Does my car insurance cover travel in Canada?
An American car insurance policy works the same way in Canada as it does in the U.S. Your comprehensive car insurance coverage and auto
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.
Laws vary by province, but U.S citizens driving in Canada are generally allowed to drive for up to six months with American car insurance. You should research local laws before traveling if you know you are going to be in one province for more than a few weeks or in Canada for longer than six months.
For more information regarding the travel documents that are needed for entry into Canada (and re-entry into the U.S.), visit the U.S. State Department Travel page for Canada. Proof of Auto Insurance – In order to provide proof of auto insurance at the border, your standard GEICO insurance ID card will work.
It is illegal to drive without car insurance in Canada. If you own a car, you must get insurance coverage. If you regularly drive a car that belongs to a relative or friend, you should make sure you're listed on their car insurance plan.
Car insurance for visitors to Canada
Your U.S. policy automatically covers you in Canada, whether you're driving a rental car or your own car. Your policy covers you for as long as you're driving there, and there's no need to notify your insurance company. Learn more about driving in Canada.
You can bring your vehicle into Canada temporarily as a visitor or temporary resident. Your vehicle doesn't have to meet Canadian standards and must be only for your own use. You can also bring your vehicle for personal use while you're in Canada on a work permit or student visa.
It's also worth confirming that all your coverage transfers to Canada: liability, collision, and comprehensive (if you have it). If your visit to Canada will extend beyond 90 days — or if you're moving to Canada — you should purchase a Canadian car insurance policy.
Road Trips and Border Crossing by Car
Taking a road trip from the U.S. to Canada, or simply arriving by car, requires crossing the border at one of the 24 official locations. Americans will need to present a valid U.S. passport or other acceptable form of identification upon arrival to the country.
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.
Should I get travel insurance to go to Canada?
It pays to protect yourself against financial loss on a Canadian vacation. Travel insurance for Canada can provide coverage if your travel plans are interrupted, including unexpected cancellations or delays, emergency medical treatment and baggage loss.
Visitors traveling to Canada and to any country outside of their home country should have visitors health insurance. Most domestic policies will only cover you in your home country and have little to no coverage once you are traveling abroad. To learn more, visit Visitors Insurance and you can request a quote.
Travel insurance is not a requirement to travel to Canada. However, travel insurance will provide travel medical insurance and emergency medical evacuation coverage, as well as benefits for lost or delayed baggage, trip delay, cancellation or interruption and sometimes missed connections.
Bring Your AAA Card. Did you know your American Automobile Association (AAA) membership is honored in Canada? Through reciprocal arrangements with the Canadian Automobile Association (CAA), AAA members can use benefits like roadside assistance and while in Canada.
U.S. health insurance plans typically do not cover regular and routine medical care required overseas. This means your health insurance won't pay for care if you need to visit a doctor for a prescription medicine, or if you need treatment for a condition that is not considered an emergency.
All drivers in Canada are required to have a valid licence. While the precise requirements vary from province to province, foreigners in Canada on tourist or business visas are generally allowed to drive with their foreign licence for the duration of their stay provided their licence is in English or French.
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.
Progressive Insurance isn't available in Canada.
When you choose an Allstate Roadside membership plan, you'll receive 24/7 reliable roadside assistance no matter where you are in the U.S. or Canada. Plus, you don't even need an Allstate policy to purchase a roadside membership plan.
Entry into Canada: Canadian law requires that all persons entering Canada carry proof of citizenship and identity. A valid U.S. passport, passport card, or NEXUS card satisfies these requirements for U.S. citizens. Children under 16 only need proof of U.S. citizenship.
What are the rules for driving into Canada from USA?
When you enter Canada, a Canada Border Services Agency officer may ask to see your passport and a valid visa, if one is necessary. 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.
Foreigners can rent a car in Canada as long as their valid driver's license is in English or French or have an international license valid for 90 days and the license is valid for the type of vehicle considered for hire. Their home country driver's license is valid, unexpired, and includes a photograph.
Car insurance is a must-have for anyone who drives a vehicle. It provides financial protection in case of an accident or other covered events.
In fact, it is illegal to drive in Canada without a valid driver's license or an IDP. Driver's licenses are official government documents from a specific province or territory. These documents allow their holders to operate a motor vehicle (car, van etc.) in the province or territory where the document was issued.
Restricted/prohibited goods
Firearms and weapons: You must declare all weapons and firearms at the CBSA port of entry when you enter Canada. Food, plants, animals and related products: All food, plants, animals, and related products must be declared. Food can carry disease, such as E. coli.
References
- https://www.geico.com/information/aboutinsurance/auto/canada/
- https://tc.canada.ca/en/road-transportation/importing-vehicle/temporarily-importing-vehicles
- https://www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/travel-voyage/ivc-rnc-eng.html
- https://www.niagarafallstourism.com/plan/border-crossing/
- https://www.thezebra.com/auto-insurance/coverage/car-insurance-canada/
- https://www.progressive.com/answers/international-car-insurance/
- https://citycarandtruckrental.com/how-to-rent-a-car-in-canada/
- https://www.aaa.com/tripcanvas/article/6-things-us-travelers-should-know-before-visiting-canada-CM529
- https://www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/travel-voyage/checklist-aidememoire-eng.html
- https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/International-Travel-Country-Information-Pages/Canada.html
- https://www.policygenius.com/auto-insurance/does-my-car-insurance-work-in-canada/
- https://www.ahainsurance.ca/car-insurance/mandatory-car-insurance-ontario/
- https://www.allstate.com/roadside-assistance/membership-plans
- https://www.canadavisa.com/drivingincanada.html
- https://www.insurancehotline.com/progressive-insurance-in-canada
- https://www.marketwatch.com/guides/insurance-services/travel-to-canada-from-us/
- https://www.progressive.com/answers/international-car-rental/
- https://www.insurance.com/auto-insurance/coverage/us-auto-insurance-canada
- https://www.marketwatch.com/guides/insurance-services/travel-insurance-canada/
- https://www.visitorsinsurance.com/travel-visitors-canada.asp
- https://www.usnews.com/insurance/travel/does-my-health-insurance-cover-international-travel
- https://en.wikivoyage.org/wiki/Driving_in_Canada
- https://www.usatoday.com/money/blueprint/travel-insurance/travel-insurance-canada/
- https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/new-immigrants/new-life-canada/driving.html