Most U.S. car insurance policies automatically cover you while driving in Canada for short trips, as the two countries have reciprocal insurance laws. You typically do not need to purchase extra, separate insurance, but it is highly recommended to call your insurer to confirm coverage and obtain a Canadian non-resident inter-province insurance card.
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 U.S. car insurance policies will provide the same coverages and limits in Canada for short trips. The types of coverages that usually extend into Canada may include: Liability coverage - Covers expenses related to injury, death or property damage of others when you're at fault.
Unless your US health insurance plan specifically offers global coverage, it will not cover you in Canada. Although it's a good idea to check to see if you have this coverage prior to departing for Canada, most will not.
To drive into Canada from the U.S., you need proof of citizenship/status (Passport, Passport Card, or EDL/NEXUS), your driver's license, vehicle registration, and proof of auto insurance, plus be prepared to declare goods and have funds for your trip; non-U.S. citizens need passports and potentially visas/eTAs, and all travelers need to meet Canadian entry requirements.
Auto insurance policies abroad
Your U.S. auto insurance may not cover you when driving in other countries. Check with your insurance company before you go. Even if your insurance is accepted in another country, the coverage may not meet local requirements.
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.
Car insurance is valid for travel in Canada and the U.S.
For instance, if you are hurt in a collision in the U.S., your auto policy's accident benefits coverage will cover some medical costs. However, the policy alone may not be enough to protect you in the U.S, where medical costs are much higher.
No, having comprehensive insurance does not automatically allow you to drive any car. You need to check your policy details, as some policies may include a “Driving Other Cars (DOC)” clause, but many do not. Always confirm with your insurer before driving another vehicle.
No, most Canadian citizens visiting the U.S. for tourism don't pay $250 to enter, but Canadian permanent residents (PRs) and citizens needing specific work, student, or family visas may now pay a new U.S. Visa Integrity Fee of $250 (USD) starting in late 2025, added to existing visa costs. This fee applies when applying for a U.S. non-immigrant visa, not for standard visa-free tourist entries, and can be reimbursed if visa rules are followed.
Whether you're driving your own vehicle or renting a car, you'll need to purchase a Mexico tourist auto insurance policy for your trip. If you plan on driving your own vehicle, contact your insurance provider about purchasing a Mexico tourist auto insurance policy.
Car insurance is mandatory across Canada. An uninsured driver, if caught, will have to pay a hefty fine and likely have their vehicle impounded (at additional cost to them). For example, the fine for driving without insurance starts at $5,000 in Ontario — it's not worth it.
Foreign vehicles generally do not require permanent vehicle registration or inspection if they will only be in Canada temporarily (less than 12 months). Exceeding this limit could subject you to customs or provincial registration requirements.
Typically, though, mandatory coverage includes liability coverage, accident benefits, direct compensation for not-at-fault damage, and uninsured automobile coverage. But remember, what's mandatory will depend on your province. For example, direct compensation for not-at-fault damage isn't mandatory in Ontario.
Your insurer may ask to be told when you're going abroad and only provide third party cover when you do. An International Driving Permit when necessary. A Green Card from your insurer when necessary (from 2 August 2021, you no longer need a Green Card when driving in the European Economic Area). Your passport(s).
The U.S. and Canada have reciprocal agreements recognizing each other's auto insurance, so your liability, collision, and comprehensive coverage typically apply in Canada. Proof of Insurance: While your U.S. insurance is valid in Canada, you must carry proof of insurance.
Typically, your U.S. policy will not cover you abroad. However, once you arrive at your destination, if you choose to rent a car, the rental car company should offer you car insurance in that country for the duration of the trip.
Yes! Visitors, tourists and temporary residents can import vehicles temporarily into Canada, as well as Canadians who rented a US vehicle and brought it across the border.
The length of time you can drive with a foreign licence in Canada depends on the province or territory and your residency status. In some places, as a new resident, you might be able to drive for up to six months, while in others, it could be just 30 days.
If you have comprehensive car insurance at home and you want the same level of cover for driving abroad, ask your insurance provider if they can extend your policy to include comprehensive European car insurance. You might need to pay extra.
While there are exceptions, car insurance generally follows the car and not the driver. Allowing another licensed driver to borrow your vehicle is known as "permissive use," which means you give someone, who isn't listed on your car insurance policy, permission to operate your vehicle.
Generally, U.S. health insurance benefits will not cover you while outside of the U.S. Your domestic U.S. health insurance plans will cover you in a specific region within the USA. Sometimes they will offer limited coverage outside of the USA, but that is rarely the case.