Drivers asking 'What's a 'Green Card' and when will I need one?

Insurance companies have begun informing drivers who intend travelling to Northern Ireland and the UK what they can expect in the event of a 'no deal' Brexit. 

Recent reports have said that in the event of a no deal Brexit motorists in the Republic of Ireland will be obliged to carry proof of insurance known as ‘Green Cards’ if they intend to drive in the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland on or after 29 March 2019.

Insurers are now looking to assure customers that they are working with the Motor Insurers Bureau of Ireland (MIBI) in relation to Brexit, and the requirement for Green Cards in a no deal Brexit situation.

Here's what Liberty Insurance is telling its clients in correspondence this week.

What does this mean for you?
As your insurer, we wanted to keep you informed of this matter and to reassure you that you don't need to do anything differently at this time. There is currently no requirement for you to have a Green Card when driving in the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland.

A Green Card will only be required in the event of a no-deal Brexit post March 29.

However, the information below will give you some further understanding of what a Green Card is and in what circumstances it may be issued.

What is a Green Card?
A Green Card is an internationally recognised insurance document which provides proof of the minimum compulsory motor insurance cover required by the country you are visiting.

It is a hard copy document which is printed on green paper and demonstrates to relevant authorities that the vehicle being driven in their jurisdiction has valid motor insurance cover.

What happens if a ‘no deal’ occurs?
In the event of a ‘no deal’ scenario, from 29th March 2019, you will be required to carry a Green Card when driving in the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland.

As there is currently no requirement to have a Green Card we are not yet issuing these to our customers.

If however you plan on driving in the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland on or after the 29 March 2019, then you should contact us four weeks before your anticipated travel to request a Green Card.

Further details on the Green Card system, including a full list of the 48 participating countries can be found via the following link here