Community Forums

RickO · 06-27-2012, 03:14 PM

We're preparing for our first visit to Canada later this summer. I've read here on the forum that we need to get a "Yellow Card" issued from our insurance carrier insuring that we have coverage which complies with Canadian requirements. This same information seems to be on the Canadian Tourism website.

When I requested this from my Progressive insurance agent this is the response I got:

"At one time you did need a yellow card, but now if the company is known and writes in Canada as Progressive does you do not need one, your current ID and policy is fine."

Can anyone confirm this for me from personal experience? I don't want to be hung up on the boarder trying to get in touch with my agent in Texas.

Thanks much.

Rick

Ronnie Bledsoe 2006 Dutchstar 43' · 06-27-2012, 07:12 PM

I also have Progressive. I called Monday and requested a yellow 'Canadien Identification card' No problem and I should receive it next week. I think I would call back and make a request.

Ottawa · 06-28-2012, 09:36 AM

I doubt if you would be asked for proof of auto insurance at the border. Only if you get in an accident or stopped by the police for some traffic violation. I have crossed the border both ways for many years and have never been asked this question.

RottenRalph · 06-28-2012, 09:47 AM

I just did this June 1 with Progressive. I called for a Canadian insurance card and they faxed a copy ahead to the campground I was headed to prior to crossing the border. they also sent a copy in the mail. State farm did the same for my toad.

When I got to Canada, I was never asked for it.

w6pea · 06-28-2012, 10:15 AM

I will check with my Insurance carrier.
I have another question kind of off topic.

I went to the Post Office to apply for a U.S. Passport Card, the clerk said that if I was going into Mexico they were good but for going into Canada they were not.

Does anyone use one of these for Canada or do I need to get my wife and I new Passports? (I think the clerk thought I wanted a border crossing card for Mexico)

toneumanns · 06-28-2012, 10:41 AM

Went last summer, no insurance info was asked for.

Shellback1 · 06-28-2012, 10:52 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by w6pea

I will check with my Insurance carrier.
I have another question kind of off topic.

I went to the Post Office to apply for a U.S. Passport Card, the clerk said that if I was going into Mexico they were good but for going into Canada they were not.

Does anyone use one of these for Canada or do I need to get my wife and I new Passports? (I think the clerk thought I wanted a border crossing card for Mexico)

U.S. Passport Card

Murf2u · 06-28-2012, 03:03 PM

I'm with Ottawa, never heard of them asking for registration or insurance at the border, northbound or southbound.

I have State Farm insurance on my m/h and asked about US travel whe they wrote the policy, their reply was that nothing other than the usual 'pink slip' was required.

I know when a deer ran under my m/h last year the Trooper that wrote up the report asked for my pink slip, and verified my insurance, right from the laptop in his cruiser.

I guess it ll goes into a big database somewhere.

w6pea · 06-29-2012, 03:26 PM

I called my insurance agent yesterday afternoon, he said that a Yellow Card (proof of Insurance card) for Canada was available but was not really needed. He said he would send me one if I wanted it. He also said that it was valid only from the date your insurance takes effect and ends when it expires. It's only good as long as your policy is enforce. He said that unless I was going to only be in Canada for a few days I didn't need one. But if I had plans of being there for a month or more he would send me one.

RickO · 06-29-2012, 03:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by w6pea

He also said that it was valid only from the date your insurance takes effect and ends when it expires. It's only good as long as your policy is enforce. .

Since it's intended to prove you have the proper insurance, I think this would be assumed unless I'm missing something.

Rick

monroesilk · 07-17-2012, 12:41 AM

You may want to see if your home state issues an "Enhanced Drivers License". This type of license serves as a 'passport' valid for vehicular travel between the US & Mexico or the US & Canada. In addition it also is valid on cruise travel for the Carribbean.

Go Dawgs · 07-17-2012, 08:35 AM

I have crossed the border into Canada many times, my daughter used to live in Vancouver, BC. You can check with your state to see if they issue an enhanced drivers license (WA state does) it is less expensive and takes less time to issue. You can't get back into the states w/o a valid passport or another type of document. I have never been asked to show insurance card and my insurance carrier doesn't require any other documentation when crossing border.

wa8yxm · 07-17-2012, 10:45 AM

Where as I don't know what you need to go to Canada

Don't forget your passport for when you return to the US (Or an Enhanced Driver's license if your state issues those).

Thanks, by the way, In need to research somethign.

MattC · 07-19-2012, 08:36 AM

We lived in a border community for years. We still go back and forth to visit friends and family and attend interesting events.

We have never been asked for proof of insurance when entering Canada.

The chronic problem now is getting back into the US. It has often been bad, but it now borders on truly annoying. If you don't have a passport or enhaced driver's license (not all states issue), you will be in for a real difficult time.

Do not bring any food stuffs (even dog food) back into the US unless you are POSITIVE it will be allowed. If you are in doubt, just avoid it. You can go to U.S. Customs and Border Protection - Newsroom and read -Bringing Agricultural Products to the United States from Canada-
But be aware that this can change by the day.

There have been times that no meats, fruits or vegitables, even canned or frozen. Some canned can be allowed if you can prove US origin.

The USCBP inspectors have no sense of humor at all.

Avoid the Ambassador Bridge crossing if possible. Most RVs don't fit the tunnel very well, but there is still the Harsen's Island Ferry and the Blue Water Bridge.

Matt