Buckle up! Driving in Europe has changed

As if a pandemic hasn’t been enough to deal with, the Brexit deal has rumbled on and with the outcome of leaving the EU there are now some changes for us Brits driving in mainland Europe.

From the 1^st January 2021, the laws regarding driving in Europe have changed. To nip over the channel isn’t as easy as hopping on the Eurostar.  We are going to have to plan ahead a little and contact our insurance company for a ‘Green Card’.

What is a Green Card?

A Green Card is a physical document which you must take with you when driving in the EEA (European Economic Area), Andorra, Serbia or Switzerland.  It is internationally recognised proof that British motorists have the correct insurance cover required for driving in that country. In addition to the Green Card for your car, if you’re towing a trailer or caravan, a separate Green Card is required for that as well.

Is it really Green??

No. It can now be printed on white paper. This means that your insurer/broker can email it to you and you can print a valid copy at home. Don’t forget to do this though – apparently, an electronic version will not be accepted at this time!

What about travelling from Northern Ireland to the Republic of Ireland?

People living in Northern Ireland will require a Green Card if they wish to cross the border into the Republic of Ireland.  This will also be the case if you are travelling to the Republic of Ireland from the UK.

What happens if I don’t take 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 any of the countries we’ve mentioned. You may be accused of driving without insurance and could be subject to a fine, having your vehicle seized or be prosecuted!

Will I have to pay for a Green Card?

This depends on your specific insurance policy. Some insurers may charge, but many have said they will continue to provide cover for driving in the EU as standard, subject to certain limits, such as the number of trips per year or the length of trip. You will still need to contact your insurance company (or your broker) to obtain a Green Card for the dates that you will be away.

How long will it take to get a Green Card?

In many cases, particularly if it’s emailed, it should be a fairly quick process, within a couple of days. (Though one insurer is currently quoting a month!) There may be many variables to work around whilst everyone adapts to the new regulations, so it is therefore advisable to give your insurer/broker as much notice as possible.

Can I still take my pet abroad?

To make sure your pet is able to travel with you, current government advice is to contact your vet at least 4 months in advance.

For more information about driving in the EU, please refer to the government website – or give us a call on 01823 250780.