Key takeaway: In most cases, no — not outside Canada and the United States.

This is the question every traveller asks. The answer, unfortunately somewhat complex, is the following: your Quebec auto insurance coverage is generally very limited once you cross the border, and virtually nonexistent in most overseas countries.

Here is a detailed breakdown of what you need to know to travel with peace of mind when renting a car abroad.

1. The standard protection of your auto insurance (F.A.Q. 27)

Your Quebec auto insurance policy often includes the F.A.Q. 27 endorsement (Civil liability for damage caused to vehicles not owned by the named insured). This endorsement is key to coverage for a rental vehicle.

• Coverage for damage to the rented vehicle: F.A.Q. 27 may cover material damage to the rental vehicle (collision, theft, vandalism), but only in Canada and the United States (including Alaska and Hawaii).
• Excluded territories: As soon as you leave this area (Europe, Asia, South America, etc.), this coverage no longer applies.
• Civil liability: Although your civil liability coverage follows you outside Quebec, it may be insufficient compared to the amounts required in certain countries. Also, considering exchange rates, it is important to remember that the insurer indemnifies in Canadian dollars.

⚠️ In practical terms: If you rent a car, for example in Mexico, France, or Italy, your Quebec auto insurance will not cover you for repairs following a covered loss or for theft of the rental vehicle.

If your road trip stays within Canada: fewer concerns, but some checks are still necessary

Before diving into the complexities of international travel, it is important to note that if your trip remains within Canadian borders (including Quebec or other provinces and territories), things are much simpler thanks to your auto insurance.

Simplified auto coverage

• Damage to the rented vehicle: This is the good news. The F.A.Q. 27 endorsement mentioned above covers damage to a rental vehicle (collision, theft, vandalism) anywhere in Canada. If you have this protection on your own vehicle, it extends to the vehicle you rent. To obtain this endorsement, the insured must have comprehensive protections including collision and accident without collision coverage. The deductible listed in the policy conditions will apply.
• Civil liability: Your Quebec civil liability coverage also follows you in all Canadian provinces and territories. It also adjusts to the minimum amount required in the province where you are driving. For example, in Quebec the minimum is $50,000, while in other Canadian provinces the minimum required may reach up to $500,000.

The pitfall to avoid: medical coverage

If auto coverage is less problematic, never forget the medical aspect, even within Canada:

• Health care: Although you have access to the public health care system (the health insurance plan of the province you are visiting), you may still need to pay certain additional expenses (ambulance, repatriation to Quebec, non-covered medications, etc.) that are not reimbursed by the RAMQ.
• The importance of travel insurance: This is why, even for a Canadian road trip, Securiglobe can provide additional peace of mind. A travel insurance policy may cover medical and non-medical expenses that are not covered by the provincial system (trip interruption, private emergency services, etc.).

2. The different layers of protection abroad

To be properly covered abroad, you should consider three sources of protection:

2.1. Insurance offered by the rental company

This is often the first thing offered to you at the rental counter.

• Vehicle damage coverage (CDW/LDW): This protection covers damage to the vehicle you rent. It is often mandatory or strongly recommended. This insurance should be purchased if your trip is outside Canada or the United States. If your trip remains only within Canada or the United States, your F.A.Q. 27 endorsement is usually sufficient.
• Liability coverage (SLI): This covers bodily injury or property damage you may cause to others. It is essential because the base amount included with the rental is often very low.

Important note: Even with the rental company’s protection, there is often a deductible (an amount you must pay out of pocket) and certain exclusions (vehicle types, driving on unpaved roads, etc.).

2.2. Insurance from your credit card

Many premium credit cards include rental car insurance, but it is rarely sufficient on its own.

Advantages:

• They generally cover damage to and theft of the rental vehicle if you pay the full rental cost with the card and decline the rental company’s insurance.

Limitations:

• They almost never cover liability (damage caused to others). This is a major risk.
• Coverage is limited in time (often a maximum of 30 days).
• They may exclude luxury vehicles, SUVs, trucks, and sometimes rentals in certain countries.
• They do not cover loss-of-use fees charged by the rental company.

🚨 Advice from ClicAssure and Securiglobe

It is essential to purchase travel insurance that at minimum covers emergency medical care, and to complement it if necessary with trip cancellation and interruption options. ✅

The question of rental cars is only one aspect. The most significant risk is that of a medical emergency abroad.

• The RAMQ (Régie de l'assurance maladie du Québec) reimburses very little (and often nothing) for hospitalization, ambulance, or repatriation costs abroad.
• A medical issue or minor accident can cost tens or even hundreds of thousands of dollars in medical expenses in the United States or abroad.
• Never risk your health and finances just to save a few dollars on a travel insurance policy.

Before you leave: your checklist

1. Contact your auto insurer to confirm the application of the F.A.Q. 27 endorsement for your destination (Canada and the United States only). While reviewing your auto insurance file, why not also check whether you are paying the best possible price for your auto insurance? To do so, simply use the ClicAssure auto insurance comparison tool.
2. Check your credit card:
   1. Auto coverage: carefully read the fine print regarding exclusions, the maximum rental period, and liability coverage. If your credit card includes collision coverage (CDW/LDW), ask your financial institution to provide proof of coverage. In many destinations, including Costa Rica, you may need to present this proof to the rental company or purchase the insurance offered by them.
   2. Medical coverage: Travel insurance offered by credit cards often covers the three main components (emergency medical care, trip cancellation/interruption, and lost baggage), but they include several important limitations:
      1. Maximum duration: some cards only cover short trips.
      2. Exclusions: pre-existing conditions, high-risk sports, or chronic illnesses may not be covered.
      3. Stability period: some cards require a pre-existing condition to be stable for a certain period before departure.
      4. Limiting clauses: certain conditions may reduce reimbursement or impose a cap on reimbursed expenses. It is therefore recommended to supplement medical coverage with comprehensive travel insurance to avoid high costs and unexpected situations abroad.
3. Consult Securiglobe for a complete travel insurance quote, including emergency medical coverage as well as trip cancellation, interruption, and baggage options.

A successful trip is one where you are prepared for the unexpected. By ensuring you are properly insured, you can focus on exploring the world.