Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 26 January 2023
180. Deputy Rose Conway-Walsh asked the Minister for Transport if his attention has been drawn to the challenges Ukrainian refugees are experiencing in accessing car insurance due to the non-recognition of previous driving experience and claims history; the steps he is taking to ensure equitable access to car insurance; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3827/23]
View answerVehicles originating from Ukraine and entering Ireland are required to have a minimum of motor third party liability insurance (MTPL).
Ukrainian refugees who remain in Ireland on a temporary basis can ensure their vehicles are insured in a number of ways.
A Ukrainian insurer, or the Ukrainian Motor Insurance Bureau can issue an International Motor Insurance Card, commonly referred to as a Green Card, to the driver/owner. The Green Card is an international certificate of insurance providing visiting motorists with proof of the minimum compulsory insurance cover required by Irish law. The Motor Insurance Bureau of Ukraine (UA) has prepared a list of Ukrainian Insurance Providers that allows Ukrainian refugees to renew their insurance policies online and to request a Green Card.
Alternatively, the driver/owner of the vehicle can purchase a frontier insurance policy at the point of entry to the EU. This frontier policy will provide the required level of insurance to drive the vehicle within the Green Card System for the period that the frontier policy is valid for, i.e., from 15-30 days, up to a maximum of one year.
However, it is important to note that once permanent residence has been established, Ukrainian refugees in Ireland are required to register their vehicles and purchase MTPL insurance from an Irish insurer. The terms applied to these policies is a commercial matter for the individual insurers to decide upon and beyond the remit of my Department.
