Big changes could happen in the event of a no-deal Brexit.
In the event of a no-deal Brexit, the Motor Insurers’ Bureau of Ireland (MIBI) has warned that motorists in Ireland may have to carry ‘proof of insurance’ Green Cards if they’re travelling in the UK and Northern Ireland.
These Green Cards will demonstrate to Northern Irish and British authorities that the vehicle has valid motor insurance cover.
A Green Card is an internationally recognised insurance document that provides proof of the minimum compulsory motor insurance cover required by the relevant country.
At present, Irish-registered vehicles that travel within the EU are covered by the terms of the EU Motor Insurance Directive. This allows vehicles to travel freely between the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland/UK, as well as within other EU countries.
If a no-deal Brexit happens, the UK (including Northern Ireland) will no longer abide by these rules. This means that a Green Card would be required to show the authorities in Northern Ireland and the rest of the UK that your vehicle has valid motor insurance.
However, if an agreement is reached between the UK and the EU on Brexit, or if a transitional arrangement is agreed upon, there will be no requirement for these Green Cards.
MIBI Chief Executive David Fitzgerald said: “Our hope is that a deal will be agreed between the UK and the EU, meaning there will be no disruption to the motor insurance status quo for those travelling between the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland/ UK.”
Huw Evans, director general of the Association of British Insurers (ABI), said: “As it looks increasingly possible that a ‘no-deal’ Brexit may happen, we want all insurance customers to know the facts about what this means for them.
“If you live in Northern Ireland and drive to the Republic of Ireland, or if you plan to drive your vehicle to mainland Europe after a no-deal Brexit, you will need a Green Card to prove you are insured. You should contact your insurer before you travel in order to get one. This advice applies to businesses as well as individuals.”
At present, the expected date for the UK to leave the EU is 29 March, 2019. Insurers and insurance brokers plan to begin issuing Green Cards to policyholders from March.
Again, this measure is being taken on the basis that no agreement will be reached between the UK and the EU about Brexit, or that the process has not been further delayed.
In order to receive a Green Card in sufficient time, anyone who plans on driving their vehicle in Northern Ireland, or the rest of the UK, is being advised to contact their insurer or insurance broker one month in advance of the expected travel date.
LISTEN: You Must Be Jokin’ with Aideen McQueen – Faith healers, Coolock craic and Gigging as Gaeilge
