Are you planning a trip to Georgia by car or have you already driven your car across the border? Without valid Georgian insurance you can't go - this is a requirement of local legislation, and fines for its absence reach 500 lari (about 180 USD). Fortunately, take out a policy OSAGO Georgia (or SAQARTVELOs SAADZO, saadzo) can be done online in 10-15 minutes - without visiting the office or queuing. In this article, we will look at how to choose a reliable insurer, avoid scammers and save up to 30% on the cost of the policy.
The main difference between Georgian car insurance and Russian or European is its mandatory for all foreign cars, even with a “green card”. This rule has been in effect since 2018, and its violation is fraught not only with fines, but also with problems in the event of an accident. We analyzed the rates of the 7 largest insurance companies in Georgia, studied driver reviews and compiled a checklist for a safe purchase. We’ll also tell you how to check the authenticity of the policy and what to do if the insurer refuses to pay compensation.
Why do you need Georgian car insurance in 2026?
From January 1, 2026, the requirements for insurance of foreign cars have become more stringent in Georgia. Now the policy SAQARTVELOs SAADZO required:
- 🚗 For all cars with foreign license plates (including Russian, Ukrainian, Armenian, etc.).
- 🛂 For the duration of stay in the country - from 15 days to 1 year (maximum policy period).
- 💰 In case of any accident - without a policy, the culprit pays for repairs from his own pocket.
- 📋 To undergo technical inspection (if the car has been in Georgia for more than 6 months).
Important: “green card” (international MTPL policy) doesn't work in Georgia since 2018. This is due to the country's exit from the system Green card and transition to our own insurance system. Even if you have a valid policy from Russia or Europe, at the border you will be required to issue a Georgian equivalent.
According to Georgian Association of Insurers, in 2023, every fifth foreign driver received a fine for not having a car insurance policy. Average fine amount - 300 lari (≈110 USD), but in case of repeated violation or accident it can increase to 1000 GEL. In addition, you will not be allowed to leave the country by car without insurance - border guards check your insurance upon departure.
⚠️ Attention: If you buy a car in Georgia with foreign license plates (for example, imported from Russia or Ukraine), insurance is required immediately after purchase - even if you have not yet managed to re-issue your documents. The policy is tied to the license plate number, and not to the owner.
How much does Georgian car insurance cost in 2026?
The cost of the policy depends on three factors: the type of car, the insurance period and the chosen company. The table below shows current tariffs for June 2026 for passenger cars (category B). Prices are indicated in GEL (1 USD ≈ 2.7 GEL).
| Insurance period | Minimum price (GEL) | Maximum price (GEL) | Average price (GEL) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 15 days | 80 | 120 | 95 |
| 1 month | 150 | 200 | 170 |
| 3 months | 300 | 450 | 380 |
| 6 months | 500 | 700 | 600 |
| 1 year | 800 | 1200 | 950 |
For trucks (category C) and motorcycle tariffs are 20-30% higher. For example, insurance for a truck for 1 month will cost 250-350 GEL, and for a motorcycle - in 100-150 GEL.
Where is it cheaper to buy? The lowest prices are usually at IC Group and Aldagi, but they have strict payment conditions. More reliable companies - GPI Holding and Imedi L — they charge 10-15% more, but guarantee quick payments in case of an accident. Read more about choosing an insurer in the next section.
Top 5 insurance companies in Georgia: where to buy a policy online
There are about 20 insurance companies operating in Georgia, but only 7 of them have a license to issue SAQARTVELOs SAADZO for foreign cars. We have selected the 5 most reliable ones with the ability to purchase online:
- 🏆 GPI Holding - market leader, operating since 1996. Pros: English-language website, 24/7 support, payments within 5 days. Cons: prices are above average.
- 💰 IC Group - the cheapest insurance (10-20% below the market). Pros: quick policy issuance, mobile application. Minus: difficulties with payments in case of an accident.
- 🛡️ Aldagi - popular with foreigners. Pros: simple website, reasonable prices. Minus: no Russian-language support.
- 📱 Imedi L - belongs to the largest bank in Georgia. Pros: reliability, ability to pay with a card from any bank. Cons: slow processing of applications.
- ⚡ Ardi — a young company with flexible tariffs. Pros: discounts when paying for 6+ months. Disadvantage: there are few offices for in-person registration.
How to choose? If you need maximum reliability - take it GPI Holding or Imedi L. If important price — IC Group or Ardi. Suitable for short-term trips (up to 1 month) Aldagi.
Beware of scammers! Recently, cases of selling fake policies through Telegram and social networks have become more frequent. Check the insurer on the official website Association of Insurers of Georgia (ISG).
Check the license on the ISG website (isg.ge)
Read the reviews on the forums (expat.com, drive2.ru)
Make sure the company website is secure (https in the address)
Do not pay for your policy via Western Union or crypto-->
Step-by-step instructions: how to buy Georgian insurance online
You can apply for a policy in 4 steps. The whole process will take no more than 15 minutes if you have:
- 📄 Passport details of the car owner.
- 🚘 Car number (foreign or Georgian).
- 💳 Bank card for payment (Visa/Mastercard, including Russian “Mir”).
Step 1. Selecting an insurance company
Go to the website of one of the companies from our rating. For example, for GPI Holding this is gpi.ge. On the main page, find the section Car insurance → SAQARTVELOs SAADZO.
