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Road-Tripping to the U.S. in a Rental Car? Top Tips for Safe Cross-Border Travel
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Road-Tripping to the U.S. in a Rental Car? Top Tips for Safe Cross-Border Travel

March 16, 2018 - in Advice, Personal Injury

Headed across the border on your next road trip?

Most cross-border road trips are completely safe. But in rare circumstances, fun excursions to the U.S. can be interrupted by serious accidents, which may have terrible financial ramifications if you’re not prepared.

You should be especially aware of this possibility if you plan on renting a car for your travel. Use the following advice in order to be safe and know your legal rights when road tripping across the Canada/U.S. border.

Renting a Car? Know the Limits of Your Canadian Car Insurance

Every Canadian has to have adequate car insurance for their Canadian vehicle. While driving in Canada, this should cover rental cars as well. But once you cross into the United States, things may change. It’s up to you to be aware of your car insurance’s limits.

Most of the time, your Canadian car insurance will cover your rental car while driving in the United States. But keep in mind that this will depend upon the specific vehicle insurance policy that you’ve chosen from your provider. Certain car insurance policies will not provide the same full range of coverage that you’ll get when driving your own car in Canada. If you have any questions, it’s always wise to contact your insurance provider directly and confirm whether or not your rental car will be covered (and how much will be covered) in the event of an accident in the United States.

Don’t Have Your Own Car or Car Insurance in Canada?

If you don’t have your own car or your own car insurance in Canada, you will be offered insurance coverage by the rental car company you are renting from. In these circumstances, you also need to be aware that there are various types of insurance coverage available. Choose smart.

For example, having collision damage coverage is wise, but it won’t be comprehensive, which means it won’t cover bodily injuries in the event that you are seriously injured in an accident.

There are also exclusionary terms to be wary of. Always read the fine print in your rental agreement to ensure that you are fully aware of all the coverage options for your purchased rental insurance.

Remember That Canadian Insurance Is Different From American Insurance

Finally, remember that minimum policy limits are different in the United States and Canada.

In Ontario particularly, third party liability coverage is generally around $1 million while in the United States, minimum mandatory coverage may be as limited as $10,000. Fortunately, most Canadian drivers in the U.S. will be able to use the benefits of their own Canadian insurance policy even if they were involved in an accident outside of Canada.

Similarly, if it turns out that a liable U.S. driver has insufficient insurance to cover the costs of your accident, you can also start a claim for underinsured benefits with your Canadian insurance company. Here, the assistance of a personal injury lawyer is absolutely necessary in order to get what you deserve from your coverage.

Car Insurance Trouble After an Accident in the U.S.? Choose the Personal Injury Lawyers Cobourg Residents Trust

If you’ve been in an accident in the U.S. and are concerned about your Canadian benefits, it is wise to consult with a personal injury lawyer. And why not choose the best personal injury lawyer Cobourg residents rely on?

Lerners Lawyers can help you navigate your benefits and legal rights as a Canadian driver in the U.S. Remember that only the most-qualified and experienced injury lawyer Cobourg residents trust will be able to help you win your case.

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