Reader’s Question:

I live in Canada and would like to buy a vehicle in Lakeland, Florida that I can use during the winter months. I am planning to bring it home to Canada for the summer months. Can I purchase car insurance in Florida that will cover Canada at the same time?

Leslie

Lakeland, FL

To insure and register a car in Lakeland, Florida you will need to acquire a Florida driver’s license. The FL Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles states that Canadian citizens are non-immigrants and are permitted to stay in the US without getting INS documentation. Canadians without INS documents must show proof of Canadian citizenship to be issued a FL driver license by providing two of the following: Canadian passport, Original or certified Canadian birth certificate, Canadian driver license, Canadian Naturalization certificate.

As for getting auto insurance, the mandatory liability insurance bought in Florida is different than what is required in Canada and because of this it would likely be not easy to find an insurance provider that could cover your car in both places. The Canadian Snowbird Association, might be able to assist you check if as a seasonal FL resident you can get car insurance for both FL and Canada. You might also speak this issue with your current Canadian car insurance provider.

Tags: auto insurance