ALD Automotive Brexit Update - Vehicle Orders and Driving Abroad
The following information is provided as guidance only. It may be useful to bookmark this page and check back as we will be updating it on a regular basis.
With the confirmed extension to the Brexit negotiations, the likelihood of a no-deal Brexit has significantly diminished. However, until a deal has been passed by Parliament and agreed with the EU, there is still a chance we could leave the EU at a future date without a deal.
In the event of a no-deal Brexit, it is expected that WTO (World Trade Organisation) arrangements will be applied to the UK, as they are with other countries around the world. This will result in increased import duties being imposed on new vehicles and vehicle parts entering the UK from the EU and elsewhere, as EU member trade agreements would no longer apply to the UK. These new tariffs could result in price increases of up to 10% on affected vehicles.
If the UK does leave without a deal, any vehicles or parts entering the UK are likely to have the new duties imposed and therefore, the rental or finance payments on those vehicles affected will likely increase.
ALD Automotive is committed to supporting our customers, we are continually monitoring the situation and are in ongoing discussions with all the major car manufacturers to fully understand the potential impact of a no-deal Brexit on delivery dates and prices. We will continue to work to ensure customers have as much information about the status of their order and their options as we move towards the Brexit deadline.
If you wish to learn more about how a no-deal Brexit may affect the UK automotive industry take a look at the following websites:
When driving abroad in a leased vehicle, drivers should continue to carry the following registration document:
A VE103 certificate, together with details about breakdown assistance, can be obtained from us by calling the ALD Automotive Driver Line, for your specific support number please refer to your Driver Guide. Please allow up to 3 working days for delivery.
Currently, UK registered vehicles must show a GB sign on their number plates when travelling abroad – either as part of the number plate itself or added as a sticker.
For more information, please visit:
Green Card insurance
A Green Card is proof of third-party motor insurance when driving abroad. Currently, the EU, EEA, Andorra, Serbia and Switzerland are part of a Green Card-free area, so that drivers of UK-registered vehicles do not need to carry a Green Card when travelling in these countries.
In the event of a no-deal Brexit, drivers of UK-registered vehicles may need to carry a Green Card when travelling in the EU and the EEA. This can be obtained from your vehicle insurance provider.
Some countries also require separate insurance for trailers, requiring a separate Green Card.
For more information, please visit:
International Driving Permits
Currently, UK motorists can drive in all EU and EEA countries with their UK driving licence. The Government hopes to negotiate an agreement whereby UK driving licences continue to be recognised in EU and EEA countries after Brexit.
However, in the event of a no-deal Brexit, it’s likely that UK motorists will need an international driving permit (IDP) in order to drive in EU and EEA countries. There are three types of IDP relevant to EU and EEA countries, as follows:
- 1968 Convention IDP. For Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Sweden. Valid for up to 3 years.
- 1949 Convention IDP. Cyprus, Iceland, Malta, Spain. Valid for 12 months.
- 1926 Convention IDP. Liechtenstein.
Motorists will not be required to carry an IDP in the Republic of Ireland. IDPs are available from larger Post Offices and cost £5.50.
Accidents
A no-deal Brexit may prevent UK motorists from making a claim for an accident within the EU or EEA through a UK claims representative or the UK Motor Insurers’ Bureau. Instead the claim, may need to be made in the country where the accident happened, perhaps even in the local language. To be fully prepared, please ensure you have appropriate insurance and seek legal advice.
For more information, please visit:
Serving and repairs
If there is a no-deal Brexit, there is a chance that the supply of goods and parts into the UK may be disrupted. However, ALD Automotive has already been informed that our key tyre, breakdown and glass suppliers have been working to pre-empt this challenge to lessen the risk of any delays in getting vehicles back on the road. You will be kept updated about any issues, if and as they arise.
How can ALD Automotive help you prepare for Brexit?
Until we know the exact details of the EU exit deal, it’s hard to know how best to prepare. As soon as we have more clarity, we will update our communications accordingly.
Regarding any new vehicle orders, a no-deal Brexit could disrupt deliveries. Even if your new vehicle is entirely made in the UK, it is likely to need parts from elsewhere in the world, which could themselves be delayed. Some manufacturers have been trying to work around this problem and we will keep you informed about any changes in delivery dates as soon as we have any further information.
If you have any other questions or concerns in the meantime, please get in touch– drivers should call using the contact number in the Driver Guide, fleet operators should contact their ALD Automotive Account Manager.
These sites should also be able to provide you with useful information: