The European Commission has announced that UK drivers will soon no longer be required to carry Green Cards when taking their vehicle to EU countries.
A Green Card is an internationally recognised document that proves you have the minimum level of cover for third party property damage and personal injury in countries that are part of the Green Card system.
Currently all UK-registered vehicles are legally required to carry a Green Card, under the new measures, the UK will be admitted into the Green Card Free Circulation Zone.
The exact date for the change to take place is yet to be confirmed so UK motorists taking their vehicle to the EU will still need a Green Card if they are travelling imminently.
What does this mean?
This means motorists travelling from the UK to the EU will be able to drive freely between other EU countries and other EEA countries (Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway) plus Andorra, Bosnia & Herzegovina, Serbia and Switzerland, without requiring supplementary insurance documentation.
This will be of particular benefit to motorists in Northern Ireland, as approximately 25,000 people live on one side of the border and travel regularly into the Republic of Ireland, with an estimated 43 million trips per year. Previously this commute would have required motorists to carry a Green Card.
Huw Evans, the director General at the Association of British Insurers said “This is excellent news. We have long campaigned for the UK to be part of the Green Card Free Circulation Zone so we warmly welcome the decision by the European Commission today.
“The Commission has taken a pragmatic approach on the matter. UK drivers will no longer need to apply for a green card through their insurer which will help reduce bureaucracy for drivers and road hauliers travelling between the UK and EU.
“It will be especially welcomed by motorists in Northern Ireland driving across the border to the Republic of Ireland.”
