Brexit: Your Cover

Green Card FAQs

Our guide to driving in Europe now and after Brexit.

If you’re an Admiral Travel Insurance customer and want to find out more about travelling after Brexit, please see our Travel FAQs.

What’s a Green Card?

A Green Card is an international certificate of insurance which gives drivers the minimum level of insurance needed in the country they’re visiting.

It’s issued by your insurer to prove you’re insured to drive in Europe and is personalised with your vehicle registration.

If there’s a no-deal Brexit, or at the end of any transitional period when we leave the EU, you’ll need a Green Card to drive in a number of European countries (listed below).

You must carry a physical copy with you, so you’ll need to request one as soon as you can before you’re due to travel to make sure there’s time to post it out to you.

What countries will I need a Green Card for?

In the event of a no-deal Brexit, or at the end of any transitional period when we leave the EU, you’ll need a Green Card to drive in:

  • Countries in the European Union (EU)
  • Countries in the European Economic Area (EEA)
  • Switzerland
  • Andorra
  • Serbia

Will I be insured to drive in the countries listed above after Brexit?

Yes, you will. We’ll continue to provide 90 days of European cover, as shown on your Certificate of Motor Insurance.

A Green Card is proof to the country you’re visiting that you have the minimum level of insurance to drive there. If you don’t have a Green Card, you’re breaking the law and you face a fine or your vehicle could be seized.

Please contact us if you need to drive abroad for longer than 90 days.

Do I need to request a Green Card?

At the moment, you can drive your vehicle in the countries listed above without a Green Card, but this would change if we leave the EU without a deal or at the end of any transitional period when we leave.

If you’re concerned that you may be abroad in one of the countries listed above in the coming months when there’s a chance we could leave the EU, you can request a Green Card using our online form.

If you change your vehicle, registration number, address or drivers details in the future, this will invalidate your current Green Card and you will need to request a new one. Customers in Northern Ireland will get Green Card automatically if any of the changes above are made.

Your Questions Answered

The situation could change, so we’ll keep our customers updated. If you have any questions please contact us or have a look at our Frequently Asked Questions.

Should I request a Green Card in case there’s a no-deal Brexit?

At the moment, you can drive your vehicle in the countries listed above without a Green Card, but this would change if we leave the EU without a deal or at the end of any transitional period when we leave the EU.

If you’re concerned that you may be abroad in one of the countries listed above in the coming months when there’s a chance we could leave the EU, you can request a Green Card using our online form.

How much does a Green Card cost?

Green Cards are free for Admiral Car and Van Insurance customers.

Can all car insurance policy holders request a Green Card?

All Admiral Car and Van Insurance customers with a full driving licence can apply for a Green Card from us.

Does the Green Card cover all drivers on the motor insurance policy?

All named drivers on the policy with a full driving licence will be covered in Europe.

What happens if I drive in the European countries listed above without a Green Card after a no-deal Brexit? Will this invalidate my insurance?

Green Cards are required by the local authorities in each country to prove you have valid insurance or you may not be covered in the event of an accident. You could be stopped from entering at the border or your vehicle could be seized.

How long will it take for me to receive my Green Card?

Please request your Green Card at least 14 days before you travel.

Once we’ve received your request, we’ll send the Green Card to your postal address in 3-5 business days.

What if I’m towing something, like a trailer or caravan?

You’ll need to contact us so we can tell you if you need a separate Green Card.

Will there be any changes to driving licences?

Possibly. If you’re driving in the countries listed above after a no-deal Brexit (or at the end of any transitional period when we leave the EU), you may need an international driving permit (IDP) as well as your UK driving licence. For more on this, check the Government’s guidance.

What is an international driving permit (IDP)?

An IDP is an additional document to your driving licence that proves you’re a visitor when you’re driving abroad. 

There are three types of IDPs and different countries recognise different versions. Rules may be different depending on if you have a photocard or paper licence, but 24 EU countries have confirmed UK motorists won’t need an IDP when visiting.

Check the Government’s advice to find out if you need an IDP (and if you do, which version you need).

How do I buy an IDP?

An IDP costs £5.50 and is available over the counter at more than 3,000 Post Office branches. 

IDPs are valid immediately but can also be post-dated up to three months. If you’re planning on driving to the EU after 31 October it’s best to buy your IDP in good time to make sure you have all the documentation you need before your trip. 

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