Driving to the US for the Winter

Your Canadian auto policy doesn't answer every question at the border.

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Driving to Florida or Arizona is a snowbird ritual — and it comes with a stack of insurance questions your regular auto policy doesn't answer. Your Canadian car insurance, your provincial health plan, and your travel insurance all have gaps at the border.

Your auto insurance across the border

Most Canadian auto policies provide some US coverage, but liability limits matter. US states can require higher liability minimums than your province, and if you're at fault in a serious accident, the costs can dwarf your coverage. Consider a liability top-up.

Medical coverage while driving in the US

Your provincial plan covers almost nothing south of the border. A fender-bender that sends you to a US ER can cost thousands. Your travel insurance is what covers you — not your auto policy's medical portion, which is typically minimal.

Roadside assistance and towing

CAA covers you in the US through AAA reciprocity, but towing limits and distance caps vary. A long tow in rural Arizona or Florida can cost $500+ out of pocket if you exceed your plan's limits.

What to carry in the car

Your passport, insurance documents, a printed copy of your travel insurance policy, and the 24/7 assistance number. US hospitals will want to see your insurance before they treat non-emergency cases.

What to check before you travel

Confirm your auto policy's US liability limits
Carry a printed copy of your travel insurance policy
Check CAA/AAA reciprocity for towing limits
Save your travel insurance 24/7 assistance number
Consider a liability top-up if your auto limits are low

Driving south this winter?

Make sure your medical coverage crosses the border with you — your auto policy won't cover a US hospital visit.

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One night in a Canadian ICU can top $14,000 — without coverage, that's on you.

Cost reality