Driving in the EU post-Brexit? You could need an insurance Green Card

If you're planning to take your car to the EU following Brexit, you might need to contact your insurance provider for a Green Card.

The Green Card is proof of insurance which will be required under EU regulations as proof of insurance in the event of a no-deal Brexit. Drivers are warned that they should contact their insurance company for a Green Card a month ahead of their planned trip.

These insurance documents must be printed on green paper and be kept in the vehicle when travelling within the EU from another country. They cover the vehicle, rather than the driver - meaning you'll need just one Green Card per car. Motorists in Ireland will also be affected - those in Northern Ireland planning to cross the border into the Republic will need a Green Card too.

You may need to apply for an International Driving Permit (IDP). This is because a UK driving licence isn't likely to be valid in the EU following a no-deal Brexit...

Most insurance companies will charge a small administration fee to cover the Green Card. Driving in the EU without one could, in the case of a no-deal Brexit, result in you being accused of driving without insurance. This could land you with a hefty fine or even your vehicle being seized.

All UK motor insurance providers will continue to provide the legal minimum third party insurance cover for travel in the European Economic Area - so you won't need to pay for extra insurance when driving in Europe.

You may need to apply for an International Driving Permit (IDP). This is because a UK driving licence isn't likely to be valid in the EU following a no-deal Brexit. There are three IDP available: a 1949 IDP, covering Ireland, Iceland, Spain, Malta and Cyprus; a 1968 IDP covering all other EU countries as well as Norway and Switzerland; and a 1926 IDP covering Liechtenstein.

It's worth noting that some trips will require more than one IDP - if, for example, you're driving through France and into Spain, you'll need both a 1949 IDP and a 1968 IDP.

These can be bought from selected Post Office branches at a cost of £5.50 each. You'll need to take a passport photo and your current, valid photo card driving licence. Although IDPs used to be available via mail order, this service was stopped earlier in the year.

Data from the National Audit Office reveals that there could be up to seven million IDP requests during the first year of Brexit - putting a huge amount of pressure on the Post Office.