Canadian Insurance Regulations

[ChasBrink]

I'm planning a trip that will take me into Canada for a few days. Does anyone know what the Canadian insurance requirements are? I know that years ago travelers needed a special "proof of insurance" certificate from their US insurance carrier. :dunno

[widebmw]

I did a copy and paste from a Canada site, below.
I just call my insurance agent and he sends me a Canada insurance card.

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Traffic Safety and Road Conditions
Driving in Canada is similar to driving in the U.S. - with a few differences.
Distances and speeds are posted in metric units. 100 kilometers equals 62 miles.
The maximum speed limit in Canada is 50km/hr in cities, 80km/hr on highways, and 100 km/hr on rural highways.
Some signs, particularly in Québec, may be in French.

U.S. driver's licenses are valid in Canada.

Proof of auto insurance is required. U.S. auto insurance is accepted as long as an individual is a tourist in Canada.

Seat belt use is mandatory for all passengers.
Child car seats must be used for children under 40 pounds.
Some provinces require drivers to keep their headlights on during the day.

Motorcycles cannot share a lane, and safety helmets for drivers and passengers are mandatory.

On the Island of Montreal, it is prohibited to turn right on red.
At intersections, directional signs will indicate only which turn is allowed; any other turn is prohibited.
Many highways do not have merge lanes for entering traffic.
Rapid lane-changes without signaling, and tailgating are common.
Emergency vehicles frequently enter the oncoming traffic lane to avoid congestion.
As in the United States, all emergency assistance in Canada can be reached by dialing 911.
Drivers should be aware that the frequency with which motorists run red lights is a serious concern throughout Canada, and motorists are advised to hesitate before proceeding on green.

Travelers should be cautious of deer, elk and moose while driving at night in rural areas.

Travel along Highway 401 between London and Windsor, Ontario has been the scene of several traffic accidents due to the road condition, sudden and unpredictable fog, and heavy truck traffic. This was the site of a 70-car collision in 1999 that claimed the lives of three American citizens.

Winter travel can be dangerous due to heavy snowfalls and ice that make road conditions hazardous. Some roads and bridges are subject to periodic closings during winter. The Canadian Automobile Association has tips for winter driving in Canada.

[jgr451]

Didn't sound like the above post contains any surprises;but it is thorough!
Point being,if you are insured in the US,your coverage is all you need.Now emergency medical is a different story.

When I travel to the US I usually buy travel insurance.

[BradfordBenn]

Also you should call your insurance carrier and ask for a Canadian Insurance card, typically it does not cost anything and saves time at the border.

[Polarbear]

I just rode the entire Country this past summer on the way to Vermont for the Rally there. State Farm is my carrier and they gladly supply one with a Canada Card. I'm sure the others do, too. BC to Nova Scotia is one of the rides of my life, from California. I was on my Classic R100/7 and never had more fun in my riding life. The Canadians are extremely friendly, even Quebec! I cannot speak any French, or read it and ate poorly while in that part of Canada. I did not know what I was ordering, half the time....:eat . I managed. Canadians are very Proud and fly their "Maple Leaf" everywhere, except Quebec(I was surprised), but still very nice to see. I enjoyed Canada and everyone should ride up there sometime. A lot less people and virtually NO garbage along the highways, as found in so many places down here now. You need to see less people, GO North! Happy Trails, Randy13233

[rinty]

You should also get emergency medical insurance coverage and carry proof of it with you at all times.

Rinty