Step 2. Filling in the data
Enter vehicle information:
- License number (for example,
X 123 XX 77 RUSfor Russian cars). - Make and model (eg Toyota Camry 2018).
- VIN code (required for cars over 5 years old).
- Insurance period (select from the drop-down list).
Please note: if you provide the wrong VIN, your policy may be cancelled!
Step 3. Payment
The system will automatically calculate the cost. You can pay by card (including world) or through Georgian banks (TBC Bank, Bank of Georgia). After payment you will receive an electronic policy in PDF format by email.
Step 4. Checking the policy
Make sure the document includes:
- Your license plate number.
- Policy validity dates.
- Stamp and signature of the insurer (electronically).
Check the authenticity of the policy on the website ISG — enter the policy number and state number.
If you have problems paying with your card, try using a virtual card Revolut or Wise. Some Georgian banks block transactions from Russia and Ukraine.
What to do if your insurance claim is denied
According to statistics Association of Georgian Insurers, every tenth driver faces a refusal to pay. Main reasons:
- 📝 Inconsistency between the data in the policy and the documents for the car (for example, a different VIN).
- 🚨 The accident occurred due to the fault of a driver while intoxicated.
- 📅 Expired policy (even for 1 day).
- 🔧 Independent repairs without approval from the insurance company.
If you are refused, follow the algorithm:
- Request an official refusal in writing (in Georgian or English).
- Contact Association of Insurers of Georgia with a complaint (email:
info@isg.ge). - If the amount of damage is more than 1000 lari, file a claim in court (for foreigners - through Tbilisi City Court).
The period for consideration of a complaint is up to 30 days. In 70% of cases, insurance companies make concessions after contacting ISG. If the case goes to court, be prepared to pay for a lawyer (from 500 GEL).
⚠️ Attention: If an accident occurs with the participation of a pedestrian, the insurance company obliged pay compensation to the victim, even if your policy is expired. This rule has been in effect since 2023 under the Law “On the Protection of the Rights of Pedestrians”.
Common mistakes when purchasing Georgian insurance
Even experienced drivers make mistakes that lead to fines or cancellation of the policy. Here are the most common:
- 📅 Incorrect insurance period. Many people buy a 15-day policy, although they plan to travel for a month. An extension is possible, but it will cost more than immediately applying for 30 days.
- 🚗 Indicating the wrong VIN. If the policy contains an error in one character of the VIN code, the document is considered invalid.
- 💳 Payment through unverified services. Fraudsters create copies of insurance company websites and steal card data. Always check the website address (must start with
https://). - 📄 Lack of policy printout. Although the electronic policy has legal force, border guards or police may require a paper version. Keep the PDF on your phone and a printed copy in your glove compartment.
Another typical problem is purchasing a policy from intermediaries. At the border there are often “helpers” who offer to take out insurance for 50-70 lari. In 99% of cases it is a fake! Official insurers do not work through intermediaries at the border.
What happens if you drive without insurance?
According to Article 125 Georgian Road Traffic Law, the penalty for not having a policy is:
- First violation: 300 GEL (~110 USD).
- Repeated violation: 500 GEL (~180 USD).
- In case of an accident without insurance: up to 1000 GEL + payment of damage from your own pocket.
In addition, you will not be allowed to leave the country by car without a policy - border guards check your insurance when leaving through the system E-Governance>.
Alternatives to Georgian insurance: what to do if you can’t get it
If your card isn't accepted for payment or you're having other problems, consider these options:
| Method | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Registration through a friend in Georgia | You can pay by cash or local card | Risk of data errors, delays |
| Purchase at an insurance office | 100% guarantee of policy authenticity | Need to go to Tbilisi/Batumi, queues |
| Using a virtual card | Works with any banks | Commission 2-5%, not all insurers accept |
| Registration through the embassy | Help in case of emergency | Long, you need to register in advance |
The most reliable way is to apply for a policy online through GPI Holding or Imedi L using a virtual card Revolut. If it doesn’t work, try paying through a Georgian bank (TBC Bank or Bank of Georgia) - they accept Russian cards.
As a last resort, you can cross the border on foot and leave your car in a paid parking lot at the border crossing (for example, in Larse or Upper Lars). Parking cost is about 10 GEL per day.
Never buy a policy from “helpers” at the border - it is 100% fake. Official insurers do not work through intermediaries at checkpoints.
FAQ: Answers to frequently asked questions
Is it possible to buy Georgian insurance for a car with Russian license plates?
Yes, this is a mandatory requirement for all foreign cars, including Russian ones. Polis SAQARTVELOs SAADZO valid regardless of the green card.
How long is the electronic policy valid? Do I need to print it out?
An electronic policy has the same legal force as a paper one. However, in practice, police or border guards may require a printout. We recommend keeping the PDF on your phone and a paper copy in your car.
Is it possible to renew insurance online?
Yes, renewal is possible through the insurance company's website. The key is to do this before your current policy expires. Extension after delay will cost 20-30% more.
What to do if you lost your policy?
Contact your insurance company with your policy number and vehicle details. A duplicate will be sent to you by email. You can also restore your policy through the website ISG.
Does Georgian insurance work in Abkhazia and South Ossetia?
No, policy SAQARTVELOs SAADZO valid only in Georgian-controlled territory. To travel to Abkhazia or South Ossetia, you need to take out local policies (but this is difficult due to political nuances).