Every day, people across Canada take road trips and vacations in the United States. Some go for the day, others for a long weekend, and some take extensive trips across the border. Unfortunately, many Canadians also get into auto collisions during these trips.
Understanding the importance of insurance is essential for Canadian drivers venturing into the United States. While your domestic auto insurance policy may provide coverage for accidents within Canada, it's crucial to verify whether it extends to US states.
Insurance for travel outside Canada ensures that you're adequately protected against unforeseen events, such as auto collisions while travelling abroad. Before starting on your journey, it's advisable to review your insurance policy to confirm whether it includes this coverage or if additional coverage, such as travel insurance, is necessary to fill any gaps in protection.
By proactively addressing your insurance needs for travel outside Canada, you can enjoy peace of mind knowing that you're prepared for any potential challenges on the road.
What to know about staying covered while in the US
Do you know what to do if you are in a crash outside of the country?
Many Canadians make the mistake of waiting until they are back in the country to call their insurer. This will only make things more complicated when making a claim.
Insurance companies see thousands of claims from across the border each year. They may have relationships with suppliers in the US to ensure that you are properly taken care of and have access to speedy repairs.
Some of the services that insurance companies can help:
- If your damage is minor, your insurer can help you determine if you should continue to drive or get it repaired.
- If your car is too damaged to drive and you have rental coverage, your insurer can set you up with a rental car.
It’s these situations that an insurance representative is there to assist with, so give them a call. It is also important to note that many policies will not continue coverage if you drive your vehicle into Mexico or leave Canada for an extended period of time. If either of these situations apply, it’s important to contact your insurance representative before your trip.
