Personal automobile insurance

Check whether your personal insurance contract includes endorsement Q.E.F. No. 27 Civil liability resulting from damage caused to vehicles of which named insured is not owner. If you have this endorsement, you’re covered for damage caused to a vehicle leased in Canada or the United States and benefit from the same protections as for your vehicle in Québec. Important: Endorsement Q.E.F. No. 27 may not cover the lease of certain vehicles—motorcycles being a good example.

Although your automobile insurance includes liability coverage for bodily injury and property damage caused to a third party, the amount of coverage may be insufficient. Check with your insurer to find out if you can increase your coverage for the duration of your trip.

Insurance sold by the rental agency

In some countries, you are required to include third-party liability insurance at the time of lease. The rental agency may also offer you coverage for damage caused to the vehicle. This coverage can be expensive, so check whether you already have it.

You may be allowed to choose only the coverages you don’t already have and thereby avoid paying for coverages you don’t need. For example, if you’re already covered for damage caused to the vehicle but not for third-party liability, then just buy third-party liability coverage.

Insurance provided through your credit card

In some cases, you can benefit from insurance coverage if you pay for the lease of the vehicle with your credit card. Contact your card issuer to check whether this insurance is available and covers damage caused to the vehicle.

Also, make sure the vehicle you want to rent is not a luxury vehicle, pickup truck or other type of vehicle that is included in the exclusions. Important: This insurance does not cover third-party liability.

If you’re already covered by your own insurance, make sure you travel with proof of insurance, your insurer’s contact information, and a valid driver's licence.