People who drive across the border between the Republic of Ireland and the UK, including Northern Ireland, will need a 'Green Card' in the event of a no-deal Brexit.

The cards will demonstrate to Northern Ireland and British authorities that the vehicle has valid motor insurance cover in the Republic.

The scheme has been unveiled by the Motor Insurers' Bureau of Ireland (MIBI).

It said if there is a no-deal Brexit, all motor vehicles travelling between the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland/UK will require a Green Card to demonstrate to law enforcement agencies they have valid motor insurance.

The cards will not be required if an agreement is reached between the UK and the EU on Brexit, or if a transitional arrangement is implemented.

A Green Card is an internationally recognised insurance document, which provides proof of the minimum compulsory motor insurance cover required by the country visited.

The cards provide a guarantee of insurance for a minimum of 15 days and can remain valid until the expiry date of the motor insurance policy, providing cover for multiple trips.

File photo

Insurers and insurance brokers are to begin issuing Green Cards to policyholders from March, based on an expected Brexit date of March 29th.

MIBI said this is on the basis that no agreement has been reached between the UK and the EU on Brexit or that the process has not been further delayed.

"At that point anyone who plans on driving their Irish registered vehicle in Northern Ireland or the rest of the UK should contact their insurer or insurance broker one month in advance of their expected travel date," it said.

This is to ensure they receive their Green Card in time.

All motor vehicles with a valid Irish registration travelling within the EU are currently covered by the terms of the EU Motor Insurance Directive (MID).

But in the event of a no-deal Brexit, the UK will no longer be party to the MID.

File photo shows signs along the Irish border

David Fitzgerald, chief executive of the MIBI, explained: "Green Cards will only be necessary in the event of a no-deal Brexit.

"Our hope is that a deal will be agreed between the UK and the EU, meaning there will be no disruption to the motor insurance status quo for those travelling between the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland/UK.

"If there is a transitional Brexit arrangement put in place between the EU and the UK then Green Cards will not be required.

"We had hoped to avoid the need for Green Cards, however as there continues to be uncertainty as to what the final outcome of the Brexit process will be, we want to raise awareness about the possible implications from a motor insurance perspective.

"This is to help members of the public who bring their motor vehicles to Northern Ireland or the rest of the UK to be prepared should a no-deal Brexit occur."

Even if a hard Brexit does occur, policyholders' existing insurance policies will remain valid for vehicles travelling from the Republic of Ireland to Northern Ireland or elsewhere in the UK.

But the Green Card is necessary to provide proof of that insurance cover to the relevant law enforcement authorities.

More information is available on MIBI's website