Can you take a rental car from Canada to the US?

Are you planning a trip from Canada to the United States and thinking about driving a rental car to get across the border? To make sure you cross without any issues, stick around to learn more about how this may impact your travel, your car insurance, and whether cross-border restrictions apply for car rentals!

Driving a rental car from Canada to the US

Generally speaking, with the necessary documents such as your driver's licence, passport, and rental agreement, Canadian citizens should be able to drive a rental car from Canada to the United States without any issues.

What rental cars can be driven across the border?

We should note, however, that the type of vehicle rental you take to cross the border may not be allowed to cross. For example, specialty vehicles like large passenger vans, cargo vans, exotic vehicles, and other specialty vehicles may have restrictions.

Therefore, before your trip, we recommend that Canadians driving to the US speak directly to the rental company for more information about what vehicle classes are allowed to cross.

How much does it cost to rent a car for a week?

So, how much is renting a car for a week going to cost you? It really depends on the type of car rental you want. Most car rental companies price their vehicles anywhere from $20 to $200 or more per day, depending on the vehicle class. For example, specialty vehicles will cost more than standard rental cars. The renting location can also play a role in how much you are charged.

So, before your trip from Canada to the US, do a quick online search to compare prices in your area. You may also be able to secure deals for your rentals through your credit card company or through specific car rental agencies.

Do I need insurance for my rental car?

While rental car insurance for vehicles originating in Canada is not mandatory, having car rental insurance is still highly recommended. Driving a rental car still comes with the same risks as driving your personal vehicle. Therefore, without insurance in place, you can put yourself at serious financial risk if you get into a car accident that causes property damage or injuries to others.

What is an S.E.F. 27 endorsement?

S.E.F. 27 is a special type of vehicle endorsement you can add to your insurance in Canada. So, how does this apply to rental vehicles? With car rentals and SEF 27, the endorsement allows you to transfer the property damage portion of your personal car insurance to your rental vehicles. Therefore, you'll only need to purchase liability coverage from the rental business, which could save you a bit of money.

Protect your personal vehicles with high-quality insurance coverage

Although insurance for vehicles you rent in Canada is not mandatory, driving without it in your personal vehicle can lead to serious consequences. To ensure you're protected, make sure you have these types of auto insurance in place:

• Third party liability insurance
• Uninsured motorist coverage
• Direct compensation - property damage
• Accident benefits coverage
• Collision car coverage
• Comprehensive car coverage
• Accident forgiveness

To ensure you stay safe on the road, brush up on our safe driving tips!

Contact BrokerLink for affordable car insurance today!

Whether you're looking to save on car insurance or are still unsure whether my policy works for rental cars, the team from BrokerLink has the answers you're looking for.

Contact us over the phone or make an appointment with us in the office--we have locations across Canada! Alternatively, if you're looking for a quick insurance quote for your vehicles, don't hesitate to use our free online quote tool!

Get an auto insurance quote 1-866-724-2372

FAQs about driving a rental car from Canada to the US

Does my insurance cover vehicle rentals?

Not sure whether your auto insurance covers rentals? Adding car rental coverage to your insurance is often an add-on that you need to request from your insurance provider. So, whether or not rentals are covered will depend on whether you added it to your basic coverage in the first place. Giving your insurance company a call is recommended. You may also find this information by looking at your insurance papers. Note that if you are visiting from outside of Canada, car insurance for international drivers may not offer rental car coverage.

What should I do if I get into a car accident driving a rental vehicle?

Unsure what to do if you're in a car accident? To ensure you handle the situation correctly, keep an accident checklist in your vehicle's glovebox. Now, reporting a car accident will depend on what side of the border you are on. For example, in Canada, each province and territory has different reporting parameters that you will need to follow when notifying the police. You will need to check state laws if you are in the US.

Additionally, vehicles rented from an agency that is damaged in an accident will need to be reported directly to the company. They will often have their steps that you will need to follow. Once you've done this, you can then go ahead and contact your insurance company to file a claim.

Will my insurance company cover the cost of a rental car during repairs?

How about repairs? Will your insurance pay for rental cars during repairs? Again, it depends on your coverage and whether you added a rental vehicle to your policy at the time you purchased your insurance! If you've added rentals to your insurance policy, then your provider will cover the cost of a vehicle while yours is being repaired. However, you'll likely need to file a claim and have it approved beforehand.

If you have any questions, contact one of our local branches.