UK drivers won't need Green Cards to drive in EU states post-Brexit

Published 21 May 2018

The UK will remain in a motor insurance 'free circulation zone' post-Brexit, meaning insurers will not need to issue Green Cards to motorists that wish to drive in EU member states.

The Department for Transport (DfT) confirmed the intention to remain part of the Green Card-free circulation area and to ensure the UK meets the requirements for third party motor insurance.

"Insurance brokers would need to have in place mechanisms to physically issue 2.5m Green Cards every year."

The UK’s status within the Green Card system will essentially be the same as other non-EU member states who are part of the Free Circulation Zone – Serbia, Switzerland and Andorra.

The same will apply for any drivers and hauliers from these countries who bring their vehicle into the UK.

Drivers from the Free Circulation Zone can enter the EU using their UK motor insurance policy and won't need to be issued with any additional documentation.

The DfT has made an agreement with the Council of Bureaux (the organisation that administers the international Green Card system) and has confirmed its ability to meet any cross-border claims involving UK drivers.

"Without such an agreement drivers would be faced with increased bureaucracy and delays at borders and insurance brokers would need to have in place mechanisms to physically issue 2.5m Green Cards every year," said the British Insurance Brokers' Association's executive director, Graeme Trudgill.

Comments

Road Rat Rod on 29 May 2018

Now all that DfT have got to do is to sort out the situation regarding driving licences and then we can all carry on as normal.

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soldierboy000 on 29 May 2018

But you will still get some companies like Direct Line that won't want to pay out unless you buy a green card from them. I know because I had this problem with them, but after three and a half years I won my case in court and it cost them more than if they had paid up straight away. They just think you will give up and go away.

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DrTeeth on 29 May 2018

Well done for taking that matter to the end and winning. You won for all of us and I doff my hat to you.

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Contax139 on 30 May 2018

Should be able to purchase UK ONLY insurance for those who never drive outside UK just like breakdown cover, would reduce insurance costs for many who only use car for shopping and getting to work.

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Howard Millichap on 4 June 2018

Should be able to purchase UK ONLY insurance for those who never drive outside UK just like breakdown cover, would reduce insurance costs for many who only use car for shopping and getting to work.

That would contravene EU legistlation that dictates that all policies must cover all EU countries.

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Howard Millichap on 4 June 2018

When planning a trip through the Balkan states, I was told by my company that they don't issue green cards for non EU countries.

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