Does Geico Auto Insurance Cover Canada?

If you're a GEICO customer planning a road trip to Canada, you're in luck! Your standard auto insurance policy will cover you while driving in Canada. However, it's important to remember to bring along proof of insurance, such as your GEICO identification card, and your vehicle's registration. Additionally, make sure you have proof of your American citizenship, such as a passport, as this will be required when crossing the border. Keep in mind that distances and speeds in Canada are posted in kilometres per hour, and some signs in Quebec may be in French. With these preparations, you can enjoy a safe and worry-free road trip to our neighbour up north!

Driving in Canada with GEICO insurance

If you're planning a road trip to Canada and you're already a GEICO customer in the US, you're in luck! Your existing auto insurance policy will cover you when driving in Canada. This includes both leisure and business travel.

However, it's important to be prepared and ensure you have all the necessary documentation before you hit the road. Here's a checklist of what you'll need:

• Proof of U.S. Citizenship: As of June 1, 2009, all travelers, including US citizens aged 16 and over, are required to have a passport or other approved travel documents when crossing the border. Children under 16 can present their birth certificate, citizenship card, or other proof of US citizenship.
• Proof of Auto Insurance: You can use your standard GEICO insurance ID card as proof of auto insurance when entering Canada. Make sure to keep it with you at all times during your trip.
• Vehicle Registration: Canadian border officials may ask for your vehicle registration to ensure your vehicle hasn't been stolen or imported illegally.

When you arrive at the Canadian border, the driver will need to roll down all car windows so the border officer can speak with everyone in the vehicle. The officer will also ask a series of questions about your trip, such as the address of your accommodation, the duration of your stay, and the purpose of your visit. It's important to answer these questions honestly and directly.

While driving in Canada, keep in mind that distances and speed limits are posted in kilometers per hour instead of miles per hour. Additionally, some road signs, particularly in Quebec, may be in French.

If you plan to rent a car in the US and drive it into Canada, check with the rental company if they allow their vehicles to be taken across the border. If they do, the same documentation requirements mentioned above will apply.

Lastly, in the event of an accident in Canada, you can report it by calling GEICO at 1-800-861-8380 or by logging into their website. Remember to always stay calm and follow the necessary procedures to ensure your safety and well-being.

Proof of insurance

If you are a GEICO customer and are planning to drive your car from the US into Canada, your regular auto insurance policy will cover you. However, you will need to bring along proof of insurance, such as your standard GEICO identification card. You can access your ID card through the GEICO Mobile app or on the GEICO website. Most states allow digital ID cards as valid proof of insurance, but it is recommended that you check your state law.

If you need a new or replacement ID card, you can log in online and visit the Policy Documents section, where you can choose to email, print, or fax a copy. If you haven't registered your policy online yet, you can do so on the GEICO website.

In addition to proof of auto insurance, you will also need to have proof of U.S. citizenship and your vehicle registration when you arrive at the Canadian border.

Canadian ID cards

If you are a GEICO customer and plan to drive your car into Canada, your standard auto insurance policy will cover you. However, you will need to carry proof of insurance with you, and a standard GEICO insurance ID card will work for this. Canadian ID cards are not necessary if you are visiting Canada as a tourist.

If you need a new or replacement ID card, you can log in to your GEICO account online and visit the Policy Documents section. From there, you can choose to email, print, or fax a copy of your ID card. If you have not registered your policy online yet, you can do so now.

In Canada, provincial driver's licenses are the primary form of government-issued photo ID. Most provinces also produce photo ID cards for Canadians who do not drive. These ID cards cannot be held at the same time as a valid driver's license. The specific requirements for these ID cards vary by province. Here are some examples:

• Ontario: The Ontario Photo Card is a wallet-sized, government-issued ID card for Ontarians who do not have a driver's license. It costs $35 for five years and can be used for day-to-day business transactions and as proof of identity for domestic travel.
• British Columbia: The B.C. Identification Card (BCID) is available to residents aged 12 and older, although those under 19 require parental consent. It is administered by the Insurance Corporation of British Columbia and costs $35 for five years.
• Alberta: The Alberta Identification Card is available to residents aged 12 and older, with parental consent required for those under 18. It is produced by Service Alberta but does not have an enhanced version for non-drivers.
• Manitoba: Manitoba produces both a standard and enhanced identification card for non-drivers, issued by Manitoba Public Insurance. The cards are valid for five years and cost $20.
• New Brunswick: New Brunswick offers a photo ID card for non-drivers that costs $48, or $15 for a replacement. The card expires after four years.
• Newfoundland and Labrador: Newfoundland and Labrador offers photo identification cards for a fee of $25 for five years. The province does not produce an enhanced ID card.
• Prince Edward Island: PEI offers a voluntary ID card for residents who do not drive. The card is free for those 18 and older who do not or cannot have a driver's license. It is valid for one year and can be renewed for a fee of $20. Seniors do not pay a renewal fee.

Vehicle registration

If you're planning to drive your vehicle into Canada, you will need to have your vehicle registration on hand at the border. Border officials are vigilant about checking for stolen vehicles or people trying to avoid duties on vehicles purchased outside of Canada, so it is important to make sure you have your vehicle registration with you.

You can download your vehicle's registration, along with other necessary documents, to your device using GEICO's mobile app. This is a handy option to ensure you have the necessary documents with you when crossing the border.

If you need new or replacement registration documents, you can log in to your GEICO account online and visit the Policy Documents section. From there, you can choose to email, print, or fax a copy. If you haven't registered your policy online yet, you can sign up on GEICO's website.

It's important to note that while GEICO insurance covers US residents driving in Canada, GEICO does not offer insurance to residents of Canada. Therefore, if you are a Canadian resident, you will need to explore other insurance options for your vehicle.

Reporting an accident in Canada

If you are a GEICO customer and get into a car accident in Canada, reporting it is a relatively straightforward process. Here is a step-by-step guide on what to do:

Step 1: Stay Calm and Check for Injuries

Take a moment to gather yourself and then check yourself and your passengers for any injuries. If anyone is injured, call 911 immediately.

Step 2: Move Your Vehicle to a Safe Location

If it is safe to do so, move your vehicle out of the way of traffic to the side of the road. Do not get out of your car in live lanes of traffic. If your vehicle cannot be moved, turn on your hazard signals to warn other drivers.

Step 3: Check on the Other Driver(s) and Exchange Information

Check that the driver(s) and passengers in the other vehicle(s) are unharmed. Exchange information with them, including drivers' license numbers, names, contact details, license plate numbers, and insurance company names.

Step 4: Assess the Damage and Contact the Police if Necessary

If the damage to all vehicles involved appears to be minor (less than $2000 in Ontario, for example), you may not need to call the police. However, it is always a good idea to report the accident to the police to protect yourself legally. If the damage exceeds the regional threshold, or if there are injuries, suspected criminal activity, or a government vehicle involved, you are required by law to file a police report. Call 911 or your local police number to report the accident.

Step 5: Go to a Collision Reporting Centre

If the police do not come to the accident scene, you will need to go to a Collision Reporting Centre, usually within 24 hours. Here, you will fill out a collision report, and an officer will assess the damage to your vehicle.

Step 6: Contact Your Insurance Company

Report the accident to your insurance company as soon as possible, ideally within 48 to 72 hours. GEICO can be reached at 1-800-861-8380 or through their website, geico.com. Provide them with your policy information, vehicle details, accident details, and information about the other driver(s) and vehicle(s).

Remember to always carry your proof of insurance and vehicle registration when driving in Canada, and ensure you understand the specific regulations of the province you are in.

Frequently asked questions