UK drivers intending to take their cars with them when travelling outside the UK should be aware of the likely requirement for a Green Card in the event of a no deal Brexit on 29th March.
The Green Card is an international certificate of insurance issued by insurance providers in the UK as a guarantee that the insured motorist has the minimum compulsory third party motor insurance cover for travel in the country being travelled to. Under the EU motor insurance directives, a Green Card-free circulation zone was established, meaning that systematic checks of Green Cards were abolished at the borders of the European Economic Area (EEA) member states, Andorra, Serbia and Switzerland.
Although UK insurance providers will still be required to provide cover for travel to EEA countries in the event of a no deal Brexit, it is expected that UK motorists would need to carry a Green Card with them when travelling to an EEA member state, Andorra, Serbia or Switzerland.
If you intend to have two motor insurance policies covering you during your trip, for example if one is to expire during the trip, it is possible that two Green Cards may be required, so this should be checked before travelling. If you are a commercial operator with fleet insurance, you should ensure that you have a Green Card for each individual vehicle.
A Green Card can be requested free of charge from your insurer, however they may charge you a small handling or administration fee.
It could take a few weeks for your insurer to provide you with a Green Card, especially as there will likely be a significantly increased demand should there be a no deal Brexit. If you are planning to travel to an EEA member state, Andorra, Serbia or Switzerland around 29th March, we would therefore recommend that you apply for a Green Card as soon as possible.
For further advice on motor insurance issues in the event of a no deal Brexit, our specialist team can be contacted online by clicking here or speak to a member of our specialist team on 0333 222 1855.
