Canadian Auto Insurance Card

I know that most of the Americans who read this section are probably heading to Alaska........but I thought that I would post this section of the Ontario Highway Traffic Act, about what happens here to a person who is driving without insurance .

In Ontario, the minimum fine, after being convicted in a court, for "driving with out insurance " is Five Thousand Dollars, and the vehicle is impounded, and the person's driving license is suspended for a year. And, after being convicted for that offence..... good luck finding a insurance company that will cover you.

A second conviction, for driving with out insurance....is Twenty Five Thousand Dollars, and a year in jail.

link to HTA.

http://trafficticketsolutions.ca/no-insurance.php

So, yes , we are very serious about this subject, in Canada.

Jim b

Toronto.

Also note that British Columbia is known for "safety checks" where all vehicles (cars, trucks, RVs, etc.) are pulled over and enforcement officials check documentation (driver's licence, insurance) and also ensure your vehicle is "safe" for the road meaning checking all running lights, weights, hitches, wiring, etc. We've been through a couple of these.

I went through one in Yukon too, at the junction of Hwy 37 and the Alaska Highway. Four fellas went through the truck and trailer (flat deck car trailer with all our household goods piled on as we were moving) while another checked my paperwork. I had one running light out on the trailer but otherwise met all the requirements so they let me off with just a warning.

Then they checked DH in the car behind me, but just one guy as he wasn't towing anything.

kaydeejay wrote:

jimbunting wrote:
Some US States have VERY low liability requirements. Not so in Canada, where the minimum required liability coverage is a million dollars, and in some Provinces, like Ontario, there is an additional requirement for injury and rehabilitation payments.

So, If a US driver is involved in a "at fault accident" in Canada, their US insurance may be less than adequate.

The whole point of the "Canadian interprovincial liability card " is to prove that the US insurance policy meets the "basic liability levels" that are required in Canada. SOME US automobile insurance policies have NO coverage, outside of US territory.

THAT could really cost you a lot of money, if you are not insured, and you are driving in Canada. Remember that in Canada, Police can legally stop you, and check that you are a fully qualified driver, that your vehicle is properly licensed, and INSURED.

Jim B.

Toronto.

Jim, thank you. That is the most sensible explanation I have heard for the need for the card.
I know I have a $million liability coverage, so not an issue, but I can see it being for folks carrying less than that.

In addition, I have heard that if involved in an accident and you don't have proof of insurance card, that they can, if they want, confiscate your vehicle and everything in it till you present said proof insurance.

Call your insurance agent. These days mine simply emails me my Canadian card so I can print it, or save it electronically. Took me about 14 minutes last week to get mine! ST

jimbunting wrote:
Some US States have VERY low liability requirements. Not so in Canada, where the minimum required liability coverage is a million dollars, and in some Provinces, like Ontario, there is an additional requirement for injury and rehabilitation payments.

So, If a US driver is involved in a "at fault accident" in Canada, their US insurance may be less than adequate.

The whole point of the "Canadian interprovincial liability card " is to prove that the US insurance policy meets the "basic liability levels" that are required in Canada. SOME US automobile insurance policies have NO coverage, outside of US territory.

THAT could really cost you a lot of money, if you are not insured, and you are driving in Canada. Remember that in Canada, Police can legally stop you, and check that you are a fully qualified driver, that your vehicle is properly licensed, and INSURED.

Jim B.

Toronto.

Jim, thank you. That is the most sensible explanation I have heard for the need for the card.
I know I have a $million liability coverage, so not an issue, but I can see it being for folks carrying less than that.

Some US States have VERY low liability requirements. Not so in Canada, where the minimum required liability coverage is a million dollars, and in some Provinces, like Ontario, there is an additional requirement for injury and rehabilitation payments.

So, If a US driver is involved in a "at fault accident" in Canada, their US insurance may be less than adequate.

The whole point of the "Canadian interprovincial liability card " is to prove that the US insurance policy meets the "basic liability levels" that are required in Canada. SOME US automobile insurance policies have NO coverage, outside of US territory.

THAT could really cost you a lot of money, if you are not insured, and you are driving in Canada. Remember that in Canada, Police can legally stop you, and check that you are a fully qualified driver, that your vehicle is properly licensed, and INSURED.

Jim B.

Toronto.

On the two occasions I have been stopped in Canada (yeah, I did get one ticket - long story!) the standard US proof of insurance certificate was OK. I have not got a Canadian card in over 10 years now.

Have your insurance company email or fax your "canada card"....probably the only way to get it in time.

Edited - duplicated what others posted at the same time.

Canada Border Services agents are not concerned with your vehicle insurance.

Operating a motor vehicle without proof of insurance on hand can result in a fine and request to provide a certificate.

Enjoy your visit to Canada.

There is nothing special from a Canadian legal perspective required to drive your personal vehicles in Canada other than the typical proof of insurance that usually comes with your policy.