Broker preparing for insurance green card revival

The AA is preparing for the potential outcomes of a no-deal Brexit by getting ready to issue a “significant number” of green cards.

The Department for Transport had in September warned that in the event of a no-deal Brexit UK driving licences may no longer be valid in the EU without a green card. And the AA said green cards were likely for driving in Europe if there is no Brexit deal.

It said the industry as a whole was getting ready to issue millions of green cards, with around 4.7m drivers taking their cars into Europe each year.

AA director of insurance Janet Connor said: “Insurers already issue green cards for drivers taking their cars beyond European borders and some ask for one for the additional comfort they provide in proving, if needed, that their car is insured. The green card is, after all, essentially a multi-language translation of your insurance certificate set out in an internationally recognisable format.

“Cover that you have isn’t going to suddenly stop at midnight on 28^th March but it would be prudent to ask your insurer for a green card before you go, if you expect to be away on that date.”

One solution the AA and other insurance firms are exploring is issuing green cards electronically.

Some countries issue green cards electronically as a pdf which drivers can print themselves.

No deal 

But with no deal in place, in other words – no transition period as the UK leaves the EU on 29 March 2019 it could also mean the use of International Driving Permits (IDP) are likely.

Two different types will apply:

o A ‘1949 Convention’ IDP for Republic of Ireland, Spain, Malta, Cyprus or,

o A ‘1968 Convention’ IDP for all other EU countries and for Norway and Switzerland

As of the 1 February, these will only be available from Post Offices by applying in person.

If driving via France to Spain, therefore, drivers will need to take both types.

But currently the AA issues them by mail order.