Can I take a rental car to Canada?

It’s a common question from both our US domestic rental customers and international visitors to the US wanting to extend their rental over the border into Canada. The short answer is YES you can take a US rental car into Canada, but much like taking a rental car to Mexico there are a few things you need to know. All of the rental agents we work with will permit travel into Canada subject to certain restrictions, mainly concerning insurance and car type. For instance, not all rental agents, including Alamo for example will not permit Exotics, large passenger vehicles or vans or other speciality vehicles to cross into Canada.

Which rental agents allow travel to Canada?

*See rental agents terms below;

What is the Canadian Non-Resident Insurance Card?

US residents will need a Canadian Non-Resident Insurance Card, usually provided at no extra cost from the rental agent. The card needs to be retained inside the rental car at all times and is proof that the car is insured in the US and permitted to drive in Canada.

US residents can use their own car insurance to drive a rental car in Canada as most policies include this, however you should always check as not all policies do. If you find that you don’t have the relevant insurance, you will need to buy extra insurance at the rental desk when you collect the car. The rental agent will issue the relevant documentation as proof of insurance. Non US residents will need this insurance also and will have no option but to buy this at the rental desk.

24 Hour US/CA Border Crossings

It’s worth noting that whilst there are hundreds of US-Canada border crossings, not all of them are operation 24 hours a day so you should plan ahead to ensure that your intended border crossing point will be open when you arrive. It’s worth considering a back up plan or alternative crossing point nearby should you find yourself delayed and miss your intended crossing. Listed below are the current 24hr border crossings by state, please note that some of these crossings have restricted opening times during national holidays so check before travel.
   

Fascinating Fact

Did you know that the Poker Creek / Little Gold Creek is the northernmost and highest altitude US-Canada border crossing at 1,258m (4127ft)!

Extracts from US Rental agents terms and conditions pertaining to cross border travel to Canada*

Alamo
Most vehicles rented in the US can be driven throughout US and Canada. Some vehicle classes like Exotics, Large Passenger or Cargo Vans, and other specialty vehicles may not be allowed to travel outside of the US. Please reach to the renting location directly for details on cross-border restrictions.

Avis
With advance arrangement and consent from Avis, certain cars may be rented from the United States and driven into Canada by U.S. residents. A Canadian non-resident insurance card may be required and is available at the Avis rental location.

Budget
If you are a U.S resident, you may drive a Budget car into Canada. However, when you pick up a U.S.-registered vehicle in the U.S., you must advise us that you plan to drive to Canada so that, for insurance purposes, we may issue a Canadian Non-Resident Insurance Card. This card, to be kept inside the vehicle, is provided at no cost and it serves as simple documentation that the vehicle is insured in the U.S.

Dollar
At most Dollar car rental locations, driving is restricted to the Continental United States and Canada. Please refer to the Local Policies, found within the reservation process, for specific information regarding geographic limitations at the Dollar rental car location where you intend to rent a Dollar vehicle.

Enterprise
Most vehicles rented in the US can be driven throughout US and Canada. Some vehicle classes like Exotics, Large Passenger or Cargo Vans, and other specialty vehicles may not be allowed to travel outside of the US. Please reach to the renting location directly for details on cross-border restrictions.

Hertz
The renter will need to advise the rental counter if they intend to drive into Canada. You must have a valid license and rental record.

Thrifty
At most locations, driving is restricted to the continental United States and Canada. A Canadian resident is prohibited from driving a U.S. owned vehicle into Canada. Please refer to the Terms & Conditions for specific information regarding geographic limitations at the THRIFTY location where you intend to rent a THRIFTY vehicle.

*all terms correct at time of publication, we recommend you check terms at time of rental.