Canadian Car Insurance

Frequently Asked Questions

1. QUESTION:
   why is canadian car insurance so expensive for newly arrived immigrants?
   i was paying 250 quid in the uk and now they want 00 odd! talk about havin me pants down! any ideas on the best insurance company to use?

   • ANSWER:
     Because your driving history didn't follow you. Some things you can try:

     1) Get the UK to supply you with a certified printout of your driving history (driver's abstract)
     2) See if your UK Insurance provider has a Canadian Subsidiary
     3) visit http://insurancehotline.com as they will instantly compare rates filed with the the insurance regulators and you can see who is best for you. Rates can vary by thousands for the same driving history and same vehicle

2. QUESTION:
   which canadian car insurance company has the better payout system?
   I am looking at 2 companies, TD Insurance, and Intact (ex ING) insurance, they are my two lowest bidders, has anyone had any problems with these companies for payouts in the past?

   • ANSWER:
     No matter where you are driving in Canada, the law requires that every driver has car insurance. This is mandatory in all provinces and territories. Your vehicle must be covered under an insurance policy with a minimum set coverage, If you are caught driving without it you can be fined, have your driver's license suspended, and even have your vehicle towed and impounded. Fines can range from 00 to , 000.

     If you are in an accident while driving without insurance, you could face a number of consequences that include:

     • If another person is injured or there is a loss of life and you are at fault, you could be liable for all vehicle damages, medical costs, and other losses
     • You will not be entitled to receive compensation for your own injuries and damage to your vehicle, as well as other losses such as income.
     • You may be prohibited from filing a claim against another driver if they are at fault.

     If convicted of driving without insurance, your insurer company could label you as a "high risk" driver and increase your premiums. They could also cancel your policy.

     There are a number of factors that determine the amount you will pay for it. They include:

     New Driver: New drivers do not have a driving history so companies normally rate them as "high risk." Premiums will likely be expensive until you have established a good driving record.

     Driving Record: Your driving record will affect your insurance premium. Insurance companies look at how long you have been driving and the number of convictions you have acquired. Convictions can include speeding tickets, car accidents, and traffic violations such as running a red light. If you have a clean driving record, your premiums should be low.

     Type of Car: The type of car you drive will affect your premium. Vehicles are rated according to the make (truck, SUV, expensive sports car). Companies look at the risk of theft, vehicle collision history, and injuries associated with the type of car. The age of the car and mileage is also a factor when determining rates

     Common insurance discounts include: age discount, multi-vehicle discount, multi-line discount (insuring your home and auto with the same insurer) anti-theft device discount, low mileage discount, and auto club membership discount.

     There are a number of features that can be included in an insurance policy. The two most important forms of coverage are:

     Collision Coverage: This coverage compensates for damage to your vehicle as a result of a collision with another vehicle or object.

     Third-Party Liability: This insurance covers you if you are held legally liable when your vehicle injures someone or damages their property. Liability is mandatory in all provinces and territories in Canada.

     In some provinces there are limitations on how much compensation you can receive. For instance, in Prince Edward Island, Nova Scotia, and New Brunswick, the maximum amount one can claim for pain and suffering is ,500. This capped amount is separate from what you receive in insurance benefits. Pain and suffering claims are separate from claims of property damage, medical expenses, or loss of employment income.

     There are a number of places where you can purchase auto insurance. You can buy it from an insurance broker, insurance agent, or direct writer. Insurance brokers sell policies for a variety of insurance companies. Insurance agents represent only one insurance company. Direct writers are insurance companies that sell their own insurance directly to the customer. The insurance company is responsible for providing the coverage that is noted on a driver's Certificate of Automobile Insurance. You are only covered for what is listed on the certificate. Prices vary among companies so make sure you shop around.

     Because car insurance is mandatory in Canada, you should always have insurance before you drive. The costs getting caught without it are much greater than the actual cost of acquiring insurance.

3. QUESTION:
   is canadian car insurance valid in the US?
   if I want to rent a car in the us will I have to purchase the rental car company's insurance?

