• UK motor insurance policies must, as a minimum, meet the basic insurance requirements when travelling in Europe, according to the source.
• This does not mean that full UK comprehensive cover automatically extends overseas.
• An operator with comprehensive UK cover must agree with the insurer that the higher level of cover applies to international journeys.

3.1 THE GREEN CARD

• A Green Card is evidence from the insurer that the insurance cover meets the required minimum level.
• The source states that UK drivers are required to carry a Green Card when driving in the EU, including Ireland, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, Switzerland, Serbia and Andorra.
• Drivers/operators should obtain Green Cards for all vehicles and trailers that may be operated in Europe.
• Additional Green Cards are required where:
• A trailer is being towed – one card for the towing vehicle and one for the trailer.
• Two insurance policies cover the journey – one card for each policy.
• A multi-vehicle/fleet policy is used – one card for each vehicle on the policy.

3.2 CONTROL OF THE GREEN CARD SCHEME

• The UK Motor Insurers' Bureau in London is the controlling body and secretariat of the Green Card Scheme.
• Insurance cover is extended for continental journeys through the insurers' bureaux of the relevant countries.
• The reverse of the Green Card lists the addresses of the bureaux.
• In the event of injury, vehicle damage or card expiry, the source instructs operators to notify their insurers directly rather than approaching the bureaux.

3.3 PRODUCTION OF THE GREEN CARD

• A Green Card may be required during routine border checks when entering Europe.
• Drivers may also be subject to random checks.
• Following an accident, evidence of insurance is likely to be required.