'Green Card' System To Be Rolled Out For Cross-Border Drivers

People driving across the border between the Republic of Ireland and the UK, including Northern Ireland, will be required to purchase a 'Green Card' in the event of a no-deal Brexit.

As an internationally recognised insurance document, the cards will provide proof of the minimum compulsory motor insurance cover required by the country visited.

They are issued for a minimum of 15 days and remain valid until the policy expires, providing cover for multiple trips, but a small cost will be incurred.

MIBI said this is on the basis that no agreement has been reached between the UK and the EU on Brexit by the deadline of 29 March, or that the process has not been further delayed.

"At that point anyone who plans on driving their Irish registered vehicle in Northern Ireland or the rest of the UK should contact their insurer or insurance broker one month in advance of their expected travel date," it said.

This is to ensure they receive their Green Card in time.

David Fitzgerald, chief executive of the MIBI, explained: "Green Cards will only be necessary in the event of a no-deal Brexit.

"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.

"If there is a transitional Brexit arrangement put in place between the EU and the UK then Green Cards will not be required.

"We had hoped to avoid the need for Green Cards, however as there continues to be uncertainty as to what the final outcome of the Brexit process will be, we want to raise awareness about the possible implications from a motor insurance perspective.

"This is to help members of the public who bring their motor vehicles to Northern Ireland or the rest of the UK be prepared should a no-deal Brexit occur."

Even if a hard Brexit does occur, policyholders' existing insurance policies will remain valid for vehicles travelling from the Republic of Ireland to Northern Ireland or elsewhere in the UK.

But the Green Card is necessary to provide proof of that insurance cover to the relevant law enforcement authorities.

The prospect of a Brexit divorce agreement being reached by the end of March has grown less likely this week, after Parliament voted to reject the deal agreed between Prime Minister Theresa May and the EU by an overwhelming majority on Tuesday 15 January.



(JG/CM)