Preparing for a no-deal Brexit

Impact on personal lines insurance if an EU Withdrawal Agreement is not reached

BIBA has been working closely with the Motor Insurers’ Bureau (MIB) and the Department for Transport(DFT) regarding potential changes to the requirements for driving and travelling in Europe if we leave the EU without a deal.
Though matters may change, at present you need to make your motor and travel insurance clients aware that change is coming and help them prepare if they are planning to visit the EU after 31 October.

Motor insurance

Without a Withdrawal Agreement in place, motorists and motorcyclists driving their vehicles in the EU and EEA will need a Green Card as evidence of valid insurance.  It would be wise to check with your motor insurers that they are fully prepared to issue Green Cards – which at the moment must be on Green Paper and in hard copy.  Electronic versions are not acceptable.

This includes motorists crossing the border between the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland.

Though not related to insurance, motorists will need to have a GB sticker* on their car and will need (as they do now) to comply with the relevant legal requirements of the country they are travelling in such as the requirement to have an International Driving permit in some countries.

Trailers and caravans

Trailers and caravans will also need a separate Green Card and, if they are registered with the DVLA, the trailer registration number should be shown on the Green Card.

Travel insurance

At present, a UK citizen can use a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) to access state-provided medical care if they need it.  We have always advised that holidaymakers should not assume that their EHIC is a substitute for travel insurance which provides so much more on top of medical expenses cover, including cancellation and repatriation.

Without a deal, EHICs will no longer be recognised, which serves to emphasise the importance of having suitable travel insurance.

*The denomination to identify a vehicle from the UK is currently GB which includes NI

Information

Members can access our previous technical update on motor insurance here https://www.biba.org.uk/technical-updates/motor/green-cards-post-20-march-2019/

But the situation remains fluid and you and your customers can access up to date information from Government, the ABI and the FCA.

https://www.gov.uk/guidance/driving-in-the-eu-after-brexit#road-traffic-accidents—making-an-insurance-claim

https://www.gov.uk/visit-europe-brexit

https://www.abi.org.uk/products-and-issues/choosing-the-right-insurance/motor-insurance/travelling-to-the-eu-if-a-no-deal-brexit/

https://www.fca.org.uk/consumers/how-brexit-could-affect-you

EUROPE REGULATION AND BREXIT UPDATE

See all regulation updates

The EU Exit raises a number of issues that could seriously impact insurance brokers and their customers. BIBA is highlighting eight areas that will enable us to effectively service both new and existing UK and EU clients.

BIBA-KPMG Brexit Navigator

In 2017 when we asked members if they had any concerns regarding Brexit, around 66% of respondents said that they did. As a result, the BIBA Brexit Committee has been working closely with leading consultants, KPMG to offer assistance to BIBA members who are considering the implications of Brexit on their business.  Consequently, we have created the BIBA-KPMG Insurance Broker Brexit Navigator. This includes considerations around deciding whether you need to set up EU branches or make arrangements with a local European wholesaler or distribution network to deal with existing European clients.

It also flags potential considerations and shows timescales that may affect these.

As we approach March 2019 we hope that this navigator will help you focus on the Brexit issues and opportunities that most directly affect your business.

Get your Brexit Navigator here.

Worldwide Broker network to help BIBA members

BIBA has reached an agreement with the Worldwide Broker Network (WBN) which will facilitate the introduction of BIBA member firms to one of their member firms in an EU state in order to enable you to continue to help your EU based clients.

WBN has a member operating in each EU country, and all of their members have undergone a rigorous vetting process and importantly have international employees who are English speaking.

A BIBA member that needs assistance with an EU client will be introduced by WBN to an appropriate member. Once the introduction is made, neither WBN or BIBA will have any further involvement meaning that you have control of the relationship and terms of business with the EU broker. You will also be able to agree on the scope of services (e.g. placement, renewals, claims management) and compensation directly.

This agreement will provide some certainty and continuity to BIBA members and their EU clients while we await further development regarding any trade agreement providing access to the single market.

As the mechanics are finalised we will share these with you so that you can benefit from this important arrangement.

For further information please contact:

Warren Lai
AFL Insurance Brokers
0161 325 0265
[email protected]

Mike Bowman
Price Forbes
0207 105 3054
[email protected]

https://wbnglobal.com

BIBA’s Graeme Trudgill interviews Alec Finch at BIBA 2018 on the member solution on Brexit

Representing our members in Europe

With much of the Financial Conduct Authority’s rule book derived from European secondary legislation, BIBA is a member of the European Federation of Insurance Intermediaries (BIPAR), and is active in representing members’ interests with the three European legislative bodies that create the regulations; the European Commission, the Council of Ministers and the UK representatives in the European Parliament.

BIBA response to the EC's motor insurance Directive refit evaluation

The EC announced its proposals on changes to the Motor Insurance Directive in light of a number of court rulings that have affected its application and has identified five areas for clarification. BIBA’s views on the proposals are set out below.

Read full press release here

BIBA has created a Brexit Committee to consider the issues affecting brokers as a result of the coming EU exit.

Tell us your views on brexit in our brief survey

Read more here on the arrangement BIBA has reached with the Worldwide Broker Network (WBN) to help members

MP Guide

Helping your constituency with insurance matters

BIBA members have many specialisms and can often help in placing cover for those that fall outside of what is considered a ‘standard risk’.

BIBA helps more than a 250,000 consumers Find Insurance every year and can be found at biba.org.uk, or by calling 0370 950 1790.

See our guide for MP’s here

Working together with BIPAR

BIBA is an active member of the European Federation of Insurance Intermediaries (BIPAR), carrying our 'one voice' philosophy to the European stage, where interests of brokers across the region are aligned.

The liaison with fellow trade associations across Europe permits a sharing of experiences which helps us develop stronger arguments on issues affecting our local markets.

Find out more on BIPAR’s website