If you are traveling to Canada by car, whether in your vehicle or a rental car, your U.S. insurance will usually protect you with the same coverages and limits that you have at home. Car insurance in Canada for visitors from the U.S. is governed by reciprocal laws between the two countries. Most major insurance companies will cover you if you need to make a claim during your trip north of the border.
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Do I need a passport to drive to Canada?
If you're crossing the Canadian border by car, Canadian law requires that you show proof of citizenship and identity. For U.S. citizens, a valid passport book, a passport card, or a NEXUS card are sufficient to satisfy the requirement. Children under the age of 16 should have proof of identity and citizenship, like an original birth certificate or citizenship card.
The Canadian border patrol may also ask for proof of insurance if you're driving in 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.
Make sure you have a valid vehicle registration before driving in Canada. Sometimes border agents will ask for your registration to make sure you aren't driving a stolen vehicle.
If you're traveling to Canada and plan on renting a car when you get there, contact your insurance company about whether they'll extend coverage to your rental. If your insurer covers rental cars in the U.S., they may also extend coverage to cars you rent while in Canada. Otherwise, you may need to buy rental car insurance from the rental agency.
What about driving a car in other countries?
Keep in mind that the reciprocal laws are only an agreement between Canada and the U.S. If you're traveling to other countries, your insurance may not automatically cover you. Check with your insurance company if you're traveling internationally and plan on driving to learn how international car insurance works.
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
collision coverage
Comprehensive covers damage to your vehicle from unexpected non-collision incidents like theft, animal damage, falling trees, and weather damage. Collision covers damage to your vehicle that's the result of a collision with another vehicle or object.
Read on to find out everything you need to know to make sure you're covered when you drive to Canada. Canada and the U.S. have reciprocal laws for auto insurance, which means a U.S. insurance policy will cover you in Canada.
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.
If you intend to drive a motor vehicle in Canada you will need to make sure and bring more than just your passport. Canadian law requires U.S. citizens driving into Canada to provide proper proof of motor vehicle insurance.
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.
Whether you're moving to or are selling a car in Canada, you will need to import your vehicle before it can be legally driven in any Canadian province. So long as you begin the importation process several weeks in advance, importing a car is simple and straightforward.
Medical Emergency Insurance and Emergency Medical Evacuation
However, U.S. government health insurance plans do not pay for hospital costs, medical expenses or prescription drugs for visitors to Canada. But if you have private insurance, you can check with your provider to see if you have coverage while abroad.
A U.S. traveler in Canada is required to carry a motor vehicle liability card, plus vehicle ownership papers. A copy of the automobile policy is recommended to be carried. And a Canadian Non-Resident Interprovincial Motor Vehicle Liability Card is strongly recommended.
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.
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.
Progressive Insurance isn't available in Canada. Find the cheapest car insurance quote from leading Canadian car insurance providers instead. We do not operate in your province.
Your auto policy meets or exceeds requirements for your vehicle to be driven in Canada and covers you for bodily injury and property damage liability. A copy of your current auto insurance ID card or declarations page is enough proof of insurance. You should always keep these documents in your vehicle.
To maintain State Farm auto insurance in Canada, you should contact your agent to obtain a “Motor Vehicle Liability Card / Canada inter-province” insurance card—available at no additional charge and can prevent liabilities if you are pulled over by a Canadian police officer and do not have proof of insurance.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
While we do not offer insurance to residents of Canada, GEICO's coverage in the United States does extend north of the border. Please read the following important information if you plan to drive your car into Canada.
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