If you are thinking of driving your car to Canada, rest assured that your GEICO insurance will cover you. While we do not offer insurance to residents of Canada, GEICO’s coverage in the United States extends north of the border.
Please read the following important information if you plan to drive your car in Canada.
What do I need to drive my car across the border into Canada?
If you reside in the United States and plan to drive your car in Canada, you should have all of the following items on hand when you arrive at the border:
- Proof of US Citizenship – As of June 1, 2009, all travelers, including US citizens age 16 and older, must have a passport or other travel document approved by the Department of Homeland Security. US citizens under the age of 16 May present their original birth certificate, a copy of their birth certificate, or other proof of US citizenship, such as a naturalization certificate or citizenship card. For more information on the travel documents required to enter Canada (and re-enter the US), visit the US State Department’s travel page for Canada.
- Proof of car insurance – To provide proof of car insurance at the border, your standard GEICO insurance ID card will work. Canadian identification cards are not required if you are visiting Canada as a tourist.
- If you need new or replacement ID cards, simply log in online and visit the Policy Documents section, where you can choose whether to email, print, or fax a copy. If you haven’t yet registered your policy online, you can register now.
- Vehicle registration: Drivers must also have their vehicle registration handy at the border. Border officials are always on the lookout for stolen vehicles or people trying to evade obligations on vehicles purchased outside the country, so it’s important to make sure you have your vehicle registration with you.
What can I expect when I arrive at the Canadian border?
Upon arrival at the Canadian Border Services booth, the driver will need to roll down the front and rear windows of the car so that the border officer can speak to everyone in the vehicle.
The border services officer will ask the driver a series of questions. They may ask for the address of where he will be staying during his trip, how long he plans to stay in Canada, why he is traveling to Canada or similar questions about his trip. These questions should be answered honestly and directly.
What can I expect when driving in Canada?
Driving in Canada is similar to driving in parts of the United States. However, distances and speeds are expressed in kilometers per hour instead of miles per hour.
Some signs, particularly in Quebec, maybe in French.
What if I rent a car in the US and want to drive to Canada?
If you plan to drive a rental car from the United States to Canada and back, check with the rental car company as to whether or not they will allow you to drive the rental car across the border.
If the car rental company allows you to drive in Canada, all the information provided above is still valid. Your car rental company can provide you with additional details.