In the event of a “no-deal” Brexit, vehicles registered in the Republic of Ireland will only need a valid insurance disc to enter Northern Ireland and the rest of the UK.
Following discussions between Ireland’s Motor Insurers’ Bureau of Ireland (MIBI) and the UK Department of Transport, the two authorities confirmed that valid Irish insurance discs will serve as proof of insurance for Irish vehicles driving in the UK. However, Green Cards will still be needed for UK registered vehicles visiting European Union countries, including the Republic of Ireland, in case of a “no-deal” Brexit.
A Green Card is an internationally recognised insurance document which demonstrates to law enforcement agencies that valid motor insurance is in place. The MIBI had earlier cautioned that a “no-deal” Brexit would make having a Green Card a requirement for all Irish registered motor vehicles travelling in the UK.
“This is really positive news which should come as a relief to anyone who needs to travel to the UK, including Northern Ireland,” said David Fitzgerald, chief executive of MIBI. “Thankfully, the UK has now confirmed that valid insurance discs meet the requirements set out in UK legislation and so can be used as proof of motor insurance cover in the UK. Therefore, a more streamlined process will apply for Irish registered vehicles with valid insurance discs. This should make insurance recognition much simpler for those travelling to the UK, including Northern Ireland, as well as for the law enforcement authorities in those jurisdictions.”
