Travelers' Auto Insurance in Canada

Tourists travelling to Canada from the United States

Do you intend to travel to Canada? It's crucial to think about auto insurance if you want to drive while on vacation. In Canada, having auto insurance is a requirement for all drivers. For visitors, the regulations operate somewhat differently, though. Learn more about Canadian traveler's auto insurance in the sections that follow, including whether you need it and how BrokerLink can assist you in locating it.

The majority of visitors come from the United States of America, or Canada's southern neighbor. Actually, millions of Americans visited Canada annually before to the pandemic. Many of these visitors enter the nation through land borders in their own cars. Individuals who own their own vehicles typically have personal plans that provide auto insurance. Even while this is nearly usually the case, it's still a good idea to confirm with your insurance company before traveling to Canada. You might be able to get extra coverage from your insurance if they don't cover foreign road excursions.

Generally speaking, supplementary auto insurance is not needed when traveling from the United States to Canada (or vice versa) because of the close ties that exist between the two nations. In actuality, having auto insurance and roadside assistance in one nation typically provides protection in another. On the other hand, visitors from other nations cannot make the same claim.

Visitors from other nations visiting Canada
If you intend to drive when visiting Canada from another nation, you probably fall into one of two categories: either you are renting a car in Canada or you are shipping an automobile from your home country to use there.

Please be aware that auto insurance in Canada follows the vehicle, not the driver. As a result, the owner's insurance protects you to the degree required by provincial law, whether you rent a car or borrow one from a friend. This is perfect for those who might find it simpler to hire or borrow a car when they get here rather than attempting to bring their own cars from home. (which is expensive and complicated).

Make sure you have a copy of the green vehicle ownership form and the little pink form belonging to the vehicle owner, which includes important details about the policy owner and the vehicle. This is especially important when borrowing or renting a car. Even when operating a non-owned car, you are required to produce these paperwork upon request from a police officer. Failing to do so may result in a punishment.

Because they are prepared by individual rental car companies, collision damage waivers are specific to each one. Before making a purchase, make sure you have read the terms and conditions thoroughly. Travelers should prepare for the expense of collision damage waivers, which can exceed the daily car rental fee in certain cases. As some credit card issuers offer rental car coverage, it could also be a good idea to inquire with them.

Read too:

Do foreign drivers in Canada require auto insurance?

Yes, drivers from other countries must always have proper driver's licenses and motor insurance. Driving without auto insurance is a serious offense that, depending on the jurisdiction, can result in steep fines, license suspension, and even jail time. Make sure you familiarize yourself with the criteria for necessary auto insurance before you drive as a tourist in Canada.

How may a foreign visitor to Canada obtain a policy for auto insurance?

This question has multiple answers. It is possible that your domestic personal auto insurance policy will protect you when driving in Canada. The best-case situation is this. You might need to get motor insurance from a Canadian insurer or, if appropriate, a rental car firm if, after consulting with your insurance carrier, you find out that you are not protected as a foreign visitor in Canada. In order to pursue the latter, you must first obtain a Canadian driver's license, which is advised if you intend to remain in Canada for an extended amount of time (or eventually migrate there).

How an overseas motorist can obtain a driver's license in Canada

First, you can lawfully exchange your current, valid driver's license for a Canadian driver's license if you are traveling from one of the following nations:

United States
Japan
Austria
Korea
Belgium
Switzerland
France
Germany
United Kingdom

Please be aware that in order to properly exchange your license from one of these nations, you might need to pass a written exam or a vision test.

You will have to start over and go through the same procedure as all other drivers in Canada if you are not from one of the nations mentioned above or if you do not currently possess a valid driver's license from your country of origin. Provinces have different driving systems. For instance, the three tiers of Ontario's progressive licensing system are G1, G2, and G.

Which documentation must you present to an insurance provider?

In order to get auto insurance in Canada as a visitor from abroad, you must present the following documentation:

The vehicle you wish to insure, including its make, model, and registration number
Your driver's license number (as well as the license numbers of other household members using the car)
Any relevant driving safety certificates that you've received in the last three years
A record of your driving or claims history (if you have a clean record, this can help you obtain better rates)

How much does auto insurance for tourists cost in Canada?

In Canada, the price of traveler's auto insurance varies. Similar to locals' auto insurance, insurance firms take a variety of criteria into account while determining rates. When setting its prices, a Canadian insurance provider may take the following factors into account for tourists:

Your age
Your insurance history
Your driving experience
The location that you’re visiting or moving to

In general, foreign drivers' auto insurance is typically more expensive than that of locals, particularly if you are unable to produce a validated driving record.