The European Commission has still not made a decision about whether British citizens will need a Green Card if driving in Europe.
Unless Brussels agrees to a waiver, Britons will need to carry a Green Card as a proof of insurance document when they travel to the EU from January 1 2021.
Two years ago, Britain asked the Commission to ditch the additional paperwork.
If it is decided that it is still necessary to carry a Green Card, those who don’t have one could face fines, prosecution or even having their car impounded.
Motorists going to Europe as of next year may have to be in possession of a Green Card
The document is a physical card proving a driver has third-party insurance and is part of a system created by insurers in the countries that make up the Green Card system.
Motorists will have to carry the physical Green Card as there may be checks at borders and at random in certain countries and they could risk legal action if not able to produce said card.
However, despite its name, it is understood that it will be possible to print Green Cards at home. Electronic copies will not be accepted.
The process for obtaining a Green Card varies depending on the insurer. Some require motorists to request one whereas others will send Green Cards to policy holders automatically.
A Green Card is also required to cover each vehicle insured under a policy so motorists will need one for each individual vehicle included in a multi-car policy.
Dan Hutson, head of motor insurance at Compare the Market, said: ‘The golden rule for drivers is to tell their insurer when they are planning to drive abroad or take their own car overseas.
‘If an agreement is still not reached on this by the Brexit deadline, drivers would need to get a Green Card from their insurer.
‘Drivers should apply at least one month before travelling and may need to pay an administration fee.
‘Depending on the negotiations, motorists might also need an international driving permit to drive in continental Europe.
‘This would be a headache for drivers, requiring them to be organised in advance of driving overseas, and ultimately may result in longer queues at EU borders.’
At present, it would be wise for motorists planning to drive in the EU early next year to have a Green Card in place with their insurer.
The UK first requested for additional paperwork for motorists abroad be banned two years ago
All UK motor insurance policies will continue to provide third-party motor insurance cover for travel to EU and EEA member states so UK motorists will not need to purchase additional third-party motor insurance policy cover to meet that country’s minimum insurance requirements.
However, they may still need to contact their insurance broker or company if they want the same level of cover as they have in the UK.
Sara-Jane Eaton, head of european group at law firm, DWF, said: ‘Motorists should leave at least six weeks before travel to apply for a Green Card to allow for processing times – particularly to account for the possibility of a sudden influx of applications as we head into the new year.
‘Another factor British motorists planning to travel abroad should be mindful of is that currently no agreement has been brokered with Brussels regarding the Fourth Motor Insurance which currently allows Britons involved in motor accidents abroad to pursue legal claims in the UK.
‘Without this agreement, Britons may be forced to bring claims either in the country where the accident happened, or where the defendant resides.’
For motorists planning to drive abroad, it is worth contacting your insurer before travelling to ensure you have all the cover you need.
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This post first appeared on Dailymail.co.uk
