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A no-deal Brexit means drivers may face more red tape and need special permits before going to Europe, experts have warned.
The Association of British Insurers (ABI), a trade body, has told drivers to make sure they have a “green card” permit if they visit the European Union (EU) after a no-deal Brexit.
A no-deal Brexit is looking increasingly likely after Parliament rejected Theresa May’s suggested deal last night.
Green cards are used internationally as proof of insurance.
All motor insurance bought in the EU currently gives the legal minimum cover in all member states, as well as Norway, Switzerland, Liechtenstein and Iceland. No green card is needed to drive in these countries unless you come from outside them.
However, a no-deal scenario will change this. Not having a green card in your vehicle after no-deal means you will be breaking the law of any EU country you visit.
Green cards are issued by insurers, which may take up to a month to send them out.
Some insurers will send these automatically, but others will only do so when asked and may charge a fee.
Some countries’ insurers send drivers green cards as a PDF, which can then be printed at home.
Edmund King, of the AA, an insurer, said British insurers are considering if that is possible here.
An ABI spokesman said: “Although an agreement between the relevant European insurance authorities was made in May 2018 to waive the need for green cards in the event of a no-deal Brexit, this has not been confirmed by the European Commission, hence the industry is planning on the basis of green cards being required.”
But Hugh Bladon, of the Alliance of British Drivers, the motoring advocates, said drivers and insurers would soon get used to the new cards.
He said: “This is another of these wretched scare stories that are being pumped out as fast as possible. If everyone needs a green card to go and drive on the continent, so be it. Insurers will have to issue them.”
The cards must be printed on entirely green paper or card to be legal.
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