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If you are importing a car into Canada, you will need to have insurance coverage for the vehicle before you can legally drive it on Canadian roads. Here are some things to keep in mind when buying insurance for an imported car in Canada:

  1. Ensure the car meets Canadian safety standards: Before importing a car into Canada, it is important to make sure that it meets Canadian safety standards. Some imported cars may require modifications to meet these standards, which can impact the cost of insurance.
  2. Get quotes from multiple insurance providers: Shopping around for insurance coverage is important when buying insurance for an imported car. Make sure to get quotes from multiple insurance providers to compare coverage and prices.
  3. Consider the type of coverage you need: The type of coverage you need will depend on the specific circumstances of your imported car. Some common types of coverage to consider include liability insurance, collision coverage, and comprehensive coverage.
  4. Consider the value of the car: The value of your imported car will also impact the cost of insurance. Make sure to accurately estimate the value of the car so that you can get the right amount of coverage.
  5. Understand the impact of your driving history: Your driving history will also impact the cost of insurance for your imported car. Make sure to accurately disclose your driving history to insurance providers when obtaining quotes.

It is important to understand that the cost of insurance for imported cars can vary widely, and you should compare quotes from multiple insurance providers to find the coverage that best suits your needs and budget.

Average cost of car insurance for imported cars in Canada

import car

Here’s an example of the average cost of car insurance for imported cars in Canada, including the cost per year and per month, along with example driver profiles and different cars. The costs are broken down by province and major city:

  1. Ontario:
  • Toronto: $2,500 per year / $208 per month
    • Example driver profile: Male, 35 years old, clean driving record, driving a 2018 Audi A6
    • Example car insurance rates: $2,500 per year for comprehensive coverage with $1,000 deductible
  • Ottawa: $2,100 per year / $175 per month
    • Example driver profile: Female, 30 years old, one at-fault accident, driving a 2015 Mercedes-Benz C-Class
    • Example car insurance rates: $2,100 per year for collision coverage with $500 deductible
  1. Alberta:
  • Calgary: $1,800 per year / $150 per month
    • Example driver profile: Male, 40 years old, two speeding tickets, driving a 2019 BMW X5
    • Example car insurance rates: $1,800 per year for comprehensive coverage with $1,000 deductible
  • Edmonton: $2,200 per year / $183 per month
    • Example driver profile: Female, 25 years old, clean driving record, driving a 2016 Porsche 911
    • Example car insurance rates: $2,200 per year for collision coverage with $1,000 deductible
  1. Quebec:
  • Montreal: $1,500 per year / $125 per month
    • Example driver profile: Male, 45 years old, one at-fault accident, driving a 2017 Tesla Model S
    • Example car insurance rates: $1,500 per year for comprehensive coverage with $500 deductible
  • Quebec City: $1,800 per year / $150 per month
    • Example driver profile: Female, 30 years old, two at-fault accidents, driving a 2014 Maserati GranTurismo
    • Example car insurance rates: $1,800 per year for collision coverage with $1,000 deductible
  1. Nova Scotia:
  • Halifax: $1,600 per year / $133 per month
    • Example driver profile: Male, 50 years old, clean driving record, driving a 2019 Alfa Romeo Giulia
    • Example car insurance rates: $1,600 per year for comprehensive coverage with $500 deductible
  • Dartmouth: $1,900 per year / $158 per month
    • Example driver profile: Female, 35 years old, one speeding ticket, driving a 2015 Jaguar F-Type
    • Example car insurance rates: $1,900 per year for collision coverage with $1,000 deductible

It’s important to keep in mind that the cost of car insurance for imported cars can vary based on a wide range of factors, and may be different for different individuals and vehicles. It’s always a good idea to shop around and compare quotes from different insurance providers to find the best rates and coverage options for your individual needs and circumstances.

FAQs

Here are some frequently asked questions and answers about car insurance for imported cars in Canada:

Q: Do imported cars need to meet Canadian safety standards? A: Yes, imported cars must meet Canadian safety standards before they can be legally driven on Canadian roads. This may require modifications to the vehicle, which can impact the cost of insurance.

Q: What type of coverage do I need for my imported car? A: The type of coverage you need for your imported car will depend on the specific circumstances of your vehicle. Some common types of coverage to consider include liability insurance, collision coverage, and comprehensive coverage.

Q: How does the value of my imported car impact the cost of insurance? A: The value of your imported car will impact the cost of insurance, as higher-value vehicles will typically require more comprehensive coverage. Make sure to accurately estimate the value of the car when shopping for insurance.

Q: How does my driving history impact the cost of insurance for my imported car? A: Your driving history will also impact the cost of insurance for your imported car. Make sure to accurately disclose your driving history to insurance providers when obtaining quotes.

Q: Can I get insurance coverage for my imported car if I have a history of accidents or traffic violations? A: Yes, you can still get insurance coverage for your imported car even if you have a history of accidents or traffic violations. However, your driving history will impact the cost of insurance, so it is important to accurately disclose this information when obtaining quotes.

Q: What documentation do I need to provide to get insurance for my imported car? A: You will typically need to provide proof of ownership, a bill of sale, and information about the vehicle, including its make, model, and year, to obtain insurance for your imported car.

Q: How long does it take to get insurance coverage for my imported car? A: The time it takes to get insurance coverage for your imported car will depend on the insurance provider and the specifics of your situation. Some providers may be able to offer coverage quickly, while others may take longer to process your application.

Q: What happens if I import a car that does not meet Canadian safety standards? A: If you import a car that does not meet Canadian safety standards, you may not be able to legally drive it on Canadian roads. You may also have difficulty obtaining insurance coverage for the vehicle.

Q: Can I import a car from another country and get insurance coverage for it in Canada? A: Yes, you can import a car from another country and obtain insurance coverage for it in Canada. However, you will need to make sure that the car meets Canadian safety standards before you can legally drive it on Canadian roads.

Q: Are there any restrictions on importing a car into Canada? A: There are restrictions on importing a car into Canada, including restrictions on the age of the vehicle and the type of vehicle. You should check with the Canadian Border Services Agency for more information on importing a car into Canada.

It is important to understand that the cost of insurance for imported cars can vary widely, and you should compare quotes from multiple insurance providers to find the coverage that best suits your needs and budget.

About the Author: Valerie D. Hahn

Valerie is an insurance editor, journalist, and business professional at RateLab. She has more than 15 years of experience in personal financial products. She strives to educate readers and ensure that they are properly protected.

One Comment

  1. Jamie Booth 20 September 2021 at 7:01 pm - Reply

    I have permission to bring my VW Transporter 2021 right hand drive in to Canada for the period I am working here up to 4 years.
    Can you help with insurance in Ontario please.
    Happyto forward the info i have van details etc.

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