As of the 1st December 2020, there is still no Brexit deal with our European partners and accordingly, it is imperative that we start to make plans for what this might mean for our customers.
As a consequence of no Free Trade deal, then on or after the 1st January 2021, it will be necessary for UK motor insurance customers who intend to drive in the European Economic Area, Andorra, Switzerland or Serbia to carry a physical document as evidence of their insurance coverage which is commonly referred to as a Green Card.
This is equally true for any customers who are travelling from Northern Ireland into Ireland.
Its also important to note that anyone taking a trailer or caravan will require a separate Green Card for this and you should let us know you require this.
What you need to do
Please let us know as soon as possible that you require a Green Card and for which vehicle(s) and we will arrange for this to be issued and emailed over to you. You will need to print this off (black and white copies will suffice) and taken with you.
Please consider which vehicles would require this as its unlikely that this will need to be Hearses and Limousines for example.
Risks for non-compliance
If you travel abroad without these documents, its unlikely that you’ll be allowed onto ferries or across borders but should that happen and you are subsequently stopped at the roadside, you could be fined and have your vehicle impounded. There is no cover for these release fees or fines.
Licenses
Should we end up in a “no deal” situation, the Department of Transport has indicated that you may require an International Driving Permit (IDP) to drive in the EU (this would be in additional to your UK driving license).
These are issued by the Government via the Post Office and please note there are different IDPs dependent upon where you might be driving:-
- A 1949 Convention IDP covers Spain, Malta or Cyprus
- A 1968 Convention IDP covers all other EU Countries plus Norway and Switzerland
- A 1926 Convention covers Liechtenstein
You should not need an IDP if you travel to Ireland if you hold a UK driving license
NOTE : We regularly receive notes of changes in registration numbers on vehicles and it should be noted that any change would mean that a new Green Card is required and should be requested.
Neither SAIFInsure nor our Insurer partners will be making any charge for these documents
We obviously also hope that there is a deal forthcoming which will alleviate any need for these documents to be issued.
