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I went back and changed a few options around, and the only one that made a significant impact and brought the annual premium down to $ 1,750 was how long I had had a G class driver's license. I initially said less than one month (a realistic situation for a new immigrant), although my US driving record dates back to 1999. I then changed the date of my first G license to 1999 on the online form, and that's when the premium changed. Obviously, that was only a test, i.e., I cannot claim that date during a real transaction.
I know I can exchange my US license for a Canadian, G class one, but my Canadian driving record will still only be a few days old when I shop for insurance. If the lenght of your Canadian driving record is so important when estimating your premium, I guess you cannot really get a decent premium when you are new to the country...
Yes you can if you spend the time to do things right.
You've been a licensed driver for 11 years -- here is what you do.
Before leaving the US, go to your local DMV and get a certified abstract of your complete driving record. Take those documents with you when you exchange your US license for an Ontario driving permit and you will be put into the system as an experienced driver for that length of time.
Driving experience and geographic location play a huge role in Ontario auto insurance rates.
You just need to check around - some companies will accept your out-of-country driving experience and some won't - when my husband was in Canada it was the same situation - the company I was with wouldn't recognise his driving experience from the UK so we switched companies to one that did. Check around and bring the abstract that Cornerguy mentioned.
@rgpg_99, I don't think it's going to be THAT high. However, did you check with your would-be insurance provider in Canada if they are going to give credit to your driving history (assuming it's clean so that it works to your advantage) in the USA? To others: Do the insurance providers in either countries give value to one's clean driving history on the other side of the border?
Or you could just keep the car registered in NY and pay NY's lower registration and insurance rates. Jumping though the legal hoops to import a car is a pain anyway.
Or you could just keep the car registered in NY and pay NY's lower registration and insurance rates. Jumping though the legal hoops to import a car is a pain anyway.
I second this. Such an old car won't pass Canadian Safety inspection or will cost $$$ to pass including additional $$ for the daytime running lights modification which is a must.
Or you could just keep the car registered in NY and pay NY's lower registration and insurance rates. Jumping though the legal hoops to import a car is a pain anyway.
I thought of that (keeping the NY registration). GEICO does issue a Canada Travel insurance card, which covers your car in Canada. But as far as I understand you can only be in Toronto for 30 days or so before you have to transfer your registration to that city. How strongly is that enforced?
I second this. Such an old car won't pass Canadian Safety inspection or will cost $$$ to pass including additional $$ for the daytime running lights modification which is a must.
What is the "daytime running lights modification"? Is it like japanese motorcycles, that have to run with the headlights on all the time (as per Japanese road safety standards)?
What is the "daytime running lights modification"? Is it like japanese motorcycles, that have to run with the headlights on all the time (as per Japanese road safety standards)?
Yup.
Importing a vehicle comes with a set of headaches all its own.
You'll find all the requirements there -- be aware that you'll also have to deal with US customs to export your vehicle.
Might be better to just buy another clunker here......we have lots.
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