The road trip is the quintessential American vacation. But what if you’ve already hauled the family to Yellowstone, skirted North Carolina’s Outer Banks and seen the country’s other iconic sights?
Well, why not experience what’s on offer at one of America’s neighbors, Canada and Mexico?Both countries are home to stunning sights and vibrant cultures that are easy to reach with the family minivan.
Taking an international road trip does require a little more planning than shooting off down Route 66. But if you prepare in advance, you should have a great time.
Does Your Car Insurance Cover You In Mexico?
Most typical U.S. auto insurance policies will not cover Mexico. So, if you’re heading south of the border, you’ll need additional coverage for the family wagon. GEICO, for example, has partners that offer Mexico-specific policies for cars, RVs and motorcycles. You can buy those plans for only as long as you’re in the country.
Does Your Car Insurance Cover You In Canada?
Exploring Canada is a little simpler than visiting Mexico. If you’re a GEICO customer, your regular auto insurance policy will cover you in Canada. Just remember to bring along proof of insurance, like your standard GEICO identification card. For Mexico, don’t forget to bring your proof of insurance and a copy of your policy along for the trip.
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Paper maps may be going the way of the dodo, but they’re great to have on an international road trip. Unlike online apps, they’ll work anywhere, and you don’t have to worry about racking up roaming charges or your battery power dying out.
Don’t Forget Your ID
Whenever crossing an international border, make sure you have proof of your American citizenship. For most, that will mean a passport. Children under 16 can use their birth certificate or their citizenship and naturalization cards. Finally, don’t forget your vehicle’s registration. Border agents may want you to prove that your car isn’t stolen and that it’s not being imported illegally. Take advantage of GEICO’s handy mobile app, which allows you to download your vehicle’s registration, and other necessary documents, to your device.
Have A Backup Plan
Nothing would be worse than locking your keys in the car on a desolate stretch of foreign road. So, always have a second set of keys handy. While we’re talking about backup plans, make sure your emergency kit is stocked with a flashlight, flares, matches, a blanket and non-perishable snacks. Finally, passports and other government IDs have a nasty habit of going missing at the worst possible time. So make a couple of photocopies. Keep one set with you and leave the other in an easy-to-find place at home; if you lose everything, an emergency contact will be able to get them to you.
Keep Calm & Carry On
Should the worst happen and you get into an accident, try not to panic. If you’re in Mexico, you should report the crash while you’re still in the country (call 1-800-861-8380), and try reaching out to consular officials, who can walk you through the legal process. (Sometimes, it can be complicated.)
If you’re in Canada, it’s a little less complicated. You can report the accident as you normally would by calling GEICO at 1-800-861-8380 or logging into geico.com.
By Andrew Raven
FAQs
Most typical U.S. auto insurance policies will not cover Mexico. So, if you're heading south of the border, you'll need additional coverage for the family wagon. GEICO, for example, has partners that offer Mexico-specific policies for cars, RVs and motorcycles.
Will my car insurance cover me in Canada? ›
An American car insurance policy works the same way in Canada as it does in the U.S. Your comprehensive car insurance coverage and auto collision coverage, for example, still apply to damage to your vehicle if you're in an accident while driving in Canada.
Does Canadian auto insurance cover you in Mexico? ›
Your Canadian vehicle insurance is not valid for driving in Mexico. It's important that you get recognized Personal Liability Insurance, at the very least, before driving a car, RV, motorcycle, or other vehicle in Mexico.
Does my US car insurance cover me in Mexico? ›
No, U.S. auto insurance policies aren't valid in Mexico. If you'll be driving in Mexico, even for a short time, auto insurance is required by Mexican law, and you could end up in jail if you're involved in an accident and don't have it.
Does US medical insurance work in Canada? ›
Canada provides world-class hospitals and top-ranked health care in the event of a medical emergency. However, U.S. government health insurance plans do not pay for hospital costs, medical expenses or prescription drugs for visitors to Canada.
Can I use my US auto insurance in Canada? ›
Due to reciprocal laws between the U.S. and Canada, your car insurance will most likely still apply while driving in Canada. This may depend on your provider, but many of the major car insurance providers will qualify for Canadian coverage, unless they specifically offer international car insurance policies for Canada.
How long can I drive in Canada with US insurance? ›
You'll need proof of insurance, a valid driver's license, and a passport (or an approved alternate proof of citizenship) to drive across the border. U.S citizens driving in Canada are generally allowed to drive for up to six months with American car insurance.
Does my state farm auto insurance cover me in Canada? ›
Because of reciprocal laws between the two countries, Canada honors your U.S. insurance, and vice versa, in the event of an accident or claim and to meet insurance requirements.
Does AAA cover me in Mexico? ›
Since U.S. liability insurance is invalid in Mexico, you'll need proof of Mexico auto insurance for a road trip south of the border. AAA can help you get what's required through one of Mexico's largest and most reputable insurance companies.
How much is car insurance to go to Mexico? ›
The cost of Mexican car insurance for tourists can range from about $50 to $80 for liability-only coverage and $150 to $200 for full coverage. The specific price you pay depends on factors such as the value of your car, the length of your visit and the coverages you choose.
Most U.S. auto insurers won't cover you while driving abroad, except for driving in Canada and driving in Mexico. Unless you have a credit card offering rental car insurance, you'll probably need to purchase your insurance from the rental company. Learn more about international car insurance and rental car insurance.
What happens if I get in a car accident in Mexico? ›
Your Mexican auto insurance company will help you after a car accident. Be sure to contact them as soon as possible. Call the police first! Your Mexican auto insurance policy will provide you with bail bond insurance, as well as accident insurance if you purchased that coverage.
Is Geico in Canada? ›
While we do not offer insurance to residents of Canada, GEICO's coverage in the United States does extend north of the border. Please read the following important information if you plan to drive your car into Canada.
What happens if an American gets sick in Canada? ›
If during your visit to Canada you get sick or injured, the Canadian government won't pay for any hospitalization or emergency medical services for visitors. Also, if you don't have proper medical insurance coverage, you will be liable to pay for any medical service out of your own pocket.
Does Canada accept American Medicare? ›
Healthcare services received beyond U.S. borders are not covered. Medicare may cover inpatient hospital costs, ambulance services or dialysis for the following circ*mstances: You are in the U.S. when emergency treatment is needed and the closest hospital is in a foreign country (e.g., Canada or Mexico).
Does an American get free healthcare in Canada? ›
Non-citizens such as temporary legal visitors and undocumented immigrants are not entitled to Medicare but provinces and territories may provide limited emergency services to these populations since medical care can't be refused in an emergency.
What car insurance do I need in Canada? ›
Established by each province and territory, mandatory auto insurance is the minimum amount of coverage every vehicle owner must purchase and - depending on your province or territory - includes third-party liability, direct-compensation property damage, accident benefits and physical damage coverage.
Can I drive my US car in Canada? ›
You can bring your vehicle into Canada temporarily as a visitor or temporary resident. Your vehicle doesn't have to meet Canadian standards and must be only for your own use. You can also bring your vehicle for personal use while you're in Canada on a work permit or student visa.
Does my car insurance cover me internationally? ›
Most U.S. auto insurers won't cover you while driving abroad, except for driving in Canada and driving in Mexico. Unless you have a credit card offering rental car insurance, you'll probably need to purchase your insurance from the rental company. Learn more about international car insurance and rental car insurance.
Is my car allowed in Canada? ›
You must pay taxes and/or duties when applicable to bring your vehicle through Canadian customs. Your vehicle must be clear of any recalls. It must then pass an inspection by the Registrar of Imported Vehicles (RIV) in Canada before it can be officially considered imported.
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