Do You Need An Insurance Card for Travel to Canada?

With Canada being one of the closest and easiest countries to get to from the United States, it is important to know about how travel to Canada affects your personal insurance. Here are very common questions regarding insurance coverage and travel to Canada with the correct answers.

Travel to Canada Question:

“I have a customer who is driving into Canada. In the past she’s received a Canadian ID card from the insurer, but I recall being told that these are no longer needed as long as you have an ID card with the NAIC (National Association of Insurance Commissioners) code on it. When a U.S. citizen is visiting Canada and driving his or her own vehicle, what proof of insurance must s/he carry? Is the non-resident inter-province card still required?”

Travel to Canada Answer:

A U.S. traveler in Canada is required to carry a motor vehicle liability card, plus vehicle ownership papers. A copy of the automobile policy is recommended to be carried. And a Canadian Non-Resident Interprovincial Motor Vehicle Liability Card is strongly recommended. The Canadian Non-Resident Inter-provincial Motor Vehicle Liability Card is proof of that your USA auto policy liability limits meet the minimum requirements for each / all Canadian provinces and territories and that your coverage extends to Canada and its territories. U.S. travelers who do not carry a Canadian Non-Resident Inter-provincial Motor Vehicle Liability Card and are stopped by Canadian police or are in an accident while driving in Canada risk being fined or having their vehicle impounded until proof of proper coverage is obtained.

For more insurance FAQs, check out our Frequently Asked Questions Page to help you understand different coverages or contact us directly.

 
Source: Don Mather, Ontario Consumer Information Officer, Insurance Bureau of Canada