The information detailed in this Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) relates to the provision of proof of insurance to Irish registered motor vehicles planning to drive in the UK, including Northern Ireland.
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Please note, Green Cards are not required for travel in the UK, including Northern Ireland, for Irish registered vehicles if you have a valid Irish insurance disc.
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Updated July 2021 – See end of page for most recent information
What documentation do I need to drive my vehicle in the UK, including Northern Ireland, now that Brexit has taken place?
If you have a valid, Irish insurance disc this will act as proof of insurance when driving an Irish registered vehicle in the UK, including Northern Ireland.
A Green Card is not required.
What information should a valid, Irish motor insurance disc contain?
A valid Irish motor insurance disc should contain:
– the name of the insurer
– the insurance policy number
– and the period of insurance cover.
Don’t I need a Green Card now that Brexit has taken place?
No. Proof of insurance cover is required for those wishing to drive their Irish registered vehicles in the UK, including Northern Ireland. A valid Irish motor insurance disc will be accepted by the legal authorities in the UK, including Northern Ireland, as proof of insurance. This means Green Cards are not required.
What impact will Brexit have on my motor insurance?
Brexit will have no impact on your motor insurance. However if you are travelling to the UK, including Northern Ireland, then you will need to hold a valid Irish insurance disc.
Why is a Green Card no longer required?
Following constructive discussions with the UK Department for Transport, the legal position in the UK was clarified. They confirmed they will accept valid Irish motor insurance discs as proof of insurance, as these are compliant with UK legislation.
Will my Green Card still work?
Valid Green Cards will also be accepted by the legal authorities in the UK, including Northern Ireland, as proof of valid insurance cover. However, anyone with an Irish registered vehicle who has a valid Irish insurance disc does not require a Green Card.
For anyone who does intend to use their Green Card as proof of insurance cover, it is important to note that Green Cards are associated with specific motor insurance policies and are specific to individual vehicles. Therefore they expire at the same time as the policy that was in place when the Green Card was issued. If you have had to renew your motor insurance policy since you received your Green Card then it may no longer be in date. You should check the expiry date listed on your Green Card to be on the safe side.
I already paid for my Green Card, can I get a refund?
The MIBI has not levied any charges on the provision of Green Cards to the various insurance companies and brokers. In the case of some insurance providers we understand a nominal administration charge may have been applied. In those cases the specific insurance provider will be able to clarify their position.
I drive a motorcycle or agricultural tractor that is not required to display an insurance disc. What should I do?
Proof of insurance cover is required for those wishing to drive their Irish registered motorcycle or agricultural tractor vehicle in the UK, including Northern Ireland. Some of these vehicles display insurance discs and some do not.
If the vehicle has a valid Irish insurance disc, then no additional documentation is required. If the vehicle does not have a valid Irish insurance disc then it is recommended that you carry your motor insurance certificate with you or obtain a Green Card from your insurance provider.
Will I be receiving more information from my insurance company or insurance broker on this matter?
That is a question for the individual insurance companies and brokers.
GENERAL INFORMATION ABOUT GREEN CARDS
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 is the process for getting a Green Card?
A Green Card is not required for those planning on driving their Irish registered vehicle in the UK, including Northern Ireland, so long as they have a valid Irish insurance disc. The insurance disc will serve the same purpose as a Green Card, providing proof of insurance cover.
To get a Green Card, policyholders who receive their motor insurance from an insurance company should contact that insurance company, while policyholders who receive their motor insurance via a broker should contact that broker.
The Motor Insurers’ Bureau of Ireland (MIBI) is the Green Card Bureau for the Republic of Ireland. We work with motor insurance companies and insurance brokers operating in this country to provide Green Cards as requested.
Is it easy to get a Green Card if I need one?
Yes. Any policyholder with an Irish registered vehicle who requests a Green Card from their insurance provider will be issued with one.
Is there a cost involved in getting a Green Card from my insurer/broker?
There may be a small administration charge associated with the provision of Green Card documents. Your insurance company or insurance broker will advise.
The MIBI has provided blank Green Card documents and electronic application templates to the insurance companies without charge.
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. Your insurer 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. If the vehicle is changed, the policyholder will require a new Green Card for the new vehicle.
What happens if I change my insurer and/or renew my policy?
Green Cards are issued in conjunction with a specific vehicle and a specific motor insurance policy. If you change your motor insurance provider or renew your motor insurance policy, a new Green Card will also be needed.
You will also require a new Green Card if your motor insurance policy is renewed while you are abroad.
My insurance is due to expire soon. Will the Green Card still cover me?
A Green Card will only be issued if the policyholder’s motor insurance policy remains valid for a minimum of 15 days after it is issued.
My insurance policy expired since I got my Green Card. Will it still cover me?
No. A Green Card is tied to the valid insurance policy that was in place at the time it was issued. If that policy has expired then a new Green Card is required.
Can I transfer my Green Card to another vehicle?
No.
Can I transfer my Green Card to my partner?
Each Green Card applies to a specific vehicle and the specific motor insurance policy covering that vehicle. If your partner is covered under the motor insurance policy on the specific vehicle then the Green Card will apply to them.
Do I have to have my Green Card with me all the time?
In circumstances where a Green Card is required, it needs to be with you each time you drive your motor vehicle.
My vehicle tows a trailer/caravan. Will I need a separate Green Card for the trailer/caravan?
No. The Green Card issued for the towing vehicle will cover the trailer/caravan while it is attached to that vehicle.
I have a multi vehicle insurance policy. Will my Green Card cover all the vehicles on my policy?
No. Each vehicle requires a separate Green Card. A Green Card applies only to one specific vehicle and one specific motor insurance policy. So, where Green Cards are required, each of the vehicles will need their own specific Green Card.
Do UK registered vehicles require a Green Card to visit the Republic of Ireland or other parts of the EU?
From the 2nd August 2021, motor vehicles registered in the UK (including Northern Ireland) will no longer require a Green Card if they are driven in the Republic of Ireland or any part of the EU.
After extensive engagement from the MIBI, the European Commission agreed to admit the UK, post Brexit, to the Green Card free circulation zone. Further information about the requirements for UK registered vehicles travelling abroad is available from our sister organisation, the UK’s Motor Insurance Bureau (MIB) here
The MIBI’s press statement on this matter can be viewed here