US car in Canada

[mollybloom]

I just received my OWP (valid for two years). My license, car, and insurance are all American. I'm not ready to import my car as there are some recall issues that I need to have fixed first. What is the best method for insuring my car to ensure that I have proper coverage in Canada? Are there American companies that provide insurance specifically for these instances, or are there Canadian insurance companies willing to insure a foreign-registered car and driver?

 

[truesmile]

Many Canadians drive to Florida (among other states) for vacations, for the winter, etc. without losing coverage simply by crossing the border. Similarly, I have seen many cars on occasion with U.S. plates . . . I'm sure they haven't lost their coverage again simply by crossing the border in this direction either. I suspect you will use an American insurance, Canadian insurance requires a postal code in order to establish the insured's geographical rate which is factored into their premium.

 

[mollybloom]

I just called my insurance company and stated my circumstances. They said that because I'm moving to Canada I need Canadian insurance. Since I don't have permanent status in Canada, I wonder if that is actually true.

 

[Ponga]

I just called my insurance company and stated my circumstances. They said that because I'm moving to Canada I need Canadian insurance. Since I don't have permanent status in Canada, I wonder if that is actually true.

You are moving [future tense], but have not yet moved, correct? Tell them that you are a visitor in Canada.

 

[mollybloom]

I'm already in Canada. My last border crossing was Oct. 2015.

 

[Snowisland]

I have Allstate and am in Canada for visit but received COPR so will land in May or June. Allstate said they will cover me for a few months after I move and that they also have Allstate in Canada. I have not looked online for Allstate in Canada to verify yet.

 

[CDNPR2014]

you won't be able to insure your car in canada without it being registered in canada and you can't register it without importing it first. (at least in ontario). i would recommend calling the RIV and the american equivalent (i forget who they are) and asking them what to do when you are "temporarily" moving to canada with your car. because i think there is a way to temporarily import the car, not permanently. i vaguely remember seeing something about it when i was importing my car. us insurance companies will generally only insure the car for 3-6 months if you report to them that you're moving.

 

[Ponga]

I'm already in Canada. My last border crossing was Oct. 2015.

Yes, but are you `legally' living in Canada yet...that's your argument with the insurance companies, right?

 

[Aquakitty]

You can't use Canadian insurance on an un-imported US car, that would be nice, but unfortunately it's impossible. You'll just have to keep the US insurance on it and claim you are visiting in Canada if something happens.