What Canadian Car Insurance Do Foreign Visitors Need?
Are you visiting Canada for a short stay and expecting to drive? You must have car insurance as an international visitor to Canada and you must have a valid driver’s license.
If you are driving a friend’s or family member's car occasionally or on a regular basis, you'll want to be added to their car insurance policy before driving.
Let’s answer your questions on Canadian car insurance for international drivers:
Can I drive in Canada as an international visitor?
Without a valid driver’s license and car insurance, it is illegal for foreign visitors or non-residents to drive in Canada. You must have a valid license from your home country and have car insurance.
The length of time that you can drive with a foreign license varies by province or territory. You’ll need to check the specific regulations of the province you plan to visit.
It’s important to note that you should also check to see if your car insurance from your home country covers you temporarily while driving in Canada and for how long.
International drivers in Canada typically do not need a Canadian driver’s license for short-term visits, such as tourism, business trips, or short-term studies.
Do I need an international driver’s license?
If you have a driver’s license from another country, it’s usually recommended that you also carry an international driving permit (IDP) from your home country.
IDPs allow holders to drive in another country, such as Canada, without having to take tests or submit other applications. It provides the driver with a written translation of their international license into French and English.
An international driving permit is valid for only one year from the date of issue.
Note that the process to eventually get a driver’s license in Canada depends on the province or territory where you live and on your driving background.
What Canadian car insurance do I need as an international driver?
If you’re renting a car for a short visit to Canada, several weeks for example, rental companies usually offer their own car insurance packages. It’s important to understand how this kind of car insurance covers you. A minimum level of third-party liability insurance comes with all rental cars in Canada.
Third-party liability car insurance protects you financially if you are found responsible for damage or injury to another person or their property. It is mandatory in Canada for drivers.
You’ll also need to check if your credit card provides car insurance coverage for rental cars as well and what level of coverage is provided.
Mandatory insurance
- Liability car insurance
- Accident benefits coverage
- Uninsured automobile insurance
- Direct compensation for not-at-fault damage (not mandatory in Ontario)
Optional insurance
- Comprehensive coverage: Protects against damage from events like hail, fire, flooding, vandalism, and theft.
- Collision coverage: Covers damage to your car in case of an accident.
- Accident forgiveness coverage: It helps protect you from increased insurance costs after your first at-fault accident.
What if you planning an extended stay in Canada and want to drive?
Residency status
If you become a permanent resident in Canada, you may be required to obtain a Canadian driver’s license.
Student visa
If you are an international student in Canada and plan to stay for an extended period, such as several years, you may need to obtain a Canadian driver’s license.
Work permit
International workers in Canada may need a Canadian driver’s license if they plan to stay for an extended period.
You’ll need to ask a car insurance expert to tailor your insurance to your situation as an international driver in Canada or if you are planning an extended stay in Canada and want to drive.
A Western Financial Group car insurance expert can help you if you are a foreign driver in Canada and need car insurance.
