Discovering Canada

Page 25

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.

Helpful Hint:

For more information: ask your Dwellworks Consultant or visit the

Insurance Bureau of Canada online at

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.