How to Be Car Insurance Compliant When Traveling to Canada (2024)

FAQs

How to Be Car Insurance Compliant When Traveling to Canada? ›

Your auto insurance card should be sufficient, but you can also request a non-resident inter-province insurance card from your insurance company. It's also a good idea to have your auto insurance policy with you in case you get pulled over or get into an accident during your visit.

U.S. car insurance covers you while driving in Canada, even with a rental car. Make sure you talk to your insurance company before your trip, so you have the proper documents.

Canadian law requires U.S. citizens driving into Canada to provide proper proof of motor vehicle insurance. The good news is that both your IMT Insurance Policy includes Canada as part of your coverage territory.

You'll need proof of insurance, a valid driver's license, and a passport (or an approved alternate proof of citizenship) to drive across the border. U.S citizens driving in Canada are generally allowed to drive for up to six months with American car insurance.

Does AAA work in other countries? Roadside services are available to AAA Members in Canada and many other parts of the world. Visit the website of the AAA-affiliated organization in the country you're planning to visit for information about coverage and benefits.

There are no requirements for U.S. citizens to have travel insurance coverage as a condition of entry to Canada. However, most Canadian hospitals do not accept U.S. health insurance or Medicare.

When visiting another country as a U.S. citizen: Your state driver's license is valid while driving in Canada and Mexico. In other countries, you may need to get an International Driving Permit (IDP) for foreign drivers.

Entry into Canada

If you are a citizen of the United States over the age of 16, you will need a Passport, a Passport Card or Enhanced Driver's Licence (only issued by certain states) to enter Canada. If you are travelling by air, you are required to have a passport, regardless of age.

While third-party liability, uninsured automobile, and accident benefits insurance are mandatory across the country, there are many optional coverages that you can add to your policy to increase your coverage for an additional cost. The most popular optional coverages are collision and comprehensive insurance.

Because an insurance policy follows the car and not the driver, you'll need insurance on your car to legally drive it in Canada.

How long can I use my US driver's license in Canada? ›

If you wish to drive for more than 90 days while visiting, you will require an IDP from your own country. If you are a temporary resident, such as a foreign student or foreign worker, you might be considered a resident and need to get an Ontario driver's licence.

Ensure that you have proper identification for you and your family readily available. Acceptable forms of identification for entry into Canada include a passport, a NEXUS card and an enhanced driver's licence.

It also means making sure your vehicle is in good condition and ensuring you have adequate insurance coverage. The good news is your car insurance policy covers you in other provinces and the U.S. But there's a caveat: your policy might not be enough to cover costs that arise if you injure someone in the states.

Alberta Motor Association (AMA)

The organization was founded in 1926 with 1400 members; original dues were $6.50. It is headquartered in Edmonton and is affiliated with the Canadian Automobile Association (CAA) and the American Automobile Association (AAA) and has more than 980,000 members as of November 2021.

While your U.S. coverage may be sufficient for driving in Canada, the U.S. State Department cautions that it might fall short. The State Department says you usually can buy additional coverage in the U.S. or Canada.

Your Safeco motorcycle policy covers you anywhere you ride in the United States and Canada. Because the insurance laws in Mexico are different, however, you'll need to obtain insurance coverage there if you're taking a ride south of the U.S. border.

Most U.S. auto insurers won't cover you while driving abroad, except for driving in Canada and driving in Mexico. Unless you have a credit card offering rental car insurance, you'll probably need to purchase your insurance from the rental company. Learn more about international car insurance and rental car insurance.

Auto Insurance Policies

In general, your U.S. auto insurance policy does NOT cover you abroad. Some policies do provide coverage when you drive to Canada and Mexico. Check with your insurance company before you go.

U.S. Medicare and Medicaid do not cover medical costs overseas. Private U.S. insurance policies also might not cover any or all expenses. Check with your insurance before traveling to see if it provides coverage overseas. More information is also available on the CDC insurance page.

Overseas insurance is insurance for your car, motorcycle, and personal property that's available while you are living outside of the United States. GEICO has provided overseas insurance through its affiliate, GEICO Financial Services GmbH since 1960.