If you are driving to Canada, whether in your own vehicle or a rental car, your car insurance policy will usually protect you with the same coverages and limits you have when you’re stateside.
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The same way a driver in Florida is covered by their car insurance even if they cross a state border into Georgia or Alabama, American drivers are still covered by their car insurance when traveling in Canada.
Key takeaways
Driving in Canada with an American car insurance policy (and vice versa) is legal.
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.
Can I drive in Canada with U.S. insurance?
Driving in Canada with a U.S. license and a U.S. car insurance policy is perfectly legal. In fact, Canada and the United States have what’s called a reciprocal agreement allowing citizens from both countries to drive in either place without needing new car insurance or a different type of driver’s license.
Both countries agree to let people use their own driver’s license and car insurance to make traveling across the border easier. But this only applies to car insurance, so people traveling to another country need to research things like health insurance separately to make sure they are fully covered while traveling.
One note — you can drive to Canada with your U.S. license, but the same isn’t true of Mexico. If you’re driving across the southern border you’ll need to arrange special car insurance for the duration of your trip.
Do I need a passport to drive to Canada?
Yes, passports are almost always required for people driving across the border into Canada. Sometimes border patrol officers are allowed to accept other forms of ID, such as:
Free and Secure Trade (FAST) card: Commercial drivers carrying low-risk shipments that meet all requirements for the program can apply for a FAST card for expedited processing at the border.
NEXUS card: A NEXUS card allows pre-screened travelers expedited processing when entering the United States and Canada.
Enhanced Driver’s License (EDL): An EDL is a state-issued driver’s license that provides proof of identity and U.S. citizenship. Unlike a standard driver’s license, EDLs function as both a driver’s license and a proof of residency when entering Canada, Mexico, and the Caribbean.
Does my car insurance cover a rental car in Canada?
Some American car insurance companies cover rental cars in Canada and some don’t, so you’ll need to review the details of your policy to know if you need to purchase separate rental car insurance in Canada.
If you aren’t sure whether or not your policy will cover a Canadian rental car, you can reach out to your insurance agent, broker, or your car insurance company directly and they can tell you how your coverage applies.
How long can I drive in Canada with U.S. insurance?
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.
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Frequently asked questions
Do I need international insurance to drive into Canada?
No, drivers who have active car insurance in the United States do not need international insurance to drive in Canada. However, you can contact your car insurance company before your trip to get a non-resident inter-province insurance card if you want something more official than your U.S. proof of insurance.
Can I use my U.S. driver's license in Canada?
Yes, Americans visiting Canada for less than 90 days are allowed to use a valid U.S. driver’s license as long as they have proof of insurance.
What do I need to drive my car into Canada?
To drive your car into Canada, you’ll need a passport, a driver’s license, and proof of insurance, though border patrol may only ask for your passport in some instances. You may choose to show other forms of ID, such as an enhanced driver’s license, NEXUS card, Canadian citizenship card, or birth certificate in combination with your driver’s license.
Author
Rachael BrennanSenior Editor & Licensed Auto Insurance Expert
Rachael Brennan is a senior editor and a licensed auto insurance expert at Policygenius. Her work has also been featured in MoneyGeek, Clearsurance, Adweek, Boston Globe, The Ladders, and AutoInsurance.com.
Editor
Anna SwartzSenior Managing Editor & Auto Insurance Expert
Anna Swartz is a senior managing editor and auto insurance expert at Policygenius, where she oversees our car insurance coverage. Previously, she was a senior staff writer at Mic.com, as well as an associate writer at The Dodo.
Questions about this page? Email us ateditorial@policygenius.com.
FAQs
If you are driving to Canada, whether in your own vehicle or a rental car, your car insurance policy will usually protect you with the same coverages and limits you have when you're stateside. We don't sell your information to third parties.
Will my car insurance cover me 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 collision coverage, for example, still apply to damage to your vehicle if you're in an accident while driving in Canada.
Does Allstate car insurance cover Canada? ›
Explanation: Typically, Allstate car insurance does provide coverage for its policyholders when they are driving in Canada. However, it's always advised to check the specific terms and conditions of your own personal policy to ensure that your coverage extends internationally.
Does my Geico insurance cover me in Canada? ›
If you are thinking of driving your car to Canada, rest assured that your GEICO insurance will still cover you. While we do not offer insurance to residents of Canada, GEICO's coverage in the United States does extend north of the border.
Does my U.S. health insurance cover me in Canada? ›
Do I Need Travel Insurance for Canada? 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.
Can I use my US auto insurance in Canada? ›
Due to reciprocal laws between the U.S. and Canada, your car insurance will most likely still apply while driving in Canada. This may depend on your provider, but many of the major car insurance providers will qualify for Canadian coverage, unless they specifically offer international car insurance policies for Canada.
Does my AAA insurance cover me in Canada? ›
Through reciprocal arrangements with the Canadian Automobile Association (CAA), AAA members can use benefits like roadside assistance and while in Canada. Don't forget to pack your AAA membership card, or use the AAA Mobile app to access your account information (cellphone roaming rates and data charges may apply).
What car insurance do I need in Canada? ›
Established by each province and territory, mandatory auto insurance is the minimum amount of coverage every vehicle owner must purchase and - depending on your province or territory - includes third-party liability, direct-compensation property damage, accident benefits and physical damage coverage.
What insurance do I need to drive in Canada? ›
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.
Do you need international insurance in Canada? ›
Foreigners will receive emergency care, but non-urgent medical treatment won't be covered. To make sure you won't have to pay for all of your medical expenses, you should sign up for an international health insurance plan.
Auto coverage provides protection for personal injury and property damage. Across Canada, the minimum coverage you are required by law to purchase is also referred to as mandatory coverage. Where and how you can purchase auto insurance coverage is set out by provinces and territories.
Do you need insurance for Canada? ›
While it's not mandatory for tourists, it's highly recommended to have holiday insurance in Canada as medical emergency is not free for visitors. On the other hand, for those moving in with an IEC holiday working visa, travel insurance is an official requirement.
Do you need collision insurance in Canada? ›
Although it is not mandatory in Ontario, collision coverage is an integral part of your auto protection. There are many factors that should go into your decision of whether or not to add or remove collision insurance from your policy.
What happens if an American gets hurt in Canada? ›
If I get sick or have an accident while visiting Canada, will the Government of Canada pay for my medical treatment? Canada does not pay for hospital or medical services for visitors. You should get health insurance to cover any medical costs before you come to Canada.
What insurance do I need to enter Canada? ›
Any visitor traveling to Canada should purchase 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. We offer plans for foreign students, travelers from other countries, business travel, international workers and more.
Does Canada accept American Medicare? ›
Healthcare services received beyond U.S. borders are not covered. Medicare may cover inpatient hospital costs, ambulance services or dialysis for the following circ*mstances: You are in the U.S. when emergency treatment is needed and the closest hospital is in a foreign country (e.g., Canada or Mexico).
Can I drive my US car in Canada for vacation? ›
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.
Does my US car insurance cover me in another country? ›
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.
Does my insurance cover rental cars in Canada? ›
You may have coverage for a stolen or damaged rental car through your car insurance policy if you have collision and comprehensive coverage (and the OPCF 27/SEF 27 endorsem*nt). Your credit card company may also provide coverage for theft or damage to the rental vehicle, depending on your agreement.
