What does the Brexit deal mean for your car insurance?

Make sure you are covered to drive in Europe after the Brexit deal.

Here’s a checklist of everything you need if you want to drive in Europe and worldwide following the UK’s exit from the European Union (EU).

• Driving licence requirements in Europe after Brexit

• International Driving Permits (IDP) after Brexit

• Car insurance after Brexit

• What documents you need to drive after Brexit

• What happens if you have an accident in Europe after Brexit

• Breakdown cover

• Rules of the road

• Travel insurance requirements

• Driving Test

• Local driving customs

Driving Licences after Brexit

Do I need a driving licence to drive in Europe after Brexit?

You will still need to carry your UK driving licence with you when driving in Europe, but you will need to apply for an international driving permit (IDP) to drive in some non EU and EEA countries from 1 January 2021.

If you have a UK driving licence, the type of IDP you need will depend on the countries, you intend to drive through.

An IDP costs £5.50 and you can buy one over the counter at the Post Office.

To get an IDP you need:

• To be a resident of Great Britain or Northern Ireland 

• Have a full UK driving licence

• Be age 18 or over

International Driving Permits after Brexit

What IDP do I need after Brexit?

There are two different types of IDP you might need in Europe, either a 1949 or 1968 IDP. IDPs are numbered after the year the conventions on road traffic that established them. 

If you’re travelling through more than one country, you might need both types of IDP.

The current list of which IDPs you need worldwide is listed on the Gov.UK website.

Car insurance after Brexit

Do I need a Green Card after Brexit?

The main difference to driving abroad after Brexit will be the need to carry a Green Card.  This is a document your insurance company issues as proof you have motor insurance. 

You should plan to carry a Green Card for the vehicle you’re driving in the EU and EEA, including in Ireland, from 1 January 2021.

The EU has said it is planning to withdraw this requirement, but the change won't take effect until mid-July at the earliest. Until then people planning to drive abroad will still need one in place.

You will need to carry multiple green cards if:

• Your vehicle is towing a trailer or caravan - you’ll need one for the towing vehicle and one for the trailer / caravan (you need separate trailer insurance in some countries)

• You have two policies covering the duration of your trip, for example, if your policy renews during the journey

Green Cards are supplied by your insurer and customers are advised to contact their insurer about one month before you plan to travel to get one. If you travel without one may be breaking the law. 

Northern Ireland residents travelling to the Republic of Ireland will need a Green Card as will Republic of Ireland residents travelling to Northern Ireland.

Does my car insurance cover me when driving in Europe after Brexit?

Before leaving the UK, you will need to let your insurer know you intend to drive in Europe. They can let you know if you need to upgrade or buy another policy.

Comprehensive cover versus third party cover after Brexit

Sometimes, within Europe insurers will provide only basic third party cover. This means your car will not be covered for damages, or any expenses for personal injuries sustained.

If you want more comprehensive European car insurance with extras such as breakdown cover, speak to your provider about an upgrade. 

Car insurance before you travel:

• Know what you are covered for whether you have third-party only (TPO), third-party damage, fire and theft (TPFT) or comprehensive cover 

• Third party only insurance will not cover damage to your own car or your medical expenses

• Third party, fire and theft insurance also covers you for arson and fire and if your car is stolen

What documents do I need to drive in Europe after Brexit?

If you’re taking your vehicle to the EU for less than 12 months, you should carry one of the following documents with you:

• Your Green Card

• Your IDP

• Your vehicle logbook (V5C), if you have one

• A VE103 to show you’re allowed to use your hired or leased vehicle abroad

• You'll need to carry your V5C logbook with you if you own the car. 

If it is a car you have hired or leased, then you’ll need to get a VE103 form to show you have permission to take it out of the UK.

Do I still need to display a GB sticker and number plates?

You will need to display a Great Britain (GB) sticker on the rear of the vehicle and trailer, if your vehicle does not have a number plate with the Euro symbol or a GB national identifier.

What happens if I’m involved in an accident in Europe after Brexit?

If you’re involved in a road accident in an EU country, you should in the first instance contact your insurer. 

From 1 January 2021, any legal proceedings against either the responsible driver or the insurer of the vehicle will need to be brought in the EU or EEA country where the accident happened. 

• You might have to make your claim in the local language

• You will not get compensation in some countries if the accident is caused by an uninsured driver or if the driver cannot be traced

• The Gov.uk website has information on how to get legal advice if you have an accident in Europe.

How to claim on your car insurance

Will I have breakdown cover in Europe?

If you already have European breakdown cover you will need to check with your insurer whether you need to upgrade it.

You may also need to check your cover if you have taken out a standalone European Breakdown policy

Will I need to change my travel insurance after Brexit?

Travel insurance will continue to work in the normal way. But you will need to apply for the new Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC), which is the UK’s own version of the old European Health Insurance Card (EHIC).  

When you take out your travel insurance your insurer will advise you as to what you will be covered for. 

Do I need to take another driving test to drive after Brexit?

IDPs apply only for visiting other countries. If you are a UK licence-holder living in another EU country, then you may need to exchange your UK licence for one issued by that country.

The government has issued specific advice for each country. In some countries you may need to take another driving test.

What you need to know when drive abroad

Depending on where you're going you could need to take extra equipment or face a local fine. 

• In France you need reflective jackets for the driver and all passengers

• A first aid kit is a standard requirement in Austria and Croatia

• Most countries recommend carrying a warning triangle, high visibility vests for all passengers, and spare light bulbs

Driving abroad and local driving customs

Each country has its own regulations that will be second nature to native motorists but might catch British holidaymakers out when driving abroad. 

For example:

• You must park on a certain side of the road depending on the day of the week on some roads in Spain 

• Anyone driving in Romania or Russia will get a fine if caught driving a dirty car

Other customs that might result in a fine or worse include:

• Germany: it’s illegal to overtake school buses that have their hazard lights on

• Holland: buses have right of way when leaving a stop in built-up areas 

• Macedonia: passengers who are visibly under the influence of alcohol can’t travel in the front 

• Portugal: it’s illegal to carry bikes on the back of a car 

• Slovakia: Proof of medical insurance is a requirement when entering the country 

• Spain: drivers who wear glasses, and this is noted on their licence, should keep a spare pair with them 

• Switzerland: pedestrians have right of way and expect vehicles to stop if they step onto a crossing

More information on Brexit and insurance

• Government guidance: Get Ready for 2021

• ABI guidance: Brexit: Travelling during the transition period

• FCA guidance: How Brexit could affect you

• MIB updates to insurers outlining MIB's preparations as the UK leaves the EU

Read more ...

• Driving abroad - what you need to know

• What is European breakdown cover and do I need it?

• Car insurance for foreign drivers in the UK