An EU directive which will facilitate the insurance claims of some 500,000 EU drivers who are victims of motor accidents while abroad every year was agreed yesterday in Strasbourg, writes Patrick Smith from Brussels.
The directive will require insurance companies in 30 "Green card" countries to appoint a claims representative in each EU member-state where they insure cars.
Fianna Fail MEP Mr Brian Crowley said an Irish driver injured elsewhere in the EU would be able to deal in English with the Irish representative of the insurer when he or she returned home.
The directive, which takes effect in two years, also provides for a local compensation body in each member-state which can intervene where claims are not being processed by an insurer. Plaintiffs will also get access to an EU-wide database to track the ownership and insurance details of all licensed vehicles.