If you’ve ever considered taking a road trip up to the Great White North, you may have asked yourself, “Is my U.S. car insurance valid in Canada?”
Generally, most U.S. auto insurance policies are valid in Canada. However, this isn’t the case for everyone. Keep reading to learn how to find out if your insurance is valid in Canada, what you can do if it isn’t, and how you can prepare for your drive across the border.
Am I Covered for Car Insurance in Canada?
If your car is insured by a major insurance provider, there’s a fair chance that your auto insurance will be valid in Canada. Typically, tourists can use their U.S. car insurance for as long as they have tourist status. For U.S. tourists, this can be anywhere between 30 days and six months. If you plan on staying longer, you should look for a Canadian car insurance policy.
However, some providers may have specific policies for international coverage, which may include driving in Canada. In this instance, you’ll have to purchase additional, temporary coverage before driving up north.
Another thing to note is that minimum coverage requirements in Canada are higher than in many U.S. states. Additionally, these requirements can vary across different provinces and territories. For example, the minimum requirement for mandatory auto insurance in Ontario is $200,000 in third-party liability, direct compensation property damage, accident benefits, and uninsured automobile coverage. Meanwhile, the minimum requirement in Nova Scotia is $500,000 in the abovementioned coverage.
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?
It’s hard to tell whether a rental car’s insurance is covered in Canada without asking the rental company. Some insurance providers offer additional coverage for vehicles rented abroad, while others require you to purchase foreign rental car coverage from your rental company.
Another way to get covered is through your credit card company. Many credit card providers offer coverage for damage or theft to a rental car—but up to a certain limit. Just bear in mind that credit card providers don’t offer liability coverage unless you use the same card to reserve and pay for the rental.
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:
Filing a Claim in Canada
The process of filing claims in Canada is the same as in the U.S. However, you’ll have to be mindful of factors such as unique province and territory regulations, limitations to your policy while abroad, and coverage for other parties involved.
Contact your insurance provider for detailed steps on how to file a claim from outside the U.S.
Key Advice From MyChoice
- Always check your car insurance policy before driving out of the country and make sure it aligns with your destination’s rules and minimum requirements.
- When driving to a different country, keep physical and digital copies of all your essential documents, such as your passport, vehicle registration, and proof of insurance.
- If you’re looking for a car insurance policy that’ll follow you across the border, use MyChoice to compare quotes and shop for the best deals.