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.
Please read the following important information if you plan to drive your car into Canada.
Not yet insured with GEICO? Get a free car insurance quote now to see how much you could save.
What do I need to drive my car across the border into Canada?
If you reside in the United States and are planning to drive your car into Canada, you need to have all of the following items on hand when you arrive at the border:
- Proof of U.S. Citizenship – As of June 1, 2009, all travelers, including US citizens 16 years of age or over, are required to have a passport or other travel document approved by the Department of Homeland Security. U.S. citizens under the age of 16 can present their original birth certificate, a copy of their birth certificate, or other proof of U.S. citizenship such as a naturalization certificate or citizenship card. 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. Canadian ID cards are not necessary if you're visiting Canada as a tourist.
If you need new or replacement ID cards, simply log in online and visit the Policy Documents section where you can choose whether you'd like to email, print, or fax a copy. If you haven't registered your policy online yet, you can sign up now. - Vehicle Registration – Drivers must also have their vehicle registration on hand at the border. Border officials are always on the lookout for stolen vehicles or people trying to avoid duties on vehicles purchased outside the country, so it is important to make sure you have your vehicle registration with you.
What can I expect when I reach the Canadian Border?
Upon arriving at the Canadian border services booth, the driver will be required to roll down the front and back windows of the car so that the border officer can speak with everyone in the vehicle.
The Border Services Officer will ask the driver a series of questions. They may ask for the address of the place you will be staying during your trip, how long you plan to stay in Canada, why you're traveling to Canada, or similar questions about your trip. These questions must be answered honestly and directly.
What can I expect when driving in Canada?
Driving in Canada is similar to driving in parts of the United States. However, distances and speeds are posted in kilometers per hour instead of miles per hour.
Some signs, particularly in Quebec, may be in French.
What if I rent a car in the U.S. and want to drive into Canada?
If you plan to drive a car rented in the United States into Canada and back again, check with the rental car company as to whether or not they will allow you to drive the rental car across the border.
If the rental car company allows you to drive in Canada, all the information provided above still applies. Your rental car company can provide you with additional details.
FAQs
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.
Can I use my US car insurance 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.
Can you use your insurance in Canada? ›
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.
Does GEICO cover out of country? ›
We can arrange insurance in more than 30 countries and have several offices overseas.
Do I need special car insurance to go to Canada? ›
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.
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.
Do I need international car insurance to drive in Canada? ›
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.
What do I need to drive my car 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.
What do I need to drive in Canada? ›
To legally drive a car in Canada, you'll need a driver's licence issued by the government of your province or territory. You must have it with you whenever you're driving. With it, you can drive anywhere in 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.
Because an insurance policy follows the car and not the driver, you'll need insurance on your car to legally drive it in Canada.
What insurance do you need for Canada? ›
To visit Canada, you need worldwide travel insurance to cover you for loss, damage and theft of your belongings, cancellation or curtailment of your trip, and public liability if you should cause accidental damage or injury. You'll need to choose worldwide travel insurance including Canada, USA and the Caribbean.
What country is Geico insurance from? ›
The Government Employees Insurance Company (GEICO /ˈɡaɪkoʊ/) is an American auto insurance company headquartered in Chevy Chase, Maryland.
How to call Geico internationally? ›
Call (800) 248-4998 from the US. Calls are forwarded to our European office, please call Mon – Fri 2:30 AM – 11:00 AM (Eastern Time). From outside the US, call +49 631-414-63100.
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 US 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.
What car insurance do I need to drive in Canada? ›
Canada requires liability insurance, which pays for damage to another person's property, injuries and medical expenses. Some Canadian provinces also require drivers to have accident benefits, which pay for the driver's own medical costs or loss of income from an accident.
What car insurance do I need in Canada? ›
Everyone must have liability insurance to cover damages arising from injuries (including death) you accidentally cause to someone else or property damage you cause that is not covered by Direct Compensation for Property Damage (DCPD) coverage (like if you hit someone's fence). This does not cover your own vehicle.
