Green Card – frequently asked questions

That depends on the outcome of the Brexit vote. If no deal is reached, or a transitional period agreed, from the 29th March 2019, drivers will need to provide a Green Card at European borders to prove they're insured.

Yes. We, like all UK motor insurance providers, will continue to provide you the legal minimum motor insurance cover for travel to EEA countries as part of your current policy.

So, if you're a UK motorist, you won't need to purchase additional third-party motor insurance policy cover. Many of our customers will actually have a similar level of cover abroad as they get in the UK. For details of your cover, check your policy booklet.

Potentially yes. You may need an international driving permit (IDP) in addition to your UK driving licence to drive in EU and EEA countries if there's a no deal Brexit. IDPs are issued by the Government. Find out more about IDPs and how to get one.

• They're an international certificate of insurance that's printed on green paper.
• They're issued by your vehicle insurer to prove you're insured to drive in the EU.
• They're personalised with your UK registration details and are signed by your insurer.
• You'll need to carry yours with you if you’re driving into Europe.
• They can't be downloaded so they have to be posted to your home address.

You could be breaking the law, be refused entry to the European country, receive a fine and/or have your vehicle seized. Your policy doesn't cover loss or damage resulting from the legal confiscation of your vehicle by HM Revenue and Customs, the police, a local authority or any other government authority. For full policy terms and conditions, please refer to your policy booklet.

Any member of the European Union, plus Iceland, Norway, Switzerland, Liechtenstein, Andorra and Serbia. You'll also need a Green Card if you plan to drive between Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland. Find out more details on the countries included.

They're usually valid for 15 days but can be extended.

Check your policy booklet for details on the length of time covered by a single trip.

If you plan to drive your vehicle in the EU (or between Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland) on or shortly after the 29th March, please contact us to request your Green Card using our webchat service.

We'll be updating this FAQ page with new information as the situation becomes clearer, so please visit us again if you're planning on travelling abroad.

When you renew your motor insurance policy, you'll need to ensure you have a new Green Card for your new policy (even if you're still abroad on the date your original policy expires).

If you decide to switch to a new insurer, you'll need to request a new Green Card from that insurer as well.

You'll need to tell us when you request your Green Card so this can be added to the document.

Please note, if you plan to take a commercial trailer weighing over 750kg or a non-commercial trailer weighing over 3,500kg, after 28th March you must also register it with the Government before they can travel to, or through, most EU and EEA countries. Find out more.

Yes. You'll need a separate Green Card for each vehicle if you're taking more than one to the EU.

No. If you want to rent or borrow a vehicle, you will need to arrange insurance separately and your Green Card will not cover this.

Green Cards are normally valid for 15 days, but if you travel frequently, let us know when you request your Green Card as we may be able to extend this.