“IN-sure” you’re ready to hit the road this summer

Are you planning a road trip across Canada this summer?

Know the answers to the most common auto insurance questions before you hit the road.

Whether you are driving toward a sunrise in the east or a sunset in the west, this Q&A with Edward Zhakata (EZ), Manager, Consumer & Industry Relations, Atlantic, IBC, will help you feel prepared and confident on your next road trip.

Your insurance questions, answered

Q1: I am taking my car for a road trip. Can my passenger take the wheel for a turn, too?

EZ: Yes! Auto insurance covers your vehicle.

• A licensed guest driver who occasionally drives your car with your permission is covered under your auto insurance.

• Remember that when someone else uses your vehicle, they are also using your auto insurance: Any claims that result from their driving could increase your rate when you renew your policy.

Best practices:

• If your guest will be driving your vehicle often, you can add them to your auto insurance as an occasional or secondary driver.

• Depending on the province you live in, your insurer may require you to list all licensed drivers in your household on your policy.

Q2: If I drive out of province, am I covered by my auto insurance?

EZ: Yes. Standard auto insurance policies cover your vehicle in all provinces and territories when you are visiting. However, insurance rules, coverage and requirements vary by province and territory, especially regarding fault in a collision and whether you can sue the at-fault party. If you are in a collision, the rules of the jurisdiction where the collision occurred govern how fault is determined.  

Best practices:

• Review your insurance policy and understand your coverage, especially whether or not you have opted out of coverage that would apply in the event of a collision.

• Learn about the insurance requirements in your province. You may wish to determine if your province has mandatory or optional direct compensation property damage, which requires insurance policies to cover vehicle repairs regardless of who is at fault in a collision.

Q3: Does personal auto insurance cover a rental car for road trips?

EZ: Maybe. Check your policy to see if you have optional coverage for a rental car. If not, you may be able to add this coverage to your policy before hitting the road.

• If you don’t have an auto insurance policy, you can still rent a car. The rental car will have liability insurance, and you can purchase additional coverage for other loss or damage.

• You can usually purchase insurance to cover damages to the car through the rental company or through your credit card. Ask the rental company and/or your credit card company about the available options and costs. Be sure to review the details to make sure the coverage meets your needs. 

Best practices:

• Ask your insurance representative about coverage options for renting a vehicle. The representative can help you determine if you should add optional insurance.

• Check with the rental company to find out what options are available if you need additional coverage.

Q4: What happens if I have a collision out of my home province?

EZ: Contact the rental company (if you’re in a rental car) and your insurance representative to start the claims process, as you would in your home province or territory.

Best practices

• Stay calm and check if anyone involved is injured.

• If there is an injury or significant auto damage, call 911.

• Exchange information with other driver(s) involved in the collision.

• Download and save IBC’s reporting form before you travel to use in the event of a collision.

• Check out IBC.ca for more road safety tips and collision resources.

Your auto insurance checklist:

• Ensure all intended licensed drivers are listed on your insurance policy and rental agreement, or call your insurance representative to confirm guidelines on guest drivers.

• Carry a copy of your proof of insurance.

• If you are renting a vehicle, read and understand your rental insurance coverage and available options.

• Drive safe and make sure your vehicle is up to date on routine maintenance.

• When in doubt, call your insurance representative.

EXTRA: Pit stops and travel tips

Are you looking to travel within Canada but don’t know where to go? Here are some popular Canadian summer road trip destinations to add to your bucket list:

Atlantic Canada

New Brunswick’s Fundy Coastal Drive

• Travel 330 kilometres beside red sandstone cliffs and past Atlantic wildlife.

• Visit Fundy National Park, Fundy Discovery Aquarium or the historic McAdam Railway Station.

Prince Edward Island’s Central Coast Drive

• Drive 253 kilometres across Prince Edward Island and take in its beautiful landscapes.

• Be sure to check out the Anne of Green Gables experiences or tee off at French River Golf Course.

Nova Scotia’s Cabot Trail

• Enjoy a 298-kilometre drive through the Cape Breton Highlands in Nova Scotia.

• Stop and enjoy the scenery at Black Brook Beach and Cape Breton Highlands National Park.

Quebec’s Gaspésie Tour

• Travel 885 kilometres past scenic rivers and mountain views.

• Stop at Jardins de Métis and Parc national Forillon.

Pacific coast

BC’s Sea-to-Sky Highway

• The 162-kilometre drive between Vancouver and Whistler offers ocean views on one side and towering cliffs on the other.

• Make sure to stop at Britannia Beach, Squamish and the Sea to Sky Gondola.

BC’s Hot Spring Circle Route

• This 851-kilometre drive features seven hot springs and some of the best views in the Kootenay Rockies.

• Make time to visit Kootenay Rockies National Park and Mount Revelstoke.

Summer in Canada is short – we hope you make the most of it safely and responsibly.