   • ANSWER:

4. QUESTION:
   What UK car insurance companies will consider my Canadian driving experience?
   I recently exchanged my Canadian driving license for a full UK license but insurance quotes are so high because most companies only consider that I haven't had my full license for more than a year (in fact I have had a full Canadian license for 8 years). The insurance companies also don't seem to consider that I have had no claims on my Canadian insurance for 8 years. Does anyone know of a UK car insurance provider that will consider foreign driving experience in their quotes?

   • ANSWER:
     Try Liverpool Victoria - they are based in Bournemouth??

     You can get a quote on the web, but in your instance I would call them and discuss your situation, I even got an introductory 1 year no claims bonus.

     Their number is - 0870 6004528

     And good luck.

5. QUESTION:
   Is there a website where i can get a canadian car insurance quote?
   i know there are some, but i'm looking for one that doesn't require your personal information.

   and if possible one that can let you enter in vehicles older than 1995

   thanks!

   • ANSWER:
     Impossible to say, Canada is a big place. Where do you live? We need the province and the city. Insurance in Whitehorse isn't going to be the same as Winnipeg, which will be different from Toronto, etc.

6. QUESTION:
   Can a Canadian Citizen buy car insurance in America and how?
   Is it possible for a canadian citizen to buy car insurance in america, if so, how does he do that? My brother lives in america and I live in canada, I want to get car insurance from America as it is cheaper. Is that possible and is it legal?

   • ANSWER:
     The location is what dictates the rates so if the car will be in Canada, your rates would be the same anyways. You could buy insurance in Africa but if the car is going to be in Canada, same rates apply. Try this site to before you buy car insurance

     http://car-insurance-quo.blogspot.com/

     Here you can get quotes from different car insurance companies in your area, its the best way to find an affordable car insurance with a reliable company.

7. QUESTION:
   If i am traveling to Canada do i need canadian car insurance?

   • ANSWER:
     To drive your vehicle legally you are required to have proof of insurance. The necessary document can be obtained from your insurer in the US and will be required if you are stopped for any reason and asked for proof of insurance. While you do not require specific "Canadian" insurance your are required to have proper insurance on your vehicle.

8. QUESTION:
   Will Canadian car insurance pay for a car repair in the US?
   I live in the US but I was driving in Canada when I was in a fender bender. We reported everything to our insurance companies properly and the driver of the other car was found at fault. I had a repair shop in Canada check out my car to make sure it was driveable (though it has lots of body damage) and I drove it the 10 hours home to the US. I'm going to be calling the other driver's insurance company tomorrow to find out, but I want to know what to expect... will I be able to get my car fixed in the US and have the canadian insurance company foot the bill since I wasn't at fault? or will they make me drive back to BC to get the car fixed? Will the insurance company want a claims adjuster to look at the car in person before they agree to pay for anything, meaning I would have to drive it back up there?

   • ANSWER:
     Did you not also not give a statement to ICBC right after the accident? They partner with companies in the US, as all Canadian and US policies are good in all provinces and states.
     Likely they would have had an adjuster look at your car to have the report for their records, and, if you were having the repairs done at home, forwarded the report to your insurance company.
     It is your insurance company in the US that would arrange to have the car repaired, and for ICBC (I presume it was a BC-registered driver you were in collision with) to cover the repairs.
     You have made it more difficult unfortunately. However, I believe ICBC will arrange with your insurance company to have a qualified adjuster do a report. I had clients who had accidents in the US, and the border complicates it, but it is actually a common occurrence with all the cross-border traffic, so there are procedures to deal with it.

9. QUESTION:
   can i borrow my friend's car under his insurance for a day under the canadian car insurance law?
   i need to borrow my friend's car to go to niagara falls for one day?can i do that?i currently live in toronto and i have no idea for the insurance rules here?please guide

   • ANSWER:
     You can with his permission. You aren't planning on crossing the border, are you? If you do I don't know how that would work. I suppose a notarized "He has permission to use my car on this date" would help if you are. Also if you are, don't forget your passport.

