If you’ve ever considered taking a road trip up to the Great White North in Canada, you may wonder if your U.S. car insurance is valid there. Usually, U.S. insurance is accepted for tourists, but the coverage you have depends on your individual policy. Before crossing the border, just check again who and what your policy covers, along with any limits on coverage or trip duration.
For this guide, our team reviewed 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 on to learn if your U.S. auto insurance is valid in Canada, what your policy may or may not cover, and when you might need additional protection.
Am I Covered for Car Insurance in Canada?
There’s no time limit that applies to every U.S. policy or visitor. The rules for tourist, driver-licence, vehicle-import, registration and policy are all separated from each other. Therefore, you should double-check the duration and provinces of the trip.
However, some providers may have specific policies for international coverage, which may include driving in Canada. In this case, you’ll have to purchase additional, temporary coverage before arriving in Canada.
Liability minimums vary by province. Many U.S. policies increase liability limits to meet the minimum required in the Canadian province you visit. But the traveller needs the insurer to confirm the applicable limit and issue any recommended Canadian proof-of-insurance document.
To find out whether your insurance is valid in Canada, contact your provider.
Are Rental Cars Picked Up in the U.S. Covered in Canada?
First, you have to confirm the rental agreement permits Canada, names every authorized driver and explains third-party liability and loss/damage responsibility. Then you have to check your personal auto policy and your credit card each covers you in Canada.
Credit-card rental benefits commonly cover loss of or damage to the rented vehicle, subject to exclusions and activation conditions. They generally don’t replace third-party liability insurance. You may need to check your liability separately with the rental company and personal auto insurer.
Read More: Do You Need Insurance to Rent a Car?
Choosing the Best Coverage for Your Trip
When deciding whether to get additional coverage for your trip, keep the following factors in mind:
What Documents Do You Need to Drive into Canada from the States?
Before driving into Canada, make sure to have the following documents on hand:
All persons entering Canada must provide proof of citizenship and identity. For U.S. citizens, the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) accepts a valid U.S. passport, passport card, or NEXUS card.
Generally, U.S. tourists can drive around Canada with a valid U.S. license. However, each province has restrictions on how long visitors can stay before obtaining an International Driving Permit (IDP). For example, in Ontario, visitors staying for over three months must get an IDP from their home country.
On top of your driver’s license, you’ll also need to bring your vehicle registration with you at all times. This is so you can provide proof to law enforcement that the vehicle you’re driving is actually yours.
Carry the physical proof required or recommended by the insurer and destination. Don’t assume a digital copy is legally accepted everywhere, and prepare for the case you cannot use your device. Confirm whether the insurer recommends a Canadian Non-Resident Inter-Province Motor Vehicle Liability Insurance Card.
Filing a Claim in Canada
Report the collision to your insurer promptly. Police-reporting rules, repair approval, deductibles, currency conversion and fault rules may differ by province and policy. Before travelling, ask for the insurer’s cross-border claim number before departure.
Contact your insurance provider for detailed steps on how to file a claim from outside the U.S.
Read More: Insuring an Imported Car in Canada