Following the UK’s official withdrawal from the European Union (EU) on 31 January 2021, it became a requirement for all vehicle-owners travelling in the EU to carry a Green Card as proof of insurance.
A recent update following a deal between the UK Government and the EU has removed this requirement, meaning all UK registered vehicles, including those from Northern Ireland, no longer need to obtain a Green Card ahead of travelling to countries in the the EU. The date this comes into effect is 2nd August 2021.
As a result of the change, we will no longer issue Insurance Green Cards for customers who are travelling within the EU.
However, it is still important that drivers are aware of other requirements when driving to the EU, such as:
- Ensure you are carry your driving licence at all times
- Obtain and carry an International Driving Permit if required
- Carry your insurance documents for your vehicle, caravan, and trailer
- If you have a trailer or caravan make sure this is registered for use in the EU
- Carry your breakdown cover documents
- Carry your vehicle registration documents
- Display a GB sticker on the vehicle (unless your number plate includes the GB identifier or a Union Jack).
We would also advise that you continue to carry Green Cards until 2nd September 2021. This is to help avoid delays, although it is no longer a legal requirement.
Industry reaction to the scrapping of the Insurance Green Card requirement:
The insurance industry backed the European Commission’s decision to scrap Green Card requirement for UK drivers. The European Commission told the Insurance Times:
“Our work is about ensuring that the hard-earned gains of the Good Friday (Belfast) Agreement – peace and stability in Northern Ireland – are protected, while avoiding a hard border on the island of Ireland and maintaining the integrity of the EU single market.
“Therefore, we have spared no effort in trying to mitigate some of the challenges that have arisen in the implementation of the protocol.
Huw Evans of the Association of British Insurers said: “This is excellent news. We have long campaigned for the UK to be part of the green card Free Circulation Zone so we warmly welcome the decision by the European Commission today.”
All in all, from MPs to insurer representatives to the public, the news has been met with a positive reaction.
If you have any questions or need more information, contact us.
