As of 2nd August 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). However, if you’re travelling in Europe before 2nd September, we recommend that you still take a green card to avoid any delays. This is because it may take some time for the news to filter out across the EU and 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.
Green cards
A ‘green card’ is a document that you may need to carry with you when driving your car abroad. For countries that require one, it provides proof that you have the correct car insurance for that country. 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.
As of 2nd August 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.
No. AXA will supply you with a green card free of charge.
Getting a green card is simple, you just need to request one from AXA by calling us on 0330 024 1158.
We’re here to take your call:
Monday to Friday: 8am to 8pm
Saturday: 9am to 5pm
Sunday: 9am to 3pm
Bank Holidays: 9am to 3pm
Please note: you might have wait a while during our busy times. Call us between 8am to 9am or 5pm to 8pm, Tuesday to Thursday, for the shortest wait.
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 you have the green card and your 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, 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.
Without a green card, you may be refused entry to the country you’re travelling to, or have to repurchase insurance at the border. If you’re pulled over or involved in an accident, you could also run into further problems, as driving without a green card is considered akin to driving without insurance. So always make sure you have the right documentation ready.
GB stickers have been replaced by UK stickers. Some vehicles will need to display a UK sticker on the rear number plate when travelling in any EU country. If you’re vehicle already has a UK identifier with a Union Jack flag, you will not need to display a sticker. However, you will need to display a UK sticker on the rear of your vehicle if your car’s number plate includes:
A GB sticker
A Euro symbol
A national flag of England, Scotland or Wales
No flag or identifier
If you have a GB sticker, make sure you cover or remove it before driving outside of the UK. Additionally, if you’re in Spain, Cyprus or Malta, you must display a UK sticker, no matter what is shown on your number plate.
Please ensure you read about the requirements for GB stickers on the Government website.
Along with a physical copy of your green card, you’ll need your driving license, a certificate of motor insurance 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 (including a caravan). 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 car, and one with the details of your car and your trailer / caravan.
Accidents while driving abroad
Yes – get in touch with us as soon as you can.
As with accidents in the UK, you’ll need the other drivers’ insurance details, and to gather as much evidence as possible, including photos if you can. Find out more about making a claim.
Will this guidance change?
It’s unlikely, but if there is any change in the way you request a green card from us, we’ll let you know.
Where can I find further information?
Leaving the EU will affect most of us in some way, but it helps to be prepared.