Legal Rights of Foreign-Plated Vehicles Involved in Traffic Accidents in Türkiye

Legal Rights of Foreign-Plated Vehicles Involved in Traffic Accidents in Türkiye 

Green Card Insurance, Vehicle Value Loss, and Compensation Claims Explained

Every year, thousands of expatriates and dual citizens travel to Türkiye by car from Europe and beyond. Unfortunately, traffic accidents during such visits are not uncommon — and they often lead to complicated legal and insurance-related issues. If your vehicle is registered outside of Türkiye, it's crucial to understand your rights in case of an accident.

1. Is Your Foreign Insurance Valid in Türkiye?

If your vehicle is insured in a country that is part of the Green Card (International Motor Insurance Card System), then your third-party liability insurance is generally valid in Türkiye — provided you carry the original Green Card document with you.

Important: The Green Card only covers third-party damages. For your own vehicle’s damage, you need a comprehensive insurance policy (Kasko) that explicitly includes coverage in Türkiye.

If you do not present the Green Card at the border, Turkish authorities may require you to purchase temporary insurance.

2. What to Do in Case of an Accident?

If you are involved in a traffic accident in Türkiye:

·       Call the police or gendarmerie, especially if injuries or disputes arise.

·       Collect evidence: photos, videos, accident report forms, and witness statements.

·       Exchange full information with the other party, including ID, license plate, insurance, and contact details.

·       Obtain an expert report for vehicle damage and retain all repair invoices and related receipts.

3. Vehicle Value Loss: You May Be Entitled to More Than Just Repairs

Even if your vehicle is repaired after an accident, its market value may decrease. Under Turkish law, if you were not at fault, you may claim compensation for loss of value (vehicle depreciation) from the liable party or their insurer.

Foreign nationals are entitled to file such claims in Türkiye, even if they reside abroad.

Claims can be pursued either through Turkish courts or via the Insurance Arbitration Commission.

Documents in foreign languages must be officially translated into Turkish, and the process may be handled through a power of attorney.

4. Can You File a Claim After Returning to Your Home Country?

Yes. If the accident occurred in Türkiye, Turkish courts have jurisdiction.

You can authorize a Turkish attorney through a notarized or consular power of attorney, and the entire legal process can be handled without your physical presence in Türkiye.

5. Additional Damages You May Claim

Besides repair costs or value loss, you may also be eligible to claim:

·       Towing and storage fees

·       Replacement vehicle (rental) expenses

·       Medical treatment costs

·       Compensation for pain and suffering, in the event of physical injury

Conclusion: Your Rights Don’t Stop at the Border

Navigating legal and insurance processes in a foreign country can be overwhelming. However, with the right legal support, you can assert your rights and recover your losses effectively — even from abroad.

📞 If you've been involved in a traffic accident in Türkiye with a foreign-registered vehicle, feel free to contact our law office. We assist clients worldwide and can represent you based on a power of attorney.