There was some good news recently for the UK motorist. It was announced that drivers of UK-registered vehicles will no longer need a Green Card to evidence they have valid motor insurance when driving in the EU.
What is a Green Card?
A Green Card is an International Motor Insurance Certificate which evidences that your current insurance policy provides the necessary minimum level of cover for driving in the EU country you are travelling to or through.
The requirement to have a Green Card has been in place for all motorists since 1st January 2021, following the UK’s departure from the EU but this has now changed.
The European Commission has announced that with effect from the 2nd August 2021, UK drivers will no longer be required to carry Green Cards when driving their vehicle in the EU (including Ireland), Andorra, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, Serbia, and Switzerland.
Please note that a Green Card may still be required to drive in other countries, including: Albania, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Moldova, Russia, Turkey and Ukraine. For more information, please visit: https://www.gov.uk/vehicle-insurance/driving-abroad.
This announcement means those driving UK-registered vehicles in the EU will benefit from an exemption allowing motor vehicles to travel freely between other EU countries without the need for a Green Card.
The decision is good news for Brits who take their car to the EU and especially good news for motorists in Northern Ireland who frequently travel to the Republic of Ireland.
Huw Evans, director general at the Association of British Insurers said it was “excellent news” and would “help reduce bureaucracy for drivers and road hauliers travelling between the UK and EU”.
The British Insurance Brokers’ Association added: “In pre-Covid times, 2.6 million UK motorists including commercial vehicles and private cars would travel to the EU so this is welcome news.”
While options remain limited for holidaying overseas, if you do decide to drive abroad, there’s plenty to consider. To start getting prepared see our guide on tips to stay safe and calm on foreign roads.
Check you have the correct sticker or number plate on your car when driving abroad.
Go to Solved to read more about driving, the rules of the road and road safety.
