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.
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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're a GEICO customer, your regular auto insurance policy will cover you in Canada. Just remember to bring along proof of insurance, like your standard GEICO identification card.
Is Geico a Canadian company? ›
The Government Employees Insurance Company (GEICO /ˈɡaɪkoʊ/) is an American auto insurance company headquartered in Chevy Chase, Maryland. In addition to auto insurance, GEICO provides motorcycle, ATV, RV, boat, snowmobile, travel, pet, event, homeowner, renter, and jewelry insurance options.
Does US auto insurance work 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 Canada have car insurance? ›
As in most parts of the U.S., car insurance is required by law to drive in Canada. However, you should understand some differences in required coverage before crossing the border. Minimum liability insurance coverage in Canada is higher than in many U.S. states.
Do you need car insurance to travel to 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.
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.
Why is GEICO closing? ›
The Chronicle reports that insurance industry magazines linked Geico's decision to close California sales offices to its failure to raise insurance prices in compliance with Sacramento regulations and other market forces.
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.
Can you use American insurance in Canada? ›
If you're a U.S. tourist in Canada, your U.S. auto insurance should remain in effect during your stay. However, if you're a U.S citizen and stay in Canada longer than six months without securing a visitor's visa, your U.S. policy will no longer be valid.
Does Geico cover out of country? ›
We can arrange insurance in more than 30 countries and have several offices overseas.
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.
Can I use my US vehicle in Canada? ›
You must pay taxes and/or duties when applicable to bring your vehicle through Canadian customs. Your vehicle must be clear of any recalls. It must then pass an inspection by the Registrar of Imported Vehicles (RIV) in Canada before it can be officially considered imported.
Can I drive in Canada with Geico? ›
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 drive in Canada with a US license? ›
When visiting another country as a U.S. citizen: Your state driver's license is valid while driving in Canada and Mexico. In other countries, you may need to get an IDP for foreign drivers.
What is Canada's insurance called? ›
About Medicare. Medicare is a term that refers to Canada's publicly funded health care system. Instead of having a single national plan, we have 13 provincial and territorial health care insurance plans.
Does GEICO cover out of country? ›
We can arrange insurance in more than 30 countries and have several offices overseas.
Is US insurance accepted 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.
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.
