Motorcycle insurance for Russia?

Hi everyone,

I’m heading to Mongolia on my motorcycle in early May 2025, but I’m really struggling to find insurance with a Green Card that covers Russia. Do you know where I can get one? Thanks! Best, Philippe

Hi, I don’t know what the current situation is, but during my last trip across Russia (2016), MAIF covered me for personal and third-party insurance throughout the country. However, like all insurance policies, repatriating your vehicle—or motorcycle, in your case—after an accident wasn’t covered beyond the Urals. If an accident happens past that river, you’ll have to handle the vehicle yourself, but you’ll still be covered if there’s an issue. Now, with the political situation, insurance companies may have changed their policies. Try giving them a call.

Hi there,

European insurance policies no longer cover Russia due to sanctions related to the conflict with Ukraine. You won’t find a Green Card that covers Russia. After you cross the border and enter Russia, you’ll find insurance agents who can provide third-party coverage. Which border crossing are you planning to use to enter Russia?

Hi After the Russian border, often at a gas station, there are insurance companies for foreign vehicles. Best regards страхование

Hi, On my way there, I plan to cross the Georgia/Russia border, either between Tbilisi and Vladikavkaz or the Azerbaijan/Russia border at Derbent. I think no motorcycle insurance works with Russia anymore... For repatriation insurance, I’m with Chapka.

Hi there, It’s not a big deal on the Russian side if you don’t have insurance when crossing the border—it might be asked for during a road check in Russia, but you can always find Russian insurance sellers after the border. When you cross into Russia, after your visa is accepted (Russian stamp), you’ll still need to complete the temporary vehicle importation. Depending on the region, the instructions are in Russian and English for filling out the forms. I’m not sure if English-language documents are still available, but in principle, they should be. If you speak Russian, it’ll be easier; otherwise, you might have to redo the documents (two copies). Have fun!

Insurance and driver's license aren't required at the Russian border

on a motorcycle ....insurance

Third-party liability insurance (shortened to OSAGO) is mandatory but isn’t checked at the border. However, just like in the EU, if you don’t have insurance and get pulled over, your vehicle could be impounded.

You can buy OSAGO online, but without a Russian card, it’ll be expensive. For example, check out the Telegram channel https://t.me/germanykd—it’s mainly for Germany-Kaliningrad routes and has a lot of users. There’s a menu with insurance offers:



Alternatively, you can contact this site: https://greencard-sc.ru/

For payment, they’ll offer options like PayPal or a Belarusian/Kazakh card, for example.

For repatriation insurance I'm with Chapka

They don’t cover Russia.

temporary vehicle importation. Depending on the region, the instructions are in Russian and English for filling them out. I don’t know if English documents are still available, but in principle, yes.

Online, yes, depending on whether the Russian administrative systems are working or not. Otherwise still available here, for example: http://visalink-russia.com/passenger-customs-declaration-form-russian-customs.html

Hello, On the way there, I plan to cross the Georgia/Russia border, specifically the one between Tbilisi and Vladikavkaz

You’ll find an insurance office a few kilometers after the border checkpoint at the following GPS coordinates: 42.79608° N, 44.63594° E. You can find one right after leaving the checkpoint, but you’ll need to be patient because there’s often a long line of people waiting.

or the Azerbaijan/Russia border at Derbent.

Border closed. Only air borders are open for entering Azerbaijan.

I think no motorcycle insurance works with Russia anymore...

No European insurance covers Russia anymore due to the embargo.

For info: Based on my recent information, it’s no longer possible to obtain a transit visa at the Russian embassy in Tbilisi.

Hi there,

You can buy vehicle insurance online from France (credit card payment).

The site is also available in French, which makes registration and downloading the document easier.

https://zelenkarta.com/osago-na-inostrannyj-avto/

Alternatively, for medical and repatriation insurance, the contract can be arranged day by day:

https://www.attolloassistance.shop/en/

Another company with competitive rates and good coverage, including options: https://calc.insure.travel/

Have a great day! !

At every border post you'll find insurance, currency exchange, and SIM cards for your GPS, plus fuel at 60 cents per liter.... I'm leaving at the end of June. Safe travels!

Hi there, For SIM cards, there’s a new law. It’s no longer possible to buy a SIM card without completing certain steps. Just so you know, "to leave is to die a little, to die is to rot a little."

Could you clarify these steps? That could really help.

Hi there, Here’s the procedure for SIM cards. (For opening a bank account in Russia, the process is almost identical for a foreigner.)

https://russiable.fr/acheter-carte-sim-russe-mobile/

Here are the new procedures if you arrive by plane (via Moscow, for example)—other borders will follow soon: https://russiable.fr/profil-numerique-etrangers-russie/

You’ll also find info on this site about how to transfer money to a Russian bank account.

Best, Patrick