10. QUESTION:
    will my canadian car insurance cover me in US?
    i'm taking a trip to new jersey soon, i live in montreal. i'm only going for a couple days and i'm wondering if my insurance will still be valid. i'm not taking my own car, it's my dad's, but i do have my own insurance. will i have to buy some kind of temporary insurance? i know you can buy temporary health insurance when going over there. anyone have any answers for me?

    • ANSWER:
      1st off, insurance follows the car, and secondary to the driver. So if an accident were to happen, it would be reported to your fathers policy, since in your dads car. If your fathers insurance policy would deny it, then it would be reported to your own insurance policy.

      But;;;;;;;;there maybe an exclusion to any accident in the US. In most US policies under policy period, territory, states that only applies to accidents or losses occurring w/in the US only. So there may also be a exclusion in the Canadian policy stating the same.

      I doubt that you can buy any temporary insurance for 3 days only, but I maybe wrong. The only situation that could apply would be that you rent a car and take out the insurance on the rental, but again, you still have to verify if the insurance would be valid in the US when you rent a car in Canada.

      I suggest you get on the phone with your fathers and your own insurance company and pose this question before you leave. Otherwise, your best option would be to fly there and not use your fathers or your car, since if they were deny this, you could be held responsible.

      good luck

11. QUESTION:
    Can I be added to my fathers english car insurance if I hold a Canadian Driving license?
    I am going home to visit and wondered if my dad can add me to his car insurance. I hold a Canadian driving license as I swapped my UK one on arrival.

    • ANSWER:
      Your father will need to contact his insurer. Most of the time if you are visiting a relative/friend somewhere you do not need to be added to their insurance. As long as you have a license thats valid and recognized where you are going and your fathers permission there wouldnt be any coverage issues. Again he needs to contact his insurance company as they all have their own rules/standards. Be aware if this is the case any accidents/claims you have will be rated against your father and his policy!!

12. QUESTION:
    Canadian Car Insurance Problems?
    I just changed the billing address for my car insurance from Markham to Markham. Because it is still in Markham I think the insurance should not be increased so much. My car insurance used to be 0 but after I changed address it was 0. They told me because I changed my address.
    What should I do?
    Someone told me Markham insurance is suppossed low.

    • ANSWER:
      Shop elsewhere. Most insurers have the entire GTA and some of the larger communities outside the GTA divided into different territories based on postal code. Based on your postal code the new area of Markham you moved into has a higher loss history for the company you are insured with than the old area. So you can shop around to see if another insurer can offer a better deal or pay the additional premium and move on.

13. QUESTION:
    Are credit scores used in Canadian car insurance rates?

    • ANSWER:
      It depends on what province you live in. In provinces where it is all private (Ontario, Alberta, Maritimes, Territories) it is becoming more and more common, however not all companies use it. Government run insurers do not use credit as a basis for determining rates.

14. QUESTION:
    Crossing to Canada by car-Do I need a certain insurance card(Canadian ID card?)?
    I am living in the US and going to travel to Canada. I am also an international but have every document except one: Canadian ID card.

    By chance, I find that every car insurance company provide "Canadian ID card" to all customers. Today, I asked my insurance company whether I have to bring it or not. They answerd "I will need."

    But I cannot find any other people who say like that.
    Could you tell me if you were requested the card by Canada officer when you entered Canada?

    Thanks

    • ANSWER:
      No, never heard of that card, never been asked for one when i entered Canada from the U.S.

15. QUESTION:
    why are car insurance rates in Canada almost 3 times of US cities?
    Canadian Car Insurance rates are off the roof. It doesn't make sense to me.

    • ANSWER:
      depends on where in the US you are comparing rates to. Also, in most states you have to carry some bare minimums that don't do anyone much good whereas in Canada, I believe the required liability coverage is MUCH higher.

16. QUESTION:
    How does the Canadian no fault car insurance work and what are the advantages? What are the disadvantages?

