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Plan ahead when driving to the States

Know your US and Canada border crossing options

No matter what time of year you’re planning to drive into the States, it’s important to have peace of mind. Do you need travel insurance? What happens if you get in an accident while on vacation? Before you hit the road, here are a few things you need to know about cross border law and insurance coverage.

Does My Ontario Car Insurance Cover Me In the United States?

Yes. Ontario residents get coverage when they are visiting/travelling to the United States. Double check with your insurance broker before crossing the border to ensure you have the exact details of your coverage.

Do I Have Other Options For Insurance?

Yes. What most people don’t think of is that some major credit cards offer excellent cross border insurance. You should give them a call before you travel to inform them if you plan to use your card out of province. Be sure to ask about what insurance plans they offer to know all your options.

Does My Ontario Car Insurance Cover My Rental When I’m Driving In The US?

Yes, but it depends on the policy. Some policies don’t have the exact same coverage in Canada and the US.

If you do purchase insurance from the rental office, make sure you know what you are buying. Collision coverage may help you pay for any damage to a vehicle, but may not protect you from hospital bills. Also, some rentals can deny certain claims, so read the details before you sign to ensure you aren’t stuck with coverage that may or may not be applicable to you.

Accident Benefit Amounts Are NOT The Same In Canada and The US

While the minimum policy limit is $200,000 of third party liability in the event of an accident in Ontario, it is most commonly set at $1,000,000 to accommodate any expenses. In The US though, it can be as low as $10,000 in specific states. Luckily, this drastic difference in coverage won’t affect you if you’re on vacation. You are still able to access your own Canadian insurance benefits through your own insurance company.

If you are hurt while in the US, but live in Ontario or receive medical treatment in the province, then your insurance applies to your claim. However, before jurisdiction can be determined, the court will need to decide what is best for all parties involved, including the severity of any injured parties, as well as the residence of any witnesses. Your Ontario insurance company may even ask you to make a choice between Ontario Statutory Accident Benefits and the benefits available in the state you had your accident.

As you may have already guessed, cross border accidents can be complicated. It’s always recommended you find a lawyer you trust to go over your options with you. Here’s what you need to get started!

What Ontarians Need To Know When Injured In Florida

After being involved in an accident, here are some basic steps you should know.

1. Call The Police and Report The Details of What Happened

Providing the police with accurate statements reflects positively on your case going forward. With the accident still fresh in your mind, be sure to tell your side of things as soon as you can.

2. Record Addresses and Names of People Involved.

Find any witnesses nearby and collect their contact information along with anyone else involved in the accident. This information will be useful if the police, insurance company, or court ask for it.

3. Contact Your Family Doctor To Keep Them Informed

It’s important to have your doctor’s evaluation of any injuries, potential recovery time, as well as any recommended rehabilitation that will be required.

4. Be Sure To Alert Your Insurance Company of What Happened

Contact your insurance company to inform them of your accident. This helps establish an accurate timeline and makes it easier to see updates when potentially reviewed in court.

5. Call Your Employer or School

Notifying your employer and school allows them to support your case as to how much work or how many days of class you are missing as a result of the accident.

6. Record Healthcare Worker Information

The people helping you with your treatment, as well as short-term or long-term recovery will be a valuable resource in proving your diagnosis to insurance companies, police and the court.

7. Take Note of Insurance Companies Involved

You may have your own insurance company’s details on hand, but if there is more than one involved, you’ll want their contact information too. Any correspondence between insurance companies should be recorded if possible (phone, email, etc.).

8. Contact Our Team at MG Law

The team at MG Law has offices across North America and we take pride in being there for our clients. We have the knowledge and experience to help you understand your rights and options, so you can make informed decisions.

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Put Our Team In Your Corner

When you’re far from home, being involved in a personal injury case can be very overwhelming. Our team at MG Law is here to help. We will work hard to help you get the results you deserve. Put us in your corner to see what a difference we can make.