With less than six months to go before the United Kingdom leaves the European Union in March 2019, a gigantic number of important issues remain unresolved as Theresa May’s Conservative government attempt to detach the country from the continent after the decision made in 2016’s landmark vote. Amongst lines of red tape regarding trade, movement and immigration, the future of UK drivers wishing to visit Europe is still shrouded in doubt, with insurers potentially needing to increase administration costs to stay in line with new regulations.
Currently, a UK drivers licence covers anyone taking a vehicle to Europe or hiring one on arrival, but in the event of a no-deal Brexit, an insurer-issued green card could be required alongside a standard driver’s licence. Once obtained, this combination would allow British motor users to drive all over the continent, but there remains plenty of uncertainty over whether any deal can be reached to maintain the current freedom that British drivers current enjoy.
At present, around 7m drivers head to the continent per year for holidays, pleasure or business, and the added complication of cost, production and distribution of any cards could see an administration cost added to any car insurance policies.
There are some positives, at least; the Department for Transport has advised that it is currently working on a deal to make sure that commercial and private motorists can continue to drive in the EU without any changes. All British drivers would also remain in the EU’s car insurance zone too, as per confirmation from The Association of British Insurers’ director of regulation, Hugh Savill:
“The Government and motor insurance bodies across Europe have already agreed a plan to keep the UK in the EU’s car insurance zone – the timeframes simply need rubber-stamping by the European Commission.”
Still, given the current nature of negotiations between the United Kingdom and the European Union, it remains to be seen if confirmation on such a vital aspect will be forthcoming prior to March of next year.