    • ANSWER:
      Try here;
      http://www.kanetix.ca/what-is-no-fault-auto-insurance

17. QUESTION:
    Does Car insurance in Canada discriminate on the basis of sex?
    Does Canadian car insurance discriminate based on gender like they do in most U.S. States?

    • ANSWER:
      All insurance companies, most everywhere have determined that Males are a greater risk to them than females. It is your call as to whether Is it discrimination or statistics.

18. QUESTION:
    How much does canadian car insurance cost for a 20yr old male NEW driver for a used CAR or used SUV?
    Just give me an estimate for a car or an suv in canada. Just an estimate. I know its different for all cars and suvs but just give me an idea obviously the differences CANNOT be thousands and its gonna be in a certain range. if u can give me a range fine, give me a range im just a new driver and male, 20. these stupid car insurance companies cant even give me that much its not like im going to be paying 9000$ instead of 300$.

    • ANSWER:
      We can't begin to tell you; Canada is a big country and you forgot to tell us where you live, your driving record, or the specific type of car or SUV you're looking at. "Those stupid car insurance companies" need a lot of information to give you a quote, so be prepared to supply it.

19. QUESTION:
    How do I pay for american bills (visa, car insurance) from my canadian bank accounts? ?
    Also: If I require an american bank account to pay them, how can I get one from canada? And how would I transfer money back and forth between the accounts? I've tried transferring money to my american girlfriend's account but my online banking won't allow it.

    • ANSWER:
      Your Canadian bank should be willing to cut you international money orders, which the American debtors should be willing to accept.

      The easiest way to transfer funds around, is a wire transfer. Last time I did that, it was .

      Paypal will do it, also, and of course charge you an exchange fee.

      Or, you could try to get a Mastercard or Visa debit card on that Canadian account, and pay bills here using that visa card. I have no idea what the fees will be, though.

20. QUESTION:
    Canadian Car Insurance... PLEASE HELP!?
    My fiance was charged with driving without insurance 1 yr ago, I am going to add him to my policy when we get married and I need to know if this will increase my insurance premium. He doesn't have any demerits. He did not drive since this incident, just a company vehicle. Currently live in Alberta.
    Thank you!!!!

    • ANSWER:
      No it should not go up and in fact may go down because now it will be rated on the husbands age and not yours. Also...rates often go down simply by getting married.

21. QUESTION:
    As a Canadian can I import an Canadian car into Mexico with a canadian licence plate on an FM3 visa?
    Do I need to keep canadian insurance on the car if I have mexican insurance?

    • ANSWER:
      Regardless of which province you insured the vehicle in, auto insurance purchased in Canada is not valid in Mexico. If you are driving the vehicle in Mexico without auto insurance purchased from a Mexican insurer then you are driving uninsured.

22. QUESTION:
    Is Canadian direct a good company for car insurance?
    hey so i got lots of quotes from different car insurance companies, and candian direct was the cheapest, but id never heard of it before(by chance heard an add on the radio) all the other places i got quotes from where well known like the cooperators and banks(rbc and td) i just want to make sure that they are a good company since iv never heard of them before.

    • ANSWER:
      Never heard anything bad about them, but then again I never heard anything good about them either. Since you seem intent on doing it yourself you might as well roll the dice. Your other option is to speak to an insurance broker, however this will actually require interaction with a real person.

23. QUESTION:
    A Canadian resident hit my car but will not give insurance info. What can I do?
    I have most of their information, but not their driver's license number, and was unable to make a police report in time. Is there anything I can do to find out their insurance information?
    As far as the police report, they left in quite a hurry.

    • ANSWER:
      Contact the police and give them the license plate number.
      They should be able to track the owner with that info.

24. QUESTION:
    Does anyone know a car insurance company (canadian) that gives decent rates for people who've had a policy exp

    • ANSWER:
      Unfortunately, you can expect a rate increase from having current insurance. Don't ask for the logic, they just want your money.

