Brexit has been anything but simple. But luckily at 123.ie, we believe that simple is smarter, which is why we have included some straight-forward information below regarding the potential requirement for a Green Card if you plan on driving in Northern Ireland & UK.
Q. I've heard about Green Cards. Do I need one if I plan on driving in Northern Ireland or elsewhere in the UK?
No. The Motor Insurers Bureau of Ireland and the UK Department of Transport have reached an agreement which means valid Irish insurance discs will be accepted as proof of cover in the UK in the event of a no-deal Brexit.
Q. Am I still insured to drive in the UK, including Northern Ireland, in the event of a no-deal Brexit?
Yes. We still provide the same level of cover you have when you are driving in the Republic of Ireland.
Q. I have a UK driving licence will this affect my insurance?
Yes. In the event of a no-deal Brexit, the National Driver Licence Service (NDLS) in Ireland, advises that if you hold a UK driving licence and live here in Ireland, you will not be able to continue to drive in Ireland on that licence. The advice to such drivers is that you should exchange your UK driving licence for an Irish driving licence before the 31 October 2019, which is set as the withdrawal date of the UK from the EU. Both policy holders and any additional drivers that hold a UK licence must exchange their licence.
However, don’t worry, once you have requested the licence to be exchanged with the NDLS, 123.ie will continue to offer cover (up to your next renewal date) until the new licence is received. Once a copy of the new licence is sent to us, we will amend your policy for you. To exchange your licence please contact your local NDLS centre or online https://www.ndls.ie/.
It’s important to note that anyone on a UK license following a no-deal Brexit, will need to exchange their licence before their next renewal date or we may not be able to continue cover, so it is best to do so before 31st October, as it may not be possible afterwards in the event of no deal.