Does Your Car Insurance Work in Canada? – Policygenius (2024)

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

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?

Does Your Car Insurance Work in Canada? – Policygenius (1)

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?

Does Your Car Insurance Work in Canada? – Policygenius (2)

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?

Does Your Car Insurance Work in Canada? – Policygenius (3)

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 Brennan

Senior Editor & Licensed Auto Insurance Expert

Does Your Car Insurance Work in Canada? – Policygenius (6)

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 Swartz

Senior Managing Editor & Auto Insurance Expert

Does Your Car Insurance Work in Canada? – Policygenius (9)Does Your Car Insurance Work in Canada? – Policygenius (10)

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.

Does Your Car Insurance Work in Canada? – Policygenius (2024)

FAQs

Does Your Car Insurance Work in Canada? – Policygenius? ›

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 my car insurance cover me internationally? ›

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.

Is my USAA auto insurance good in Canada? ›

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.

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.

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.

Does my car insurance cover me in a different province? ›

It also means making sure your vehicle is in good condition and ensuring you have adequate insurance coverage. The good news is your car insurance policy covers you in other provinces and the U.S. But there's a caveat: your policy might not be enough to cover costs that arise if you injure someone in the states.

Does Allstate operate internationally? ›

Allstate Corporation owns and operates over 19 companies around the United States, United Kingdom, Canada and India.

Do you need car insurance in Italy? ›

Legally in Italy, you are required to be covered by car insurance that is at least to a level of third-party liability. You don't need an Italian driver's license to be insured in Italy. As long as you are covered by a valid driving license, we can offer you Italian car insurance.

Is it more expensive to insure a foreign car? ›

You may find imported car insurance is more expensive when it comes to comprehensive car insurance coverage or auto collision coverage because replacement parts can cost more. This can lead insurance companies to increase premium rates to cover that extra cost. But this mainly applies to specialized cars.

Why is Canada's auto insurance so high? ›

Canadians could see even higher auto insurance premiums this year amid a growing crisis of car thefts in the country and other industry challenges, according to a new report. In its auto insurance outlook for 2024 released on Jan. 26, Ratesdotca is anticipating another jump in premiums across the country this year.

Can I drive my US car 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.

Does AAA cover me in Canada? ›

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.

Do you insure the car or the driver in Canada? ›

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 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.

Do I need to buy car insurance in Canada? ›

The law is clear. Every Canadian vehicle owner must have auto insurance in order to operate your vehicle. It is compulsory in all territories and provinces. If you are caught driving without insurance, your license can be suspended, your vehicle can be confiscated, and you will face a hefty fine.

Do I need Canadian car insurance to drive in 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.

Can I drive my American car 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.

Does my AAA insurance cover me in Canada? ›

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.

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