29/01/2019

British insurers advice to customers on no-deal Brexit.

The Association of British Insurers has recommended that in the event of a no-deal Brexit anyone planning to take their vehicle to Europe should contact their insurer to arrange a Green Card.

Green Cards would be required under EU regulations as proof of insurance if there was no-deal. It is recommended that drivers contact their insurance company a month before they travel to avoid unexpected delays.

An agreement between the relevant European insurance authorities was made in May 2018 to waive the need for Green Cards, however this has not been confirmed by the European Commission, hence the industry is planning on the basis of Green Cards being required.

Travellers are being reassured that travel insurance will be unaffected, even in the event the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) system that allows people some free healthcare in the EU isn’t replaced. Customers should have their travel insurance documents or their insurer’s emergency medical assistance contact number with them as they have the medical expertise, contacts and facilities to help you if you fall ill or are injured abroad.

In the event of disruption at airports or ports customers are being advised that airlines, travel agents or credit card providers would be the first port of call for financial compensation.

Director General of the ABI, Huw Evans has made the following comments:

“As it looks increasingly possible that a ‘no deal’ Brexit may happen, we want all insurance customers to know the facts about what this means for them."

“If you live in Northern Ireland and drive to the Republic of Ireland, or if you plan to drive your vehicle to mainland Europe after a no-deal Brexit, you will need a Green Card to prove you are insured. You should contact your insurer before you travel in order to get one. This advice applies to businesses as well as individuals."

“Despite ‘no-deal’ uncertainty about the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC), I also want to reassure people that their travel insurance will continue to operate in the normal way when it comes to medical expenses, as emergency medical treatment is a standard feature. Customers should always double check their travel insurance policy meets their full needs."