Take the road to the United States
Your car is insured in Quebec
All Quebecers are covered by the SAAQ everywhere in the world for bodily injury they suffer in a road accident, regardless of their liability. However, they are not covered for material damage or bodily injury that they could cause to another person. By insuring your car in Quebec, you have liability coverage of at least $ 50,000. However, this is probably not sufficient for a trip to another province or to the United States. When traveling across the US border, $ 1 million to $ 2 million liability insurance is recommended due to the risk of legal action in the event of an accident. Contact an advisor from your insurance company to make sure you have adequate coverage during your trip. This is all the more important if you visit our neighbors to the south on a regular basis or for more than three weeks.
It is also essential to obtain medical and hospital insurance. The SAAQ and the Quebec Health Insurance Company cover emergency medical expenses outside of Quebec at the rates in effect in the province. As they are often much higher elsewhere, it is essential to have good coverage.
Your car is insured in Ontario
If your car is insured in Ontario, you have liability coverage of at least $ 200,000. This insurance is valid across the country and in the United States. However, it is recommended that you purchase $ 1 million to $ 2 million liability insurance for travel south of the border, as there is a high risk of lawsuits there in the event of an accident. Also, if you are going to the United States for an extended period, check with your insurer that your policy covers you for the duration of your stay.
If you are covered by OHIP, the care covered is limited and includes emergency medical care under certain conditions and is reimbursed at the rates in effect in Ontario. As they are generally lower than those abroad, it is advisable to take out additional insurance.
You plan to rent a vehicle on site
If you rent a car in the United States, the rental company has their own insurance for third party vehicle damage. But they could prove to be insufficient and it is then your own liability coverage that will take over. It is therefore recommended that you take out insurance as if it were your own vehicle. This will prevent you from having to pay for additional insurance offered by the landlord. Also check that you are well covered for any damage that could be caused to the vehicle you are renting.
If you think you need proof of insurance, be sure to tell your insurance advisor to provide you with a cover note in English.
What to do in the event of an accident
In the event of an accident, regardless of the extent of the damage, stay on the scene and call the police as soon as possible. Don't talk about the accident and don't blame yourself. Take notes on the circumstances of the accident, details of the vehicles involved. If possible, keep contact information for witnesses, take photos and get a copy of the police report.
In order to prepare your insurance claim, keep all your receipts related to the accident, including those for medical expenses and transportation. Also, if the accident takes place with a rented vehicle, keep your copy of the rental agreement.
Contact your insurance professional as soon as possible.
A detour through Mexico?
To have valid auto insurance in Mexico, it must be provided by a company recognized by local authorities. If you plan to get there with your own vehicle, contact your insurer to find out what action to take. If you use a vehicle rented in the United States to do so, you must let the landlord know to make sure you are covered. Finally, if you plan to rent a car in Mexico, it is recommended that you take out all the insurance coverage offered by the rental company. It is usually possible to buy this type of blanket at the border.
By adding these precautions to your travel preparations, you can ride the great outdoors of America with peace of mind.
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