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• FAQ

  If I have a multi car policy will I need a Green Card for each vehicle insured?

  Yes. A Green Card is required to cover the registration number of the individual vehicle, so a Green Card will be needed to cover each vehicle insured under one policy when being driven in the EU. 

• FAQ

  Does this apply for driving across the Northern Ireland and Republic of Ireland border?

  Yes. You should contact your insurer to arrange for the appropriate Green Card documents. 

• FAQ

  Will authorities in EU countries recognise the documents – or could I still be told I need to buy cover from a local insurer while I am driving abroad? 

  EU member states will all recognise the Green Card document. Provided you have these documents, you will not need to purchase additional insurance from a local insurer.   

  The Green Card system has a standardised format that has been agreed by all EU member states (including the UK) and is currently used for travel outside the EU to other Green Card member countries (you can find a full list of Green Card member countries here.)  

• FAQ

  Do I need to carry any additional documents if I am driving with a trailer?

  Yes. The Green Card is required to specify the licence plate number of each individual vehicle and identify any trailers or towed vehicles. 

  In some EU member states, a separate Green Card is needed for each trailer. Your insurer will be able to advise you on the exact requirements for the countries you plan to visit.  

• FAQ

  What happens if I haven’t been sent a Green Card?

  If you are not carrying a Green Card when it is required, then you will not be able to drive legally in an EU member state. If you do attempt to drive in the EU without holding a Green Card, you may be accused of driving without insurance and could be subject to a fine, having your vehicle seized or prosecution.   

  The only other legal option available would be to purchase insurance locally when you arrive in the country (often known as ‘frontier insurance’). However, such insurance cover may not be widely available and may be more expensive than UK-issued policies.  

• FAQ

  I drive in the EU regularly in my own private car. Will I need to tell my insurer every time I travel?    

  A Green Card will automatically provide you with a guarantee of insurance for a minimum of 15 days. Insurers can also specify that it covers a longer period if this is required, so ask for this if you need it.   

  However, at the point at which you renew your motor insurance policy, you will also need to ensure you have a new Green Card for your new policy (even if you are still abroad on the date your original policy expires). If you decide to switch to a new insurer, you will need to request a new Green Card from that insurer as well. 

• FAQ

  Will I need to carry any documents to prove I have the right insurance cover?

  Yes - a physical copy of your Green Card. 

  Green Cards are an international certificate of insurance issued by insurance providers in the UK, guaranteeing that the motorist has the necessary third-party motor insurance cover for driving in the country being travelled to. Green Cards are guaranteed through agreements between the countries that issue them. The Green Card acts as a guarantee that the driver’s insurer will honour any claims made against the insurance policy for incidents taking place while they are driving within the EU.  

  Under existing EU law, only vehicles from countries that are part of the European motor insurance ‘free circulation zone’ can drive in the EU without needing to carry paper documents. All EU member states are automatically part of the ‘free circulation zone’, but non-EU countries must apply to be part of this system.  

  The Department for Transport has published a guidance document confirming that if the UK leaves the European Union without a Withdrawal Agreement, it expects that the UK will not be part of the ‘free circulation zone’ on Exit Day.  

  In this scenario, drivers would need to carry a Green Card document to prove that they have valid insurance cover for their vehicle.  

  Under current international rules, Green Cards are physical paper documents printed on green paper.  

• FAQ

  Can I use the documents insurers provide to rent or borrow a vehicle while I am in an EU member state? 

  No. If Green Card documents are provided, this will only apply to your own UK-registered vehicle.  If you want to rent or borrow a vehicle, you will need to arrange insurance separately and your Green Card will not cover this.   

   

• FAQ

  Do I need to tell them what countries I will be visiting? Are the rules different depending on where I intend to travel?

  Travelling to EU member states only – the Green Card document itself is designed so it can be used in the same way across every EU member state. The Green Card will specify which countries you are allowed to drive in. Under the current rules, it will always cover you for each EU member state. However, your insurer may still ask you to confirm which countries you intend to travel to.   

  Travelling to a Green Card country that is not an EU member state – you will need to inform your insurer which countries you will be visiting as you will not be automatically be covered for driving in any country outside the EU, even if they are part of the Green Card system.    

• FAQ

  Do I need a European Accident Statement?

  No. The European Accident Statement is a standardised document to make it easier for drivers involved in an accident to exchange facts, but you are not required to carry a copy of the European Accident Statement in your car. Your insurer may provide you with a copy alongside your Green Card.