Leaving the EU will create a number of changes for consumers in the UK. Politics aside, which subjects can we help you with?
24/12/2020: A deal has been announced
It has been announced that a trade deal between the UK and the EU has been agreed. We’re now looking through the many pages of the agreement to see whether it works for consumers, and how it might affect you.
As you can imagine, thousands of pages of dense legal text takes some time, so be sure to check back throughout the week after Christmas for updates.
6/11/2020: Original post
From the first of January 2021, the UK’s transition period will end. The politics of the situation aside, this new arrangement is likely to mean a fair few changes to us as consumers, including how we shop, travel, trade with other nations, and more.
With coronavirus very much a concern on people’s minds, the end of the transition period has almost taken a back seat.
As the new year approaches and with so many details yet to be confirmed, we want to hear what practical issues Which? might be able to help with.

Brexit Q&A
Ask us your questions in the comments – we’ll update the answers here as we’re able to do so.
If there’s a question someone’s asked that you’d also like to see answered, please give it a thumbs up! (NB you’ll need to be logged in to do so). We’ll use these to prioritise with our research teams.
Please be aware there are some questions on this we won’t be able to answer, particularly in relation to the politics of the situation.
Jump ahead to:
Cars | Consumer Rights | Food and Food Standards | Healthcare | Money | Sustainability | Trade | Travel
(Click or tap to expand or hide each question)
Cars
What will happen to car prices after Brexit?
Car manufacturers have indicated that prices may rise in the event of a no-deal Brexit. If you’re buying a car, you may want to complete the transaction as soon as possible.
Find out what manufacturers have said, and how much extra you might pay
How can I take my car to Europe?
In the event of a no-deal Brexit consumers would need an international driving permit. These can be purchased in person from a post office, but not online. Currently just three in 10 post offices offer an IDP service.
In a no-deal scenario you will also require a Green Card to take your vehicle outside of the UK.
A Green Card is an international certificate of insurance which proves that your UK Motor Insurance policy provides you with the minimum compulsory insurance cover required by the country you’re visiting. You need to contact your insurance company in advance to obtain this card.
See our full guide on driving in the EU after Brexit
Find out more about International Driving Permits and Green Cards
Consumer Rights
Will Section 75 protection still work if I’ve bought from the EU?
Section 75 still will apply for qualifying credit card purchases where there has been a breach of contract or a misrepresentation – even if this is from an EU trader.
This means that if you buy a product or service worth between £100 – £30,000 with your credit card and it’s not delivered, you can claim the money back from your card provider.
Will I still be able to shop online with EU retailers?
Yes, but you may find it tougher to resolve problems in the event of a dispute.
Read more about how travel, shopping, and your money could change in the event no deal is reached
Food and Food Standards
What will happen to food prices after we leave the EU?
Which? analysis has shown that the tariffs set to be imposed on a range of popular groceries could lead to price rises in event of a no-deal Brexit.
Read more about how food prices could rise under a no deal Brexit
What will happen to our food standards after we leave the EU?
Trade deals with the US and other countries could see our high standards torn up. While the government made a manifesto commitment to uphold food safety and animal welfare, we’d like to see these protections enshrined in the law.
Read the latest on protecting UK food standards
Find out more about how UK food standards compare to the rest of the world
Save our food standards: Sign our petition
Want to talk about this? Join our conversation
Healthcare
Will I be able to use my EHIC after Brexit?
The government has said that European Health Insurance Cards will expire on 31 December 2020. As things stand, UK nationals visiting EU countries will have to pay full price for any medical treatment.
Read more about EHICs and medical coverage after Brexit
Want to discuss? Join our earlier conversation
Money
What will Brexit mean for house prices?
We’ve spoken to experts from across the housing sector to get their predictions for the coming months.
What will happen to the value of my pension?
The state pension will rise by up to £229 in 2021 thanks to the triple lock guarantee.
What happens to my bank account?
An increasing number of British citizens living in EU countries are being told their UK bank accounts will be closed after the Brexit withdrawal period ends.
Read more about how more UK banks confirm Brexit account closures
What about interest rates?
The Bank of England are confirmed to be actively considering the impact if the base rate were to fall to 0% or into negative figures.
Sustainability
Will the environment be a higher priority after Brexit?
The government has asked consumers for their views on post-Brexit climate-friendly standards for electronics which, if introduced, could help consumers’ energy bills and reduce carbon emissions.
Trade
What’s the latest on trade deals?
Which? is scrutinising every deal to make sure that consumers are put first in each round of negotiations.
Travel
What do I need to know about travelling to Europe after Brexit?
In a nutshell:
- Make sure your passport is valid for at least the next six months
- Take out travel insurance that covers Brexit-related disruptions
- If driving, make sure you have an international driving permit and a green card (if driving your own car)
There’s a lot more, so be sure to read our full guide on Travel after Brexit.
Will I have to pay roaming charges on my mobile phone?
Including free roaming in trade deal negotiations could save UK holidaymakers significant amounts of money.
The latest information on where there are extra costs for using your phone can be read here.