25. QUESTION:
    Car insurance in the UK for a Canadian?
    I live in the Uk and drive on an international licence. My husband is a fully qualified driver and English.
    What is the best way to insure our two cars?
    We are both seniors

    • ANSWER:
      Just to warn you, you cannot drive on an international licence, that is merely a translation of whatever licence you have.

      You can drive in Great Britain (GB) on your full, valid Canadian driving licence for up to 12 months from the day you become resident in GB. You can exchange your licence for a British one within five years of becoming resident. If you haven't exchanged your licence for a British one before the end of the first 12 months of becoming resident, you will need to stop driving.

26. QUESTION:
    Car insurance probs.......?
    I AM CANADIAN so american companies wont help me, but i need a canadian car insurance company and i cant find very many sooo i need names of compaines and webs site if possible thnx..................oh and your oppion of the Smart Fortwo coupe (the silver tridon cell with red body panels)
    to that "monty" guy F.Y.I.I (for your information Idiot) it's ilegal to operate an uninsured vehical

    • ANSWER:
      Why bother insuring a Smart For Two.

      If you have an accident just make a new part from cardboard boxes and a old ice cream tub.

      Does that cover the second part of the question?

27. QUESTION:
    Canadian Car Accidents..Does it Pay to have insurance?
    My husband was recently in a car accident and rear ended a woman. She is currently at the dealership getting a quote for the repairs. I keep telling my husband that it would be far better to go through the insurance company because we don't have a lot of money, but he refuses saying that it would really jack up the price for our insurance...is this true? I mean I realize that the price would increase....but does it a lot?

    • ANSWER:
      It is better to ask the insurance company. Call them and ask what an accident will ultimately cost you over the next 4 years or so (depends on accident and driving history). If that value is more than the cost of repairs it may be a good idea. If it is close (say 00 for the repair and 00 for insurance including deductable over 5 years) it may be in your best interest to pay the insurance as 5 a year is easier to swallow than a lump sum of 00.
      Also consider the amount of damage to your (his) vehicle.
      Don't worry about calling the insurance company. The cannot hold a 'hypothetical' situation against you. I did this and was surprised at how little it actually affected my insurance rate... it was [FAQ-ANSWER] because I had enough years without a claim and no tickets. Well, I had to pay the 0 deductable.

28. QUESTION:
    when visiting canada from the uk can I drive my canadian friends car?
    how does car insurance work in BC Canada? Does my friend have to add me to his insurance policy for the time I will be visiting (as we would have to in the UK) or is it the same in some parts of the US where cars have to be insured for any driver?

    • ANSWER:
      Providing you're over 25 there should be no issues with you "borrowing" your friends car. If you were to become the primary driver over an extended period of time then insurance would have to be adjusted to reflect you as the primary operator.

29. QUESTION:
    I was in a car accident and may go to physiotherapy will it effect my health insurance?
    Im Canadian and was in a car accident and may need some tratments for whiplash. Im moving to the US before the end of the year. Im wondering if I make the claim for the treatments if it will effect my health insurance when I apply for it in the US...is it like car insurance (i.e. once you get in an accident your payments get higher)

    • ANSWER:
      definantly ask your insurance agent -there may be a cap. the good news is that your auto insurance will recover any costs for you or the car from the other agent & most likely you paid for medical thru your auto policy. if you don't treat the injury, it will just get worse.

30. QUESTION:
    please- can an insurance company add an accident to your record if no claim is made?
    Does any one know for sure-

    Can a Canadian car insurance company legally add an accident which they know about to your record even if no claim is made?

    thankyou!!

    • ANSWER:

31. QUESTION:
    How much is car insurance for a 25 yr,female primary driver-Owning and being insured for the first time-Canada
    This will be the first time, I own and insure a car. It will be a new model, either 2006 or 2007 sedan or SUV.

    I am 25 years old. I am a female. I have had my DL for 3-4 years now. I've only been insured under my mother's insurance (for short times, while visiting her in the States!)

