Motorists in Northern Ireland are being sent Green Cards in the post as insurers prepare for a potential No-Deal Brexit.
The documents, an internationally recognised proof of motor insurance, would be required under EU rules in the event of the UK leaving the bloc without a deal.
This includes drivers crossing the border in Ireland, as well as any freight company planning to transport goods into the EU after Brexit .
In letters sent out by Admiral Insurance, drivers have been told: "In the event of a no-deal Brexit it may become necessary for residents in Northern Ireland to have a Green Card when travelling to The Republic of Ireland.
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"You will still have the same level of cover you enjoy in the United Kingdom but may need to show the Green Card when crossing the border."
A spokesperson for Admiral said: "While we appreciate that a deal might still be reached and the need for a green card unnecessary, we wanted to make sure nobody will be restricted in being able to drive over the border post Brexit.
"We’ve sent all our customers in Northern Ireland Green Cards. This is to ensure that anyone who needs to drive in the Republic will be able to do so whatever the outcome. We’ve advised customers in the rest of the UK they will need to contact us 14 days before they need a Green Card to ensure we have time to print and send it to them."
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In a statement earlier this month, the Association of British Insurers said: "Insurers will continue issuing Green Cards to customers.
"This includes some insurers automatically issuing them to all their customers in Northern Ireland, so that motorists do not have to obtain one every time they cross the Irish border. However, motorists crossing into mainland EU from UK ports will need to contact their insurer to get one."
Here's the lowdown on what drivers need to know if a no-deal Brexit happens:
Would you need a special permit if you're crossing the border?
No. According to NI Direct, if you have a UK or NI driving licence you shouldn't need an International Driving Permit to drive in the Republic after Brexit.
What about the Green Card?
If there's a no-deal Brexit then NI drivers will need a Green Card when travelling into the Republic.
According to NI Direct, it would be illegal to travel without this proof of insurance.
Green Cards will guarantee that the driver has the necessary third-party motor insurance cover for driving in the country being travelled to.
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Are they actually cards?
Well no, strictly speaking they're paper documents which, under current international rules, must be printed on green paper.
How do you get one?
Some insurers are sending them out automatically but if yours hasn't, contact your insurance provider.
It could take anything from 15 days to a month to process, so factor that in before travelling. Any charge will depend on your insurer.
What about drivers from the Republic?
According to NI Direct, motorists from the Republic of Ireland driving in the UK will be able to show proof of car insurance in accordance with UK law, using a Green Card or legally valid insurance documents.
The proof of insurance will need to show that the insurance is valid for driving in the UK specifically, and not just in Ireland and the EU.
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How does it work with hire cars?
A car rented in Northern Ireland and driven in the Republic will need a Green Card to be covered.
Any special measures for trailers?
NI Direct says a separate Green Card could be necessary if you plan to tow a trailer. Insurers will be able to give more advice on this.
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Before you go
The experts at NI Direct say that in the event of a no-deal Brexit, drivers should make sure:
- the details on your driving licence is up-to-date
- you take your driving licence with you
- that you replace your driving licence if it's lost, stolen, defaced or destroyed
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