Driving in Europe (including Ireland)

A few things have changed since Brexit, but you’ll be pleased to know that nothing is too complicated.

Will I need a green insurance card?

Green card, also known as international insurance card, is a document that proves your vehicle insurance when you go abroad. This document, issued by your insurance provider, verifies that you have the minimum level of insurance required by the countries you visit.

All car insurers must now offer basic third-party cover for UK drivers driving elsewhere in the EU (including Ireland), Andorra, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, Serbia or Switzerland. So, there is no need for a green card in those countries anymore. It is advisable to check with your insurer the level of cover they offer before you hit the road, as this may be different to the cover you have when driving at home.

If you need a green card, contact your insurer who can help you.

What license plate stickers will I need?

Before September 2021, UK-registered vehicles were required to need a Great Britain identifier when driving elsewhere in the EU. ‘UK’ has now replaced ‘GB’, so any car that doesn’t already have a UK marking on its number plate will need a new sticker. If you’re driving in Spain, Cyprus or Malta, you’ll need a UK sticker regardless of what’s on your plate. If you’re driving in Ireland you won’t need a UK sticker or number plate, but you will need your UK photo licence.