    Upon, buying my own new vechile, in Canada, I was wondering, what the range would be for:

    A.) Myself being primary driver
    B.) Additional, second driver, boyfriend 24, new first time driver!
    C.) A + B

    If someone could help me out, I would be greatful on any information or links pertaining to Canadian information.

    Cheers,
    Jennifer

    • ANSWER:
      As you where only insured for a short period of time in the States your DR will be a 0, that automatically will make your rates higher. There will be an additional premium for your under 25 occaisional male driver also DR 0. (your rates are based on years of insurance experience not how long you had a license). If you are purchasing a car with a lein or lease you will require full coverage.
      I cant give you a premium because I dont know where you are or what specific type of car you are looking at.
      You will however be looking at, at least 00.00.

32. QUESTION:
    Can my cousin having Canadian driver's liscense drive my car in california? What about the insurance?

    • ANSWER:
      you probably need to check your insurance policy to see what is covered
      generally unless you specifically name someone on your policy, they are not covered driving your car and a foreign driver's license will not bode well driving a Calif. registered car

33. QUESTION:
    I am a Canadian with a condo in Phoenix. Can I drive a Canadian registered/insured car down and leave it ther?
    I would leave it there, but continue to buy Canadian plates and insurance and maintain ownership at my Canadian address.

    • ANSWER:
      YES, you absolutely can and are allowed.

34. QUESTION:
    Getting Florida tags for a Canadian car?
    can my parents get florida tags for their canadian car? they are non-residents. is it easier to put the car in my name and just add them to my insurance?

    • ANSWER:
      They would have to be residents to get tags.

      They could transfer the vehicle to you - you will have to have papers drawn up saying they are giving you the car and you may have to pay state taxes on the 'value' of the car.

      If they are only staying for a short time, (less than six months), I believe they can keep their provincial plates. If you renew plates in advance, you don't even need to have the vehicle with you (BC, for example). Just make certain their insurance will cover all the possible scenarios. Better more insurance than less these days. (mil in liability would be a good idea)

35. QUESTION:
    Are foreigners covered by Canadian insurance?
    My boyfriend just moved to Canada last week. We are planning on taking my cousins car on a small road trip. She has full coverage. Is he covered by her insurance?

    • ANSWER:
      As long as he has a valid driver's license and does not live in your cousin's household then yes he would be covered.

36. QUESTION:
    i want to keep my canadian car in florida?
    I own a seasonal residence in Florida and want to keep a car there, What do i do to get insurance and a florida title on the car?

    • ANSWER:
      Your question has many answers,It is really depends on your minds,you may do some research online and make your own decison.

37. QUESTION:
    New USA resident unsure how to get a good car insurance deal. Help?
    I'm Canadian and working for 2 years in the USA. I have just bought a car and require insurance for it but have no USA driving history, only Cdn history. How do I get a reasonable insurance rate? What agency should I go to; the Geico gecko is cool but my online quote from them was 00/year. I have no accidents and more than 5 years without any claims.

    • ANSWER:
      Do you have your last renewal notice from your Canadian insurer? If so, you may be able to negotiate a better deal with a US insurer by providing a copy of your previous history and standing.

      The best advice is always to shop around. You can use a couple of online insurance brokers to save you some time. Let them find you the best deals and then take their best recommendations and contact the company directly to see if you can negotiate an even lower rate. That usually works.

      Best of luck.

38. QUESTION:
    How can I sell my Canadian car, living in Michigan?
    I have been having border problems and as a result I cannot cross to sell my car. My fiancé cannot cross the border either. My car has Ontario plates and is in my mother's name, under her insurance. I want to sell it and buy another car in Michigan in his name, so we can have our own insurance and whatnot. How can I do this since the car is already here? Would it be easiest to have a relative go over the border, buy it in Ontario and import it at the border and pay tax there and sell it here?

    • ANSWER:
      You have to hire a customs broker. They will do the paperwork and pay all the fees.

