Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what steps the Government is taking to publicise to motorists intending to travel to EU countries after the UK leaves the EU the consequences of not travelling with an insurance green card in the event that the UK leaves the EU without a deal.

From 29 March 2019, if there is no EU exit deal and the European Commission does not make an implementing decision allowing the UK to remain a part of the Green Card-free area, we expect that motorists will be required to carry a Green Card as proof of their third-party motor insurance when driving in EU or EEA countries. The Government has taken several steps to ensure that motorists in both Northern Ireland and Great Britain are prepared for this scenario.

In September 2018, we published the motor insurance technical notice which provided in depth advice and information on what motorists may need when travelling to the EU after exit, as well as how they can obtain a green card and who they can contact for further information.

The Government also issued a new citizens communications campaign this month. This echoed earlier advice issued in the technical notice, and uses radio, digital ads and social media to direct citizens to gov.uk/euexit.

We have engaged regularly with the insurance industry, ensuring that communications across the board are aligned and consistent. The Motor Insurers’ Bureau has issued comprehensive advice to both motorists and insurers on their website, alongside directing them towards the government issued advice. The Association of British Insurers have also most recently put out communications which advise that motorists request a green card one month in advance of travel.

We will continue to engage with the insurance industry to ensure these changes are effectively communicated to the public.

Our intention is to of course remain part of the Green Card-free circulation area and the UK meets all of the requirements needed to remain a part of it when we leave the EU. This would mean that UK drivers would continue to be able to drive in EU member states without the requirement to hold a motor insurance green card. We urge the Commission to issue a decision on the UK’s membership in the green card-free circulation zone.