Brexit advice for van insurance customers
Brexit latest: this page was last updated on 09th September 2021. To the best of our knowledge, the information below is full and correct, but we’ll continue to update it in line with government guidance.
As of 2nd September 2021, unless you’re travelling to Moldova or North Macedonia, you’ll no longer need a green card when travelling to countries in the European Union (EU) & the European Economic Area (EEA).
Here are some FAQs about green cards, and how to request one from us, as well as other information you need to know about driving in the EU.
If this advice changes, we will let you know as soon as possible.
A ‘green card’ is a document that you may need to carry with you when driving abroad. It proves that you have at least the minimum level of motor insurance required for the country you’re travelling in. Following recent changes to the system, green cards no longer need to be green – black and white printed documents of the green card are valid in participating EU countries. If you are looking to be covered to the same level of cover that you have while driving in the UK you will need to contact us before you travel, even if we have previously given you a green card or you don’t need to carry one.
Unless you’re travelling to Moldova or North Macedonia, you’ll no longer need a green card when travelling to countries in the European Union (EU) & the European Economic Area (EEA). If you don’t have a green card for these countries, you may need to pay additional insurance costs at the borders of these countries.
No. AXA will supply you with a green card at no additional cost to the price you have paid for your insurance.
Getting a green card is simple: you just need to request one by calling AXA on 0330 159 1509.
Our opening hours are below:
- Monday to Friday 8am – 6pm
- Saturdays: Closed
- Sundays: Closed
- Bank Holidays: Closed
When you request a card, we’ll send you a black and white document in the post, which can take up to 14 days to arrive. If you need one sooner, we can email it to you, but you’ll need to print it yourself on plain white A4 paper. When driving in the EU, make sure that you have your green card and motor certificate with you at all times.
No. An electronic copy or email of your green card is not acceptable evidence of insurance. Authorities in EU countries will only recognise the physical version.
If your policy expires while you’re away, and you needed a green card to travel to the country you are visiting, then you’ll still need a green card to cover you until your return. If you renew with us, you’ll need an additional green card for the period from your renewal date to the end of your trip. If you take out a policy with a new provider, contact them to request a new green card. Your new provider can only issue cover for the period they insure you for.
As of 2nd September 2021, you’ll no longer need a green card for most countries in the EU & EEA. However, you’ll still need a green card for Moldova and North Macedonia. If you don’t have a green card for these countries, you may need to pay additional insurance costs at the borders of these countries.
Some vehicles when travelling in any EU country will now need to display a GB sticker on their vehicles. You do not need a GB sticker if your number plate includes the GB identifier on its own or with the Union flag. However, if your vehicle’s number plate includes a Euro symbol, a national flag of England, Scotland or Wales only, or no flag or identifier, you will need to display a GB sticker clearly on the rear of your vehicle.
In addition, if you’re in Spain, Cyprus or Malta, you must display a GB sticker, no matter what is shown on your number plate.
Please ensure you read about the requirements for GB stickers on the Government website
You must also carry your motor certificate, your UK driving licence and your log book (V5C)
You will not need an International Driving Permit (IDP) to drive in EU countries and Norway from 1st January 2021, unless you have a paper driving license, or a license issued in Gibraltar, Guernsey, Jersey or the Isle of Man. Find out more about IDP requirements on the Government website.
Depending on the size and type of trailer, you may need to register it with the DVLA. They’ll then issue it with a separate registration number for travel outside the UK. Find out more on the DVLA website.
You will need to request an additional green card from us if you are travelling with a trailer. You will need to provide a description of the make and model to us for this. You will then receive two green cards that you must carry with you – one with just the details of your van, and one with the details of your van and your trailer.
If you are looking to have more than the minimum legal cover to drive in the country you’re visiting, you’ll need to let us know details about your trip before you leave so we can let you know the level of cover we are able to provide.
If you plan on travelling to any country which is not in the EU, then you will need to let us know about this before you leave so that we can let you know if we are able to provide any cover for your trip. We can discuss this with you in more detail when you contact us to tell us about your journey.
Leaving the EU means several changes that may affect everyone. Keep yourself up to date with the latest information by checking the Government website: https://euexit.campaign.gov.uk/
And for the latest insurance advice, check out the ABI website: https://www.abi.org.uk/