If you are thinking of driving your car to Canada, rest assured that your GEICO insurance will still cover you. While we do not offer insurance to residents of Canada, GEICO's coverage in the United States does extend north of the border.
Please read the following important information if you plan to drive your car across the border into Canada. If you don't yet have a GEICO Auto Insurance policy, get a free car insurance quote now to see how much you could save by switching to GEICO.
What do I need to drive my car across the border into Canada?
If you reside in the United States and are planning to drive your car into Canada, you need to have all of the following items on hand when you arrive at the border:
- Proof of U.S. Citizenship - As of June 1, 2009 all travelers, including US citizens 16 years of age or over, will be required to have a passport or other travel document approved by the Department of Homeland Security. U.S. citizen children under the age of 16 will be able to present the original or copy of their birth certificate, or other proof of U.S. citizenship such as a naturalization certificate or citizenship card. For more information regarding travel documents for entry into Canada (and re-entry into the U.S.), visit the U.S. State Department Travel page for Canada.
- Proof of Auto Insurance- Insurance ID cards show that you have auto insurance. U.S. auto insurance is accepted in Canada as long as an individual is a tourist. For proof of insurance make sure to bring your Insurance Identification Card.
- Insurance Identification Card - This is your standard insurance ID card which you should already have and you probably already carry with you.
You can request both of these insurance cards online by logging into our Policyholder Service Center. If you haven't registered for online services yet, you can sign up now. Once you sign in, go to the Policy Documents section of the site to request the cards. If you would rather speak to a customer service representative, please call 1-800-861-8380.
- Vehicle Registration - Drivers must have the vehicle's registration on hand. Border officials are always on the lookout for stolen vehicles or people trying to avoid duties on vehicles purchased outside of the country.
How do I obtain a Canadian Insurance card?
- GEICO will issue a Canadian Insurance card to GEICO policyholders. Please note: The Canadian Government will not accept faxed or emailed Canadian Insurance cards.
- As mentioned above, the easiest way to request a card is to do so online by logging into our Policyholder Service Center. If you haven't registered for online services yet, you can sign up now. Once you sign in, go to the Policy Documents section of the site to request a card. Please allow at least 5 to 7 business days for mail delivery. If you would rather speak to a customer service representative, please call 1-800-861-8380.
- If you are already traveling and the Canadian Insurance card cannot be mailed to you, we have several GEICO agents in the northern states that would be happy to provide you with the card. They are:
What does a Canadian Insurance card look like?
The Canadian Insurance card contains information regarding your vehicle and your insurance policy. It looks like this:
What can I expect when I reach the Canadian Border?
- Upon arriving at the Canada Border Services booth, it is required that the driver rolls down the front and back windows so that the border officer can not only speak to the driver, but address people seated in the back of the vehicle as well.
- The Border Services Officer at the Canada/U.S. border will ask drivers a series of questions, such as "How long you will be in the country?" "Why are you traveling to Canada?" and "What is the address of the place where you will be staying?" These questions must be answered honestly and directly.
- Drivers must have the car's registration on hand. Border officials are always on the lookout for stolen vehicles or people trying to avoid duties on vehicles purchased outside of the country.
What can I expect when driving in Canada?
- Driving in Canada is similar to driving in parts of the United States.
- Distances and speeds, however, are posted in kilometers per hour instead of miles per hour.
- Some signs, particularly in Quebec, may be in French.
What if I rent a car in the U.S. and want to drive into Canada?
- If you plan to drive a car rented in the United States into Canada and back again, check with the rental car company as to whether they allow you to drive the rental car across the border.
- If the rental car company allows you to drive across the border into Canada, all the information provided above still applies. Your rental car company can provide you with further details.