Green Cards Driving abroad following the end of the Brexit Transition Period

Following the end of the Brexit transition period all vehicles travelling from the UK into Europe may be required to carry a Green Card as evidence of insurance.

Following instruction from the MIB in June, Green Cards can now be printed on A4 white paper. The Green Card must be printed off and carried by all drivers. Green Cards shown on electronic devices will not be accepted by border officials.

 

Green Card FAQ

What is the Green Card and why would this be required?

Green Cards may be required for UK motorists to circulate in the EEA, Andorra, Serbia and Switzerland (the Green Card-free circulation area) as proof of insurance following the end of the Brexit transition period.

Green Cards will be supplied by to policyholders upon request. Those who travel without one may be breaking the law and could incur severe delays at borders if they travel without a Green Card.

The same requirements will apply to motorists from the countries listed above travelling to the UK.

 

Who will be required to obtain and travel with a Green Card?

Any UK motorist travelling to the Green Card-free circulation area will not need to carry a green card.

This includes for example:

• People who drive from Northern Ireland to the Republic of Ireland.
• Any UK motorist planning to drive their vehicle in the Green Card-free circulation area for business or pleasure.

Do I need to request a Green Card immediately?

Whilst our panel insurers has already taken steps to ensure that we can issue a Green Card to any policyholder who requires one, this may be required following the end of the Brexit transition period. However, if you are due to take your vehicle outside of the UK, please contact us to arrange.

 

How do I request a Green Card?

Insurers have ensured that they are ready to meet the needs of all our clients following the end of the Brexit transition period and in response to the need for Green Cards.

To request a Green Card please contact us.

 

Do I need to carry any additional documents if I am driving with a caravan or trailer?

Yes. If your vehicle is towing a trailer or caravan, you will need two Green Cards. One for the towing vehicle and one for the trailer, or caravan.

 

If I have to tell my insurer in advance, how much notice will I need to give?

In order to allow sufficient time to process documents, you will need to give  sufficient notice of your intention to travel in advance. So, it is best to contact us 14 days in advance of your travel.

It is a requirement that your Green Card document covers a period of a minimum of 15 days.

Therefore, if your motor insurance policy is due to expire less than 15 days after the date of travel, you will need to ensure you have confirmed your renewal before you depart (even if your trip is less than 15 days in total).

 

Will I still be able to use my insurance to drive in other EU member states after 31 December?

Yes. All UK motor insurance providers will continue to provide the legal minimum motor insurance cover for travel to European Economic Area countries (EEA – all EU countries, plus Norway, Iceland, Liechtenstein).

If you are a UK motorist, you will, therefore, not need to purchase additional third-party motor insurance policy cover when travelling to these countries with a UK-registered vehicle. You would continue to hold the same third-party cover that you do now.

 

Will you automatically send me a Green Card?

We will not be automatically sending out Green Cards. However upon request, we will be able to issue a Green Card via your insurance broker or intermediary.

 

What happens if I have not received a Green Card?

If you are not carrying a Green Card when it is required, then you will not be able to drive legally in any EU member state. If you do attempt to drive in the EU without holding a Green Card, you may be accused of driving without insurance and could face a fine, having your vehicle seized, or prosecution.

The only other legal option available would be to purchase insurance locally when you arrive in the country (often known as ‘frontier insurance’). However, such insurance cover may not be widely available and may be more expensive than UK-issued policies.