What should I know before I drive my car in Canada? I'm planning a summer trip and I'll be driving in British Columbia to California. What happens to my insurance once I cross the border? Do I need to purchase automobile insurance in Canada if I am going to visit for 3 weeks? And how reliable roadside assistance in case I get a flat tire or engine problems develop? Finally, how are the gas prices in British Columbia and Alberta? Thank you!
You can check with AAA, but as far as I know, the AAA and CAA have reciprocal coverage. CAA is available in most areas outside the wilderness extreme. (The hardest part may be calling them - Look for cards of cellular coverage - and oh, yeah - not all companies have the same cellular coverage outside densely populated areas).
The prices are not so ridiculously different for repairs, etc., but the gas was more expensive. In general, flat gas at around $ 1/litre 3.8L/USgal is $ 3.80/gal. which, in actual dollars (assuming 90 cents to $ 1 Canadian) is U.S. $ 3.42.
Keep in mind that beyond the portion near the U.S. border, you can get in sparsely populated areas of Canada. You can find up to 60 miles or more from the gas station if you're in the middle of the inland mountains. You do not want to miss and you do not want to pay the towing if you break. Along the roads most traveled, it is no different than driving in Montana or Idaho.
I've never heard of insurance problems that cross the border. I drove across the United States from Canada, too. The only problems will not affect you - things like Americans rental vehicles registered in Canada and driving back to the United States, utility vehicles, etc. If you are from California, not a problem as some of these states hillbilly allowing as little as $ 25,000 minimum coverage, but even they have no problem visiting. (I think that the minimum here is $ 200,000).
Nobody gives you a hassle, unless you stay more than 6 months. Obviously, you can not work without obtaining the appropriate visa. As for health insurance - which depends on your provider. Health insurance is free for all Canadians (as you call our taxes "free"). Travellers should pay - they will put you in the hosital, you set up, then you receive the invoice of $ 50,000, as the United States .. If you are under 50, you can probably get a year travel insurance health somewhere like Blue Cross for $ 100. For "oops-I-slices-my-hand tricks, it is urgent to the hospital rooms, which will take all day unless you're dying).
(Given that each province runs its own separate health plan, and treatments such as hospitalization costs can vary between provinces, it is generally recommended, even for Canadians to seek travel health, even if only visit the other provinces).
Keep in mind that one of these days, you'll need a passport - do not enter Canada, but to return to the United States.
Posted on February 16, 2010.
