What car insurance do I need to drive in Canada?
Asked by: Molly Reilly | Last update: October 20, 2025Score: 4.7/5 (50 votes)
Do I need special car insurance to drive in Canada?
Due to reciprocal laws between the U.S. and Canada, your car insurance will most likely still apply while driving in Canada. This may depend on your provider, but many of the major car insurance providers will qualify for Canadian coverage, unless they specifically offer international car insurance policies for Canada.
What car insurance is mandatory in Canada?
While third-party liability, uninsured automobile, and accident benefits insurance are mandatory across the country, there are many optional coverages that you can add to your policy to increase your coverage for an additional cost.
Do I need international car insurance to travel to 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.
Is American auto insurance valid in Canada?
Due to reciprocity laws, U.S. auto insurance is usually valid in Canada, and vice versa. If you're driving a rental, you'll have to check with the rental company if you need additional coverage to travel across the border.
How Much Car Insurance Do I Actually Need?
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 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.
Does my auto insurance cover me in Canada?
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.
What insurance do I need to enter Canada?
Travel Insurance for Canada
Tourists visiting Canada are not required to have insurance to enter the country. However, given that most U.S. health insurance providers may not cover you when traveling internationally, it is a good idea to consider travel insurance including medical expense and other coverages.
What happens if you drive a car without insurance in Canada?
Consequences of driving without insurance
You can face the following consequences: Hefty fines. Driver's licence suspension for a minimum of 30 days and up to one year. Having your vehicle impounded for a maximum of three months.
Is car insurance expensive in Canada?
The average cost of car insurance is $1,927** per year in the province. Most pay in the range of $1,500 to $2,500 annually. They are higher or lower depending on your location, vehicle type, driving history, and many other considerations.
Is comprehensive insurance full coverage?
"Full coverage," on the other hand, is an ambiguous term often used to refer to both comprehensive and collision coverage, plus any other coverage your state mandates. Liability is a required coverage in most states, for example, while comprehensive is optional.
What are the three types of car insurance in Ontario?
In Ontario, there are three different kinds of auto insurance coverage , namely third party liability coverage, collision coverage, and comprehensive coverage.
Can a tourist drive a car in Canada?
If you have a valid licence from your home country, you'll probably be able to use this to drive in Canada for a short time after you arrive. Check with the government of your province or territory for details.
How long can I drive in Canada with a foreign license?
The 90-day rule does not apply and you may continue to drive on your current licence if you: are visiting as a tourist for up to six months.
Do I need liability insurance in Canada?
But, if you're at fault in a collision, the cost to fix or replace your vehicle will only be covered if you have collision Insurance. If a tree falls on your car, for example, the damage will only be covered if you have comprehensive insurance. A minimum amount of liability coverage is mandatory everywhere in Canada.
Do you need special car insurance to drive into Canada?
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.
What type of insurance is mandatory in Canada?
Established by each province and territory, mandatory auto insurance is the minimum amount of coverage every vehicle owner must purchase and - depending on your province or territory - includes third-party liability, direct-compensation property damage, accident benefits and physical damage coverage.
Do you need insurance to drive in Canada?
It's illegal to drive your car without insurance in Canada—not to mention, insurance is there to protect you as the owner/driver. So, it's a good idea to understand how car insurance works and what type of insurance you need to purchase before you hit the open road.
Do you need separate car insurance in Canada?
No. No matter where you live, your standard car insurance policy will typically cover you in all 50 states and Canada. Your policy won't cover international travel outside of Canada.
Can I drive my car into Canada?
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. Vehicles that don't satisfy Canada's safety measures can be temporarily imported by completing a special import declaration.
What is full coverage car insurance Canada?
Full Coverage Car Insurance at a Glance
Full coverage refers to an insurance policy that has mandatory liability coverage, along with collision and comprehensive coverage. A policy with full coverage insures the driver against nearly all damage or loss to a vehicle.
Does my car insurance cover a foreign driver?
Most insurance companies offer car insurance for tourists, visitors, and short-term students in the U.S., but you'll need a valid driver's license. Depending on your home country, your original license may be accepted, or you can apply for an international driving permit (IDP).
Is Geico in Canada?
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.
Can you pause car insurance while out of country?
It depends. You may be able to pause your car insurance if you're traveling and plan to be away for several months. Discuss options with your car insurance company and review state laws. Some insurance companies only allow you to reduce coverage to comprehensive-only insurance.