Discovering Canada

Make sure you have the required documentation: title documents, registration, sales receipts, statement of compliance label, and manufacturer's recall clearance letter. If your car is leased or has a loan against it, you must have a letter from the leasing company or the bank which states they will allow you to bring your car into Canada. You must have the vehicle registration and title. Insurance and Assistance All vehicles in Canada must carry car insurance. There are a number of private insurance providers in most provinces that you can choose from. In British Columbia and Saskatchewan, the provincial government is the sole provider of basic car insurance. To help reduce your car insurance premiums, please request a “Letter of Experience”, which is a written document from your current insurer, detailing your driving history and claims record. Also request a “Driver’s Abstract” from your local licensing authority that details any convictions, infractions, tickets, or license suspensions that you may have had. Without these two documents as evidence, insurers will assume that you have no driving experience and your insurance costs will be at their highest. Automobile insurance protects you (the driver), your passengers, and the third party driver and passengers against lawsuits resulting from injuries and damage. Third party liability insurance coverage is mandatory in order to operate a motorized vehicle. Failure to carry this insurance can result in a $5,000 or higher fine in some provinces. Auto insurance also protects against the financial costs related to collisions, fire, theft, vandalism, and windshield breakage. “Collision Coverage” is often an optional form of coverage, but it is mandatory on newer vehicles or on vehicles that are financed or have a lien against them. The other types of insurance coverage fall under the “Comprehensive Coverage” section of the typical insurance policy. When Involved in an Automobile Crash If you are in a traffic accident involving only your car, call your insurance company immediately and describe the circumstances and the damage. If there is another car involved, injuries, considerable damage, or if your car has damaged others’ property, stop and remain at the scene while dialing 911. If there were witnesses to the accident, get their names and contact information. Then exchange names, addresses, and registration and insurance information with the other drivers involved. Call your insurance agent as soon as possible to report the accident, but do not leave the scene of the accident as it may result in fines or imprisonment. Helpful Hint: For more information: ask your Dwellworks Consultant or visit the Insurance Bureau of Canada online at www.ibc.ca .

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Discovering Canada