Major car insurance change for drivers will impact millions from this week

Major car insurance change for drivers will impact millions from this week
-Credit:Reach Publishing Services Limited


Major car insurance changes are set to launch impacting travel for millions. From January 1 2025, British drivers and motorists can now bring up a car insurance Green Card on their mobile phone instead of having to carry a printed copy.

The new system will eliminate the need to carry printed documents when travelling through countries in the Green Card system, making international driving more convenient for both holidaymakers and business travellers.

The new update is due to a collaboration between the MIB (Motor Insurers’ Bureau) and COB, the administrators behind the Green Card system. Angus Eaton, CEO at MIB, said: “Expanding the use of digital Green Cards is a significant step forward in simplifying cross-border travel experiences for motorists.

ADVERTISEMENT

READ MORE: UK households who have their own driveway face £15 charge from January

READ MORE: Blue Badge holders face £1,000 fine under plan to 'tackle' trend

READ MORE Blue Badge holders face £1,000 fine under plan to 'tackle' trend

“By allowing all drivers to carry a digital Green Card on a mobile device, instead of a physical copy, this makes the process of taking a vehicle abroad quicker and easier for everyone involved. We'd like to thank COB and our wider international counterparts, for helping to ensure the digital Green Card scheme could be expanded.

"As representatives of the UK Green Card system, we’ll continue our vital work to ensure cross-border travel stays hassle-free, to help keep drivers moving across Europe and beyond.” The MiB added: “Give your insurer as much notice as possible (ideally 6 weeks) when requesting a Green Card, to ensure it can be arranged in good time.

ADVERTISEMENT

“In some cases, drivers may need to carry an extra Green Card if towing a trailer or caravan, this may also need to be registered before travel.” Countries now accepting digital Green Cards include Albania, Azerbaijan, Moldova, Morocco, North Macedonia, Tunisia, Turkey, and Ukraine. Motorists must request a digital Green Card from their insurer before travelling to any of these destinations.

For travel to other countries within what is known as the Green Card Free Circulation Area, UK motorists will not require a Green Card at all.