Do I need to ask my motor insurer to issue a Green card ?

Why do insurance companies issue a green card ?

A Green Card was a necessity prior to the UK joining the Common Market when annual motor insurance certificates were restricted to the UK. The Green Card is evidence that the policy provides the minimum legal cover required for driving outside the UK.

Why is it called a Green card ?

The Green Card is a physical document which is printed on green paper and is not issued in an electronic format.

Do I Need a Green Card?

It has been  widely publicised that motorists planning on driving in Europe, once the UK ceased to be part of the European Union (EU), were being advised to obtain a Green Card. 

BREXIT was confirmed by the Government on 31stJanuary 2020, however, is subject to a transition period with the EU that will last until 31st December  2020. During this time, all EU law, rules and regulations will continue to apply in the UK between the UK and the EU. This means that you will not require a Green Card when driving in the following EU and European Economic Area (EEA) countries this year. : 

EU Countries: Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Republic of Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain & Sweden.

EEA Countries not in the EU: Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway.

Other Countries not requiring a Green Card during the Transition Period: Andorra, Serbia and Switzerland.

Therefore,  during 2020 take your annual motor insurance certificate when travelling by vehicle to any of the Countries mentioned above, as usual.

What happens after the 31st December 2020 ?

This has not been agreed yet.  Whilst there is nothing for you to do this year,  the UK’s longer-term relationship with the EU is still unclear, we will provide more information of any decision or change of direction  as soon as this is agreed.  

For more information on how BREXIT may affect travel outside the UK in the run-up to, and after, BREXIT  visit www.gov.uk/visit-europe-brexit