Planning a Road Trip? Here’s What Your Car Insurance Will (and Won’t) Cover

With nothing but the open road ahead, countless kilometres to cover, and the freedom to explore at your own pace, it’s no wonder road trips are a classic summer tradition. But before you hit the road, don’t let “what-ifs” like flat tires or unexpected weather get in the way of your fun. Make sure you understand what your car insurance covers when you’re travelling long distances or using a rental car, so you can focus on your summer plans without any surprises.

Does car insurance cover road trips in Canada?

Although many Canadian auto insurance policies extend coverage for out-of-province travel, not all protections carry over equally. It’s easy to assume that if you’re insured in your home province, you’re automatically covered the same way across the country, but that’s not always the case.

While personal car insurance is mandatory in Canada, each province and territory sets its own rules and minimum coverage requirements. What’s standard in Ontario might be optional in British Columbia. Certain features, such as accident benefits, deductible amounts, and towing coverage, may be limited or excluded once you cross into another province.

Depending on your insurance policy, these optional elements could be reduced or unavailable when you travel to a different province. The different minimums for liability coverage between provinces can also leave you responsible for paying the difference if you’re involved in an accident. Crossing the border into the United States will also require special consideration.

So, if you’re planning a country-wide road trip, it’s a good idea to review your auto insurance policy before you leave. Pay close attention to these sections:

• Territory of coverage
• Geographic limitations
• Optional coverages
• Rental vehicle coverage

If you’re feeling unsure or can’t find what you’re looking for, we’re here to help. Contact a Surex advisor and we’ll help you find what you need to know so you can prep for your summer road trip with confidence.

Common road trip risks that can disrupt your plans

Road trips are full of opportunities for fun and exploration, but they can also come with a few surprises. Some of the most common road trip setbacks include:

• Mechanical failures: Engine trouble or a flat tire, especially in the middle of a long stretch of road, can leave you stuck without easy access to help.
   
• Minor collisions: Unfamiliar roads, heavy traffic, and busy tourist areas increase the likelihood of fender benders and parking lot mishaps.
   
• Adverse weather: Canada’s climate is wide-ranging and unpredictable. Storms, wildfires, or sudden floods can disrupt your plans and create unsafe driving conditions.

You never know what the road will bring, so it’s best to be prepared for anything. Having the right coverage in place can turn unexpected problems into manageable inconveniences and help keep your well-earned vacation on track.

Add-on coverages that offer peace of mind

When it comes to long journeys on the road, these two optional coverages can be key to having a stress-free trip.

Roadside assistance

Anything can happen when you’re driving across long stretches of road. If you run out of fuel, drain your battery, or end up needing a tow, having roadside assistance coverage can make the difference between a quick delay and a major headache. Mechanical issues and unexpected mishaps are hard to predict, so having coverage in place gives you an extra layer of security.

Rental car insurance

While personal car insurance is mandatory in Canada, rental car coverage is not. If you’re planning to rent a car for your road trip, rental car insurance is worth considering. Whether or not you need it depends on your existing personal policy, what the rental company covers, and the nature of your trip. In many cases, adding this coverage is a smart way to supplement your standard insurance and avoid unnecessary stress on the road.

Planning to rent a car? Here’s what to know

While personal car insurance can cover rental cars, it doesn’t always. The extent of your coverage depends on the details of your individual policy, so it’s important to verify what’s included before you pick up the keys.

In general, there are three common ways to get insurance coverage when driving a rental car:

• Your personal auto insurance may already include coverage for rental vehicles.
• The rental car company will usually offer its own insurance options at the time of booking.
• Some credit cards offer rental car insurance as part of their travel protection benefits.

There may be times when coverage overlaps or leaves gaps, which is why it’s important to review your options so you can make an informed decision on where and how you’ll get rental car insurance.

Tips for preparing your vehicle and insurance before a trip

Before you hit the road, make sure both your vehicle and insurance are in order, so your trip goes as smoothly as possible. Here’s a pre-trip checklist to help you cover all the essentials.

Hit the road with confidence

Before you head out on your next adventure, reviewing your auto insurance policy is one of the best ways to feel confident behind the wheel. If you’re not already covered for it, adding roadside assistance or rental car coverage can help you avoid major disruptions on the road.

Get help reviewing your coverage and filling in any gaps in your policy by speaking with a Surex advisor. We’re here to make sure your summer road trip is one to remember for all the right reasons.

Let’s get you covered.

Learn more about car insurance or find the best insurance rates by starting a quote today.