Those planning on driving days after Brexit should start applying for their Green Card
One million Green Cards already printed – anyone who requests a Green Card will be issued one
The Motor Insurers’ Bureau of Ireland (MIBI) has reiterated that if there is a ‘no deal’ Brexit Green Cards will be required for any drivers with a Republic of Ireland registered vehicle planning on driving in Northern Ireland or elsewhere in the UK.
They have also advised all Republic of Ireland motorists who expect to drive their vehicles in Northern Ireland, or any other part of the UK, in the days immediately after Brexit to start applying for their Green Card. Anyone who requests a Green Card will be issued with one.
Earlier An Taoiseach, Leo Varadkar T.D. informed Dáil Éireann that if there is a ‘no deal’ Brexit, there will be a grace period for any Northern Ireland motorists who drive their vehicle in the Republic of Ireland.
However, this is not the position for Republic of Ireland motorists who plan on driving in Northern Ireland or the UK, meaning a Green Card will still be required.
“We are reiterating our advice to Irish motorists to request a Green Card if they plan on driving in Northern Ireland or another part of the UK after Brexit,” said David Fitzgerald, Chief Executive of the MIBI. “Anyone who requests a Green Card will be issued one.”
“If there is a no deal Brexit then any EU registered vehicle driven in Northern Ireland or the UK will require a Green Card to satisfy the law enforcement authorities. This includes vehicles from the Republic of Ireland. The advice issued by the UK Government and the European Commission on this matter is quite clear.
“We would encourage anyone who will need to drive in Northern Ireland or other parts of the UK in the days immediately after Brexit to begin contacting their insurance companies or insurance brokers. Those who are travelling to Northern Ireland or other parts of the UK after this period should contact their insurance provider one month in advance of their journey,” Mr. Fitzgerald concluded.
If there is a ‘no deal’ Brexit on 29th March then any motorist who drives a Republic of Ireland registered vehicle in Northern Ireland or the rest of the UK without a Green Card is subject to being treated as uninsured by British law enforcement. The penalties for driving uninsured in the UK include having your vehicle seized by the side of the road, fines and impoundment.
Green Cards are internationally recognised insurance documents which provide proof of insurance cover to law enforcement agencies in the relevant country. It is a hard copy document which is printed on green paper or with a green background.
Green Cards are issued to motor insurance policyholders by their insurance company or insurance broker. The MIBI has issued one million Green Card application forms to insurance providers. They have also issued electronic Green Card templates to the insurance providers for those who are compiling the applications digitally.