39. QUESTION:
    Car Insurance on a international license?
    i have a license for a caribbean country but have now moved back to canada ( i am a canadian citizen) i work full time and need my license to get to work.Is it possible to get a international drivers license and get normal insurance on a car?

    • ANSWER:
      Do you have the Department of Motor Vehicles in Canada, or the equivalent to it? They are the ones you need to talk to, if you really want the right info, that is.

40. QUESTION:
    New driver, average car insurance?
    Just wondering here, to the new drivers, how much do you pay per month for car insurance. I am canadian so that would be helpful too. If I were to take drivers ed and then get my g2 that way...What would I be expecting to pay monthly?

    • ANSWER:
      The answer to your question, it depends on whom you choose as the insurance company and your driving record also your age and if you own a car or not and the type of car. Be sure to get several quotes before settling because there are many different rates available. Hope this helps.

41. QUESTION:
    Can a US registered/insured car be driven in Canada by a Canadian resident?
    The car was bought in California and is insured in the U.S. However, since I have moved to Canada and plan to stay here permanently, I am wondering if I have to register and insure it under the Canadian DMV and insurance.

    Thanks

    • ANSWER:
      Your car will have to pass a Canadian safety inspection. Many cars built for the US market do not meet Canadian standards and need to be extensively modified to be permanently registered in Canada. This is true even for cars which were built in Canada destined for the US. Get a statement from the manufacturer stating that your car meets Canadian standards or plan on having to sell it in the US. You need to apply for registration within a month or two. I believe you have one year to bring the car into compliance before your registration is revoked.

      You need to call the Registrar of Imported cars to find out if your car can legally remain in Canada.

42. QUESTION:
    Can a Canadian buy and drive a car in Los Angeles, California?
    I am a Canadian holding a Canadian driver licence for over 20 years. I am planning to stay in Los Angeles, California for 6 months within a calender year in the coming 5 years. Can I buy a car and drive it with my Canadian driver licence? Can I get a automobile insurance in California? Thank you in advance for your help.

    • ANSWER:
      Sure you can as long as you are in the US legally. The only real issue is that most US insurance companies will not check your Canadian driving record and nail you for the same rates as for a new driver. I found Mercury Insurance will check your Canadian driving record.

      Just note that your Canadian credit history is no good in the USA. If you want to get a car loan, you simply will not get one through a US bank.

      But really, for 6 months, just drive to LA in your Canadian car. I am from Vancouver and it is only a 2 day drive from there to LA. 4-5 days from Toronto.

43. QUESTION:
    Car rental in Orlando?
    I need to rent a car for a week in Orlando, FL.

    I heard that some companies will make me buy US car insurance, while others will accept my Canadian car insurance. I heard that it is very expensive to buy US insurance and it's better to avoid it.

    Could anyone suggest any companies that I could use that would not make me buy US car insurance for a week? And any companies that I should go to that are relatively cheap?

    Thanks in advance!

    • ANSWER:
      It depends upon companies whether they accept you Canadian insurance or not so that you can only confirm from the company only. Also US insurance is not expensive in every time it also depends upon the type of car you are hiring, duration and hiring where. You can try hiring at http://www.usacarsrental.com/ as they offer good customer service along with nominal prices.

44. QUESTION:
    Insurance company not claiming liability in an accident (yet)?
    I was making a left hand turn with a green turn signal and a driver heading the opposite direction ran her red light, did not see my car in the intersection and t-boned my vehicle, totaling it and causing me multiple bodily injuries. She was issued the citation and I also have a witness who stated seeing her run the red light, yet her insurance company is not yet willing to admit liability in the accident.

    I am already dealing with the issue on if being a Canadian car insurance company while the accident occurred in Florida. I have a lawyer since I have no comp/collision coverage on my vehicle through my policy so therefore I have to individually seek out their company. I'm also 38 week pregnant.

    In cases like this - ticket cited, witness to the fact - and the insurance company is denying liability, what are the chances they'd be able to prove this or will they drop it and just pay up without going to court.
    Re-read what I wrote, I stated that I already have a lawyer. I know this is what he does and I shouldn't worry, but I'm still curious what people's personal experiences are.
    This isn't the same question as before. I'm inquiring the liability issue, not into Canadian policies in general.

