Does U.S. Car Insurance Cover Driving in Canada?
If you’re planning to take your U.S. ride into Canada, make sure your auto insurance follows you over the border. Although many U.S. auto policies provide coverage in Canada, review your policy to confirm what coverage you’ll have if you get into an accident on the other side of the border.
Sources reviewed for this guide include the Canada Border Services Agency’s visitor entry guidance, the U.S. Department of State’s Canada travel information, Ontario’s visitor driving rules, and the Canadian Council of Insurance Regulators’ consumer resources.
Read More: Insuring an Imported Car in Canada
How Long Am I Covered For?
No time limit applies to every U.S. policy or visitor. Your insurance policy and the provincial rules for visiting drivers may have different limits. Check both before your trip.
What Should I Pay Attention To?
If you’re planning a short tourist trip to Canada, many U.S. policies provide coverage. However, coverage is governed by your policy terms. Review those terms to see exactly what coverage you’ll receive while visiting Canada.
Liability Insurance
Canadian provinces have their own minimums for liability insurance, and those minimums can be higher than what’s required where you live in the U.S. Many U.S. insurance companies will increase your liability limit to match the minimum in the province you’re visiting. Contact your insurance company to find out whether that’s the case. Some companies may require temporary international coverage before you drive into Canada.
Collision and Comprehensive Coverage
Check with your insurance company and make sure you’re comfortable with the Collision and Comprehensive coverage you’ll receive while driving in Canada.
Roadside Assistance
Roadside assistance may be a separate service. Confirm with your provider whether it is valid in Canada. Check the plan’s limitations, including how much it will cover for a tow, the areas it covers and any exclusions.
Driving a U.S. Rental Into Canada
If you’re planning to drive a U.S. rental into Canada, make sure your rental agreement allows it. Also, list everyone who will be driving as a permitted driver.
Some credit cards provide coverage for physical loss of or damage to a rental vehicle. Read the terms to know exactly what’s included.
Credit-card coverage generally doesn’t provide liability insurance for injury or damage to another person or their property. Make sure you have adequate third-party liability coverage and confirm with both the rental company and your own auto insurance company that you’re protected.
Read More: Do You Need Insurance to Rent a Car?
Travelling With the Correct Documents
According to the Canada Border Services Agency, U.S. citizens entering Canada must show proof of citizenship and identity. A valid U.S. passport, passport card or NEXUS card may be used.
You can drive in Canada with a valid U.S. driver’s licence when travelling as a tourist, although provincial limits apply. In Ontario, visitors can use a valid licence from another province, state or country for less than three months.
If you’ll be staying in a province for longer than allowed, you may need to obtain the provincial licence required for a longer stay. An International Driving Permit does not extend your home licence.
Bring your vehicle registration and proof of insurance with you. A copy of your insurance card stored on your phone may not always be accepted.
Some states have approved apps and digital insurance cards, but it’s best to bring a printed copy of your insurance card in case you’re stopped by Canadian law enforcement. Some U.S. insurers will also provide a Canadian Non-Resident Inter-Province Motor Vehicle Liability Insurance Card. Ask your insurer whether it provides one.
What Happens If I Get Into an Accident?
If you’re in an accident, notify your insurance company as soon as possible. Insurance claims that cross the U.S.–Canada border can be more complicated than usual. Rules and claim procedures differ by province, including:
- When to call the police
- How fault is determined
- Deductibles
- Payment for repairs
- How insurers approve repairs
Ask your insurer for a cross-border claims phone number before leaving for Canada. It’s also a good idea to get the name of the representative you speak with when you file your claim.