Save the appropriate documentation to help when returning to Ontario. This can make it easier to renew your driver's licence, show previous driving history, and get auto insurance. Living outside of Ontario can affect your driver's licence and auto insurance track record, especially if either has expired while you were abroad.
For this article, our team reviewed Ontario’s instructions for renewing a licence from outside Ontario, renewing an expired licence and exchanging an out-of-province licence, Ontario Regulation 664, and Global Affairs Canada’s International Driving Permit guidance.
Continue reading to find out what documents and records to keep before leaving; what to do if your licence has expired; whether driving experience in other countries can count; what to check before purchasing and insuring a vehicle when you come back.
Does Living Abroad Affect Car Insurance Rates?
Before you buy or insure a car in Ontario after living outside the province, make sure you know what is involved with testing and licence renewal, and be sure you have your licence, driver’s abstract, insurance history and claims record. Lack of this information can affect the price you’ll be charged. A permitted insurance gap won’t necessarily result in higher auto insurance rates, but lack of information about your licence, claims-free status and how long you’ve been driving might.
When comparing quotes, keep the vehicle, drivers, coverage, and deductibles the same. Get insurance quotes before purchasing or registering the vehicle. Rates for returning drivers vary greatly.
Lack Of Recent Insurance History In Canada
Ask the insurer to confirm in writing whether it accepts a foreign licence, driving abstract, claims-free letter or letter of experience. In Ontario, an allowable coverage gap cannot be the sole reason for raising a premium, although cancellation or non-payment may have different consequences.
Read More: Consequences of Lapses in Your Car Insurance History
New Driver’S Licence Number Upon Return
Obtaining a new licence does not erase your driving records. Always keep your old licence information and Driver’s abstract. Depending on how long the Ontario Driver’s Licence has been expired, re-instatement could involve a simple renewal process or you may be asked to take a vision, knowledge, and/or a road test.
Perception As A “New Driver”
Before concluding that an insurer has ignored your driving history, ask them to provide details of how they arrived at your quote and confirmation of the date of licence they have used, preferably in writing. It may be that without sufficient and acceptable documentation, an insurer will take into account fewer years of experience than you have.
Read More: Insurance Tips For New and Young Drivers
Rules Depend On The Province You Return To
Start with the provincial licensing authority in the province where you plan to drive and the provincial regulator of insurance in the province in which you wish to reside; licensing and insurance systems vary by province, as do requirements for evidence of experience.
Ontario has a webpage on expired licences that explains renewal and testing requirements, which can depend on how long your licence has been expired. If you’re unsure about your documentation, call the Ministry of Transportation before you come back.
How To Preserve Your Driving And Insurance Records While Abroad
Before leaving, notify your insurer and licensing authority, keep records if you store, sell or export the vehicle, and save copies of your licence, driving abstract and claims history. Before returning, confirm the licence renewal, exchange and testing requirements. Get written quotes before buying a car and ask each insurer how much foreign driving experience it recognizes and why.
Maintain A Valid Canadian Driver’S Licence
If you will be living in another country, check with the issuing authority before you leave to find out whether you can keep or renew the licence while living abroad and what your options are for verifying your identity.
To renew a licence, follow the renewal procedure of your issuing authority. Licence durations vary by province. There is not one maximum duration applicable to all licences in Canada.
Decide Whether To Keep Canadian Vehicle Coverage
If your circumstances change and you sell, export or simply do not use the vehicle, check if you can cancel the policy or get storage coverage, especially if your road insurance doesn’t accurately reflect the way you use your car.
Ask your insurer whether to have your insurance reduced to comprehensive or specified perils or whether to suspend road coverage if the vehicle is going to be inactive. Make sure you reinstate any coverages before using the vehicle.
Keep Records Of Your International Driving Experience
Collect original or certified copies of your licence/driving abstract/insurance history (claims history and a letter of experience from your insurance company). If requested, a certified translation may be required.
Understand What An International Driving Permit Does
Importantly, this is not evidence of continuous licensing or insurance coverage. Keep your licence, insurance and claims history documents. In order to apply for an International Driving Permit you must hold a driver’s licence from your province or territory. You can drive the equivalent class authorized on your driver’s licence only.