    • ANSWER:
      Is this the same one you just asked about in your previous question? If so, my previous answer stands. Since you have hired an attorney, listen to the attorney and quit asking here.

      That's why you are paying the attorney.

45. QUESTION:
    Do I need to get any special insurance when I cross US/Canadian border in a rental car?
    I am US citizen and will be crossing the border. I called two rental companies, both told me there is no problem at all, there are unlimited miles in US/Canada, no objections on their part, etc.

    But reading another Yahoo answer and other web info, I saw that people are talking about some 'non-resident insurance card' that I need.

    So do they ask on the border for anything, except the rental agreement? Anything else that I need to cross border in the rental car?

    • ANSWER:
      If the rental company has no objections. Stick with what they say. They are in the business of renting cars, not YA.

46. QUESTION:
    Im 16 and looking for a car under 00 canadian dollars. Recommendations?
    I want something kinda sporty but am wondering about insurance. Some cars that I already am interested in are-- Dodge stealth, 240sx, eclipse, celica, TRUENO? lol. Obviously i expect to die from insurance from these, so some more smart choices are appreciated ^_^.

    • ANSWER:

47. QUESTION:
    Do I need Mexican Car Insurance?
    I'm driving from Toronto to Monterrey via Columbia Bridge. I was wondering do I need Mexican car insurance, since I've seen a lot of sites adveritising it I'm curious. And is my Canadian drivers license valid in Mexico?

    • ANSWER:
      Yes you do, and there are many places with widely differing prices who offer it. See 1st site below for my favorite...very inexpensive. See 2nd site for car permit info.

48. QUESTION:
    What does Canadian Direct Insurance (Alberta) Auto SEF CDI 1 Travel Protection cover me for? US Rental Cars?
    Renting a car in the states, have collision, liability etc on my policy along with these SEF's. Do I need to buy any coverage in the states? SEF CDI 1, 2 and 3, SEFs # 18,20, 23A, 27, 35, 37, 44

    • ANSWER:
      SEF 27 is legal liability coverage for damage to non-owned vehicles. This information is from an Alberta government website.
      Why has your insurance broker not explained the coverages, which should all be listed by name in your policy, not just number?
      As a retired Manitoba broker, I can tell you I never let a policy holder leave without having an explanation of the basics of his policy. I can also tell you it went in one ear ona out the other for many people. More than once the signature on the application was used to protect brokers from accusations that limits or charges for optional coverages were never explained. This is the problem with on-line coverages. 9 times out of 10 the person on the phone is not licenced at all, which is why you are occasionally referred, right at the end, to a licenced broker, or, more often, the person is only a level 1 broker, working in a boiler room with several level one brokers, under the supervision of a level 2 or 3 broker.

49. QUESTION:
    Can I drive my father's car in Toronto, Canada if I'm visiting? He has insurance for himself and my mother.?
    I'm about to visit my parents in Toronto, Canada. I'm also a Canadian citizen but live in Europe. They have a car and insurance for both of them. Our surname is the same. Can I legally drive that car during my 2 week stay? Am I covered in case of an accident or if I'm stopped by the cops? I haven't found any clear info on this issue yet. Thanks!

    • ANSWER:
      As you are not a member of your father's household nor will you be using the vehicle regularly then there is no reason for you to be added as an additional operator on your father's policy. You are fine to drive the vehicle with your father's permission and yes you will be covered.

50. QUESTION:
    Will my State Farm insurance cover my hitting a deer with a rental car in Michigan?
    I was two miles from the Canadian border in Port Huron when i hit a deer. It bent the condenser and such. I did not purchase add-on insurance from Avis with the rental car. Would State Farm cover the damages from my hitting the deer?

    • ANSWER:
      I have USAA and they will cover it. So someone as big as State Farm should. Good Luck