre says EEA-registered vehicles need no border insurance.
    2. The Centre grants border insurance, and customs offices sell it.
    3. Russia and Belarus left the green card system, so Finnish insurance has not covered them since 1 June 2023.

    Details

    Since 2025 a green card shown electronically as the insurer's PDF is accepted across the green card area.

    Tip

    Ask your insurer for a green card before driving to Finland from outside the EEA.

    What may differ

    Rules for people who move to Finland with a foreign car are different. Check Traficom and the Tax Administration.

    Common misconception

    Any car insurance from home works in Finland.

    What actually happens

    It works only within the EEA or with a valid green card. Otherwise you need border insurance.

    People also ask

    • Can you drive in Finland with a foreign licence?
    • Do you need a warning triangle in Finland?
    • How often is car inspection in Finland?

    Sources

    This answer is for reference only. Traffic rules and fees change, so check Traficom, Liikenneturva or the police before you drive.

    Transport, roads, car rental

    • Do foreign cars need a country sticker in Finland?

      The Automobile and Touring Club of Finland says a nationality sign is required on foreign cars in Finland, unless the vehicle is registered in a country that is party to the Geneva or Vienna Road Traffic Convention and carries EU number plates with the country code.

      Checked at:

    • What colour are motorway and main road signs in Finland?

      The Automobile and Touring Club of Finland (Autoliitto) says main roads in Finland have blue direction signs with white text, while motorways have green signs with white text.

      Checked at:

    • Does E10 petrol increase fuel consumption?

      VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland tested six used E10-compatible cars from model years 1999–2010 in laboratory conditions in 2011.

      Checked at:

    • Which petrol should you use in Finland, 95E10 or 98E5?

      Finnish pumps sell two main petrol grades: 95E10, with an octane rating of at least 95 and up to 10% ethanol, and 98E5, with at least 98 octane and up to 5% ethanol.

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