Dr. Declan Jackson:

Deputy Neville is correct that a person should not be tied to any insurer on the basis that he or she has been abroad for a period. That is not the intention. However, there is an avenue available whereby a person can obtain advice from his or her insurer before emigrating. Emigrants can also obtain further advice before returning to this country and this advice is available from any insurer. The protocol is set up in a way that allows adequate freedom to customers who should not be tied. A prospective emigrant will not know in advance for how long he or she will be abroad. It may be one year or if things go well, it might be five years. The crucial issue is that consumers know what evidence will be required to verify their driver experience and allow them to re-enter the market with credit being given for driving experience. That is the intent behind the protocol.