The information detailed in this Q&A relates to the provision of Green Cards to UK, including Northern Ireland, registered motor vehicles in the event that a ‘no deal’ Brexit takes place. In that situation a motorist with a UK, including NI, registered motor vehicle who wishes to drive it in the Republic of Ireland or elsewhere in the EU will require a Green Card.
Green Cards will not be required for UK, including NI, registered motor vehicles if there is an agreement reached between the EU and UK on the Brexit process, or until the expiry of any transitional period (should one be agreed).
The current expected Brexit date is 31st October 2019. Should that date be delayed then the requirement for Green Cards will also be pushed back.
What impact will Brexit have on my motor insurance?
If a ‘no deal’ Brexit were to take place then you will require an internationally recognised insurance document to show the law enforcement authorities there that you have valid motor insurance when travelling in your UK, including NI registered motor vehicle to any of the EEA countries, including the Republic of Ireland. This international insurance document is called a Green Card.
Green Cards won’t be needed if the EU and the UK reach an agreement on Brexit or if a transitional arrangement is implemented.
What is a Green Card?
A Green Card is an internationally recognised insurance document which provides proof of the minimum compulsory motor insurance cover required by the country visited. It is a hard copy document which is printed on green paper or with a green background.
What has changed to cause this situation?
Currently all UK, including NI, registered motor vehicles with a valid registration travelling within the EU are covered by the terms of the EU Motor Insurance Directive (MID). This allows motor vehicles to travel freely between the Republic of Ireland, NI and Great Britain as well as within other EEA countries without requiring supplementary insurance documentation.
Should a ‘no deal’ Brexit occur UK, including NI, will no longer be party to the MID. This means that anyone who drives their UK, including NI registered motor vehicle in the Republic of Ireland or any other EEA country will require a Green Card to demonstrate to the authorities in the EEA country that they have valid motor insurance cover in place.
Will everyone with motor insurance need a Green Card?
Only those who plan on driving their UK, including NI, registered motor vehicle in the Republic of Ireland, or any other EEA country, will require a Green Card.
Green Cards are also required for any UK, including NI, motor insurance policyholders who wish to drive their Irish registered motor vehicle in a non EEA country. In this scenario the policyholder should check with us as to the Green Card arrangements for the country in question.
When will I know for sure if Green Cards are required?
You will only need a Green Card if a ‘no deal’ Brexit takes place. The EU and the UK are currently engaged in discussions about the final nature of the Brexit arrangements. If an agreement is reached then Green Cards will not be needed. Likewise, if the date of Brexit is extended, Green Cards will not be required before the revised date. The current expected date for Brexit is 31st October 2019.
How do I get a Green Card?
If you plan to drive your car in the Republic of Ireland or any other EEA country after October 31st 2019, you need to contact us and request a Green Card. We require a minimum of one month’s notice to ensure we provide you with your Green Card on time.
You can order a Green Card by contacting Allianz Direct either by phone, through MyAllianz or by completing a form which will be available here.
Is there a cost involved in getting a Green Card from Allianz?
No, Allianz will not charge you for sending you a Green Card.
How do I get a Green Card from Allianz if my insurance is through a broker?
Please contact your insurance broker who will produce a Green Card for you.
When will these Green Cards be needed?
The current timeline for Brexit is 31st October 2019 so Green Cards will only be needed after this date - if there is a ‘no deal’ Brexit and you plan to drive your UK, including NI, registered vehicle in ROI or elsewhere in the EU. This timeline will be pushed back should Brexit be delayed.
Will it be easy to get a Green Card if I need one?
Yes. You can order a Green Card by contacting Allianz Direct either by phone on 028 90 828 828, through MyAllianz or by completing a form which will be available here
I drive to the Republic of Ireland every day, how will this impact me?
If there is a ‘no deal’ Brexit you will need a Green Card when driving your motor vehicle from UK, including NI, to the Republic of Ireland. This will be required to show the law enforcement authorities that you have valid motor insurance.
What cover does a Green Card provide if I have an accident in the Republic of Ireland/EEA country?
The Green Card merely confirms to the UK authorities that you have the legally required minimum third party motor insurance required to drive in the Republic of Ireland or other EEA country. Your existing cover may go further than what is provided for under third party policies.
What if I have to drive my motor vehicle in the Republic of Ireland or other EEA country at short notice, will I still be able to get a Green Card?
If you are planning on driving your UK, including NI, registered motor vehicle in the Republic of Ireland or other EEA country you are strongly advised to contact us in advance of your expected travel date. We will be able to advise you about the process we have in place for handling exceptional, short notice circumstances.
If I do get a Green Card, how long will it remain valid for?
Green Cards provide a guarantee of insurance cover for a minimum of 15 days and can remain valid until the expiry date of the motor insurance policy. We will specify the expiry date on the Green Card.
What happens if I change my vehicle?
Green Cards are issued in conjunction with a specific vehicle and a specific motor insurance policy. The maximum length a Green Card can remain valid is the length of time associated with a valid motor insurance policy. So if the vehicle is changed, you will need to tell us that you require a Green Card for the new vehicle.
What happens when I renew my policy?
You need to contact us and advise that you need a new Green Card.
You would also require a new Green Card if your motor insurance policy was renewed while you are still abroad.
My insurance is due to expire soon. Will the Green Card still cover me?
A Green Card will only be issued if your motor insurance policy remains valid for a minimum of 15 days after it is issued.
Can I transfer my Green Card to another vehicle?
No. Please contact us if you have any questions.
Can I transfer my Green Card to my partner?
The requirement is to provide the name and address of the policyholder to the insurance contract or the vehicle user. This means that you will have to provide the name and address of the policyholder and all named drivers. If the latter is not possible, you can provide the name and address of the policyholder and the named driver who is travelling abroad.
What happens if I drive in the Republic of Ireland or other EEA country without a Green Card?
The law requires any motor vehicle to be properly insured no matter where it is used. If you do not have proof of insurance cover for the country you are driving in then you may be subject to legal penalties and fines in that country.
If Green Cards are required, will I have to have it with me all the time?
Yes, the Green Card will be required to be with you anytime you drive your motor vehicle in the Republic of Ireland or any other EEA country.
My vehicle tows a trailer/caravan. Will I need a separate Green Card for the trailer/caravan?
You may require a Green Card for certain types of trailers. Please contact us by phone on 028 828 828 or through MyAllianz to give us the registration number of your trailer and we will be able to issue you a Green Card.
I am going to rent a car in the Republic of Ireland / other EEA country. Will I need a Green Card?
No. However if you plan on driving that car back into UK, including NI then the rental company will need to issue you with a Green Card.
To request a Green Card from Allianz please use our Green Card Request Form here.
