‘Green cards’ for cross-border insurance

CAR-BUYERS, looking North or across the Irish Sea for a bargain, are being warned that Brexit will have an impact on their ability to travel across the Border freely with insurance cover.

At present, all motorists from the Republic of Ireland can drive their vehicles to the UK, including Northern Ireland, without having to complete any paperwork.

This also applies to UK drivers who visit the Republic under a European Union Motor Insurance Directive.

However, a ‘no-deal Brexit’ would mean this directive no longer applies for drivers crossing the Border.

It would result in an extra layer of red tape for Irish motorists to make sure they have insurance cover when driving in the UK.

Tanaiste and Foreign Affairs Minister Simon Coveney addressed the issue in the Dail last month.

He said the measure was an example of preparing for a no-deal Brexit. However, at the time, he stressed he felt this was unlikely.

Brokers Ireland said drivers would need a special “green card” to prove they have cover.

“With regard to motor insurance, Brokers Ireland has engaged with the Motor Insurers’ Bureau of Ireland and insurers on the potential provision of green cards to policyholders should a no-deal Brexit happen,” said a spokeswoman.

“In that scenario, anyone who drives an Irish-registered motor vehicle in Northern Ireland, or other parts of the UK, will be required to demonstrate that they have valid motor insurance.

“This can be done through an internationally recognised insurance document called a ‘green card’.

“If a no-deal Brexit does occur, insurers are making the necessary preparations for the delivery of green cards to policyholders and intermediaries.”