Buying a car after landing and then traveling to a different province.

[Werns]

Hi all. I am just getting started with the whole process. I have gone through an emigration before, so I am aware of most things that are needed to do, but one thing is puzzling me.
I am planning on flying in to Toronto, buying a car and travel trailer and then going on a road trip from there through to New Brunswick where we are going to settle. My question is, can this be done?
I am from a country where I can easily convert my current licence, but I would prefer not to have to get a licence and insurance in Ontario if I then have to do it all again when arriving in New Brunswick. Can I buy a car with some form of temporary insurance based on my international licence and get the full deal once I reach my destination?

 

[NetMecca]

Insurance is Canada wide and driven by the address where you live, so it does not matter where you get insurance. Car insurance is not provincially specific unless you buy insurance in BC where the auto insurance is underwritten by provincially managed insurer like ICBC.

I would suggest you get an international driver's license to resolve the driver's license issue. For most provinces in Canada you have 3 months after settling to convert to the local provincial license.

There is one thing to worry about when buying a car in one province and then relocating immediately to another. You will probably end up paying sales tax twice. Once in the province where you buy and register for the first time, and once in the province where you finally settle. That could be expensive.

I would suggest that if the option exists, rather rent a car, use it to relocate and then buy a car in the province where you settle. Chances are it will be less expensive and cause less headaches.

Good luck

 

[PMM]

Hi

Insurance is Canada wide and driven by the address where you live, so it does not matter where you get insurance. Car insurance is not provincially specific unless you buy insurance in BC where the auto insurance is underwritten by provincially managed insurer like ICBC.

I would suggest you get an international driver's license to resolve the driver's license issue. For most provinces in Canada you have 3 months after settling to convert to the local provincial license.

There is one thing to worry about when buying a car in one province and then relocating immediately to another. You will probably end up paying sales tax twice. Once in the province where you buy and register for the first time, and once in the province where you finally settle. That could be expensive.

I would suggest that if the option exists, rather rent a car, use it to relocate and then buy a car in the province where you settle. Chances are it will be less expensive and cause less headaches.

Good luck

1. Car insurance is NOT nationwide in Canada, it is different is each province. Some are government run, some are private.

 

[links18]

OP will have a hard time getting insurance without a Canadian license. At the very least, it will be expensive.

 

[NetMecca]

Hi



1. Car insurance is NOT nationwide in Canada, it is different is each province. Some are government run, some are private.

True some are provincially specific, but neither ON nor NB is such and as such it would not matter where the insurance is purchased as long as the risk address is correctly specified.

Also, I got insurance on International drivers license no problem when I landed. License is a license.

 

[Werns]

True some are provincially specific, but neither ON nor NB is such and as such it would not matter where the insurance is purchased as long as the risk address is correctly specified.

Also, I got insurance on International drivers license no problem when I landed. License is a license.

Thanks, the problem then would be the risk address as I would not have a place to stay at that point yet. Could one use day your employer's address until you find a

 

[Werns]

I would suggest you get an international driver's license to resolve the driver's license issue. For most provinces in Canada you have 3 months after settling to convert to the local provincial license.

There is one thing to worry about when buying a car in one province and then relocating immediately to another. You will probably end up paying sales tax twice. Once in the province where you buy and register for the first time, and once in the province where you finally settle. That could be expensive.

I would suggest that if the option exists, rather rent a car, use it to relocate and then buy a car in the province where you settle. Chances are it will be less expensive and cause less headaches.

Good luck

Do you really need an international driver's licence or would the licence from my country not be sufficient. I am from an English speaking country so there is no worries about language. Everywhere I looked it seemed as though you can just use your current licence for 3 months.

In terms of the sales tax - I looked into that. Yes, you would have to pay it twice but you will be able to claim the tax you paid in ON back.

Finally, not only is it easier to fly into Toronto due to various reasons, but it will be far easier for me to find the car I'm after. Looking on Auto trader there is only one of the cars I'm interested in buying available in the whole of the Martines whereas there are more than thirty around Toronto. I only have a few options of cars available since we are a family of 6 and I need something that can haul a reasonable weight bring it.

Thanks for the info though.

 

[NetMecca]

Thanks, the problem then would be the risk address as I would not have a place to stay at that point yet. Could one use day your employer's address until you find a

I'm not sure, but if you disclose it as such and let them know that you are moving to this city and will advise when you have a permanent address in that city. If they accept it, should be fine. And I can't think of a legal reason why they should not. Just be up front about it. Make sure it is noted on the policy.

Also it occurs to me that if you purchase insurance from any of the majors like Intact, or TD you will not have change your insurance when you relocate, just your address. It might have an impact on premium but you won't have to pay double.

 

[NetMecca]

Do you really need an international driver's licence or would the licence from my country not be sufficient. I am from an English speaking country so there is no worries about language. Everywhere I looked it seemed as though you can just use your current licence for 3 months.

