The Motor Insurers’ Bureau of Ireland (MIBI) said insurers and insurance brokers will begin issuing Green Cards to motor insurance policyholders from March if a Brexit deal or delay has not been agreed.

If the UK leaves the EU without a deal, the UK will abruptly no longer be a party to the EU Motor Insurance Directive (MID), which provides for free travel within the EU without supplementary insurance documentation.

Motorists who plan on driving Irish-registered vehicles in Northern Ireland or the rest of the UK have been advised to contact their insurer or insurance broker a month in advance of their planned travel date to ensure they receive a Green Card in sufficient time.

The internationally-recognised document will provide proof of the minimum compulsory motor insurance cover required by the UK. Green Cards provide a guarantee of insurance for a minimum of 15 days and can remain valid until the expiry date of the motor insurance policy, providing cover for multiple trips.

David Fitzgerald, chief executive of the MIBI, said: “Green Cards will only be necessary in the event of a no-deal Brexit. Our hope is that a deal will be agreed between the UK and the EU, meaning there will be no disruption to the motor insurance status quo for those travelling between the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland/ UK. If there is a transitional Brexit arrangement put in place between the EU and the UK then Green Cards will not be required.”

Mr Fitzgerald said the MIBI “has been liaising on this matter with the European Commission, the Irish Government, and the various insurance authorities across Europe and the UK, as well as with our members who comprise all insurers writing motor insurance in the Republic of Ireland”.

He added: By the end of this week over 400,000 Green Card forms, along with electronic templates, will have been sent to the various motor insurance companies and insurance brokers to prepare for distribution, in the event they are required.

“If there are no further developments and a hard Brexit is still a possibility, then insurance companies and insurance brokers will begin issuing Green Cards to affected policyholders in March. At that point anyone who is planning on driving their motor vehicle in Northern Ireland or elsewhere in the UK is advised to contact their insurer or broker one month in advance of their expected travel date.”