In terms of the sales tax - I looked into that. Yes, you would have to pay it twice but you will be able to claim the tax you paid in ON back.

Finally, not only is it easier to fly into Toronto due to various reasons, but it will be far easier for me to find the car I'm after. Looking on Auto trader there is only one of the cars I'm interested in buying available in the whole of the Martines whereas there are more than thirty around Toronto. I only have a few options of cars available since we are a family of 6 and I need something that can haul a reasonable weight bring it.

Thanks for the info though.

License depends on what the reciprocal agreement is between Canada and your country. I know that Canada to US licenses work in both countries except in one or two of the state in US which I think you have to get a local license (or some form of international) to drive there. Ask the authorities in your country (the ones that issue international license). They will be able to tell you with certainty. Better to be safe than sorry.

You're buying a used car?
Cars in Canada do not last very long due to bad weather especially. Salt on the roads, bad roads (mostly caused by weather) does not help. If you can manage it I would recommend you purchase a new car. (or lease - always a better option if you do not expect to drive that much) For me a car payment is just like a rental because cars devalue really fast so not an asset at all. I also like to switch out cars every 3-4 years. Always have the latest in safety tech, which is especially important in winter driving conditions here.

And if you are concerned about financing, most dealerships will be able to find you someone that will finance you, if you can provide proof of employment and have status in Canada. (letter from employer usually good enough)

Good luck.

 

[APPNOV2014NY]

Cars in Canada do not last very long due to bad weather especially. Salt on the roads, bad roads (mostly caused by weather) does not help. If you can manage it I would recommend you purchase a new car. (or lease - always a better option if you do not expect to drive that much) For me a car payment is just like a rental because cars devalue really fast so not an asset at all. I also like to switch out cars every 3-4 years. Always have the latest in safety tech, which is especially important in winter driving conditions here.

It's not that bad in Canada. Average car last 9-10 years.

https://www.autotrainingcentre.com/blog/average-age-vehicles-road-rising-means-auto-mechanic-careers/

Also leasing a car instead of buying is not always a bright idea

https://globalnews.ca/news/3395054/3-numbers-you-should-check-before-deciding-whether-to-lease-or-buy-a-car/

 

[NetMecca]

It's not that bad in Canada. Average car last 9-10 years.

https://www.autotrainingcentre.com/blog/average-age-vehicles-road-rising-means-auto-mechanic-careers/

Also leasing a car instead of buying is not always a bright idea

https://globalnews.ca/news/3395054/3-numbers-you-should-check-before-deciding-whether-to-lease-or-buy-a-car/

I guess it depends on your personal preferences. I definitely do not want to drive a car that is 10 years old if I have choice. And sure it will probably still drive, but... you know.

Leasing is probably not everybody's cup of tea but I have tested buying and leasing since moving to Canada and for me, leasing has proven the best option for meeting all my needs and wants.
-Whether you buy or lease, a car is a depreciating asset and so the monthly payments (either way) is just a rental payment for me.
-I love getting a new car every 3-4 years. Just switched mine out after three years. Ended up paying the same for a 2018 vs 2015 model. Love it.
-I am very happy having the latest tech (especially safety) all the time.
-You have a guaranteed residual at the end of the term, so if your car depreciates too much, which easily happens, you are assured that your loan will be paid at the end of the term, and you don't have to deal with shortfalls.
- The only reason I might consider buying is if the mileage that I have to drive is higher than available under lease, but living in Halifax it is pretty hard to do that.

Anyway.

Good luck

 

[amin_cant]

True some are provincially specific, but neither ON nor NB is such and as such it would not matter where the insurance is purchased as long as the risk address is correctly specified.

Also, I got insurance on International drivers license no problem when I landed. License is a license.

Hi, I have same issue. I want to buy car under my IDP. Can you share me your insurer Tel. Some I tried yesterday, they do not know the process under IDP. Thx.

 

[NetMecca]

Hi, I have same issue. I want to buy car under my IDP. Can you share me your insurer Tel. Some I tried yesterday, they do not know the process under IDP. Thx.

No special process, IDP is as good as a regular Canadian license (except that you have to convert to a regular Canadian license usually within 3 months after landing), so buy the car and insure it as you would normally. If the license questions comes up provide a copy of the your IDP. If the police will accept it, insurers would not care.

 

[Sengkang]

Hi @Werns,

Did you manage to buy a car and immediately insure it using IDP?

I too am planning to buy a used car in the 1st or 2nd week after landing in NB however i have some concerns as below:

1. Can we register the vehicle under purchaser name even if we don't have NB license yet?
2. Can we buy insurance in NB using IDP only? Which insurer did you use?
3. Can we use a temporary address - like airbnb - to register vehicle or get insurance ?

Thanks

 

[amin_cant]

No, I did not as insurance policy is different compared to regular and complex. Thx