Canada - Anything an American should know about renting a car in Canada?

Amazingly, it's been years since I've rented a car in Canada. I guess I've just been flying to USA border cities and driving across. But, next month, I plan to rent a car at YUL.

My recollection is that, for Americans, the insurance situation for car rentals is the same as if you had rented the car in the USA. My personal USA automobile insurance coverage is valid in Canada, even on rental cars -- right? And then if I use one of my USA credit cards (AMEX, Visa Signature) I get the free collision damage coverage for the rental vehicle. So renting a car in Montreal is basically the same as renting in Minneapolis, right?

Finally, are there any "shady" major car rental companies in Canada? Like in Germany, many people told me to avoid Thrifty/Dollar, even though they are fine to use in the USA. Any major outfits in Canada to be avoided? Thanks.

Amazingly, it's been years since I've rented a car in Canada. I guess I've just been flying to USA border cities and driving across. But, next month, I plan to rent a car at YUL.

My recollection is that, for Americans, the insurance situation for car rentals is the same as if you had rented the car in the USA. My personal USA automobile insurance coverage is valid in Canada, even on rental cars -- right? And then if I use one of my USA credit cards (AMEX, Visa Signature) I get the free collision damage coverage for the rental vehicle. So renting a car in Montreal is basically the same as renting in Minneapolis, right?

Finally, are there any "shady" major car rental companies in Canada? Like in Germany, many people told me to avoid Thrifty/Dollar, even though they are fine to use in the USA. Any major outfits in Canada to be avoided? Thanks.

To answer the last part:
Yup, all the major co's in the USA are fine in Canada.

I've rented several times cars from Dollar in Germany and never had any problems.
Even better. They stayed open just for me after my flight was delayed over an hour.

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My recollection is that, for Americans, the insurance situation for car rentals is the same as if you had rented the car in the USA. My personal USA automobile insurance coverage is valid in Canada, even on rental cars -- right? And then if I use one of my USA credit cards (AMEX, Visa Signature) I get the free collision damage coverage for the rental vehicle. So renting a car in Montreal is basically the same as renting in Minneapolis, right?

...



Canada/US cross border insurance should be OK with most credit cards and car insurance policies.
BUT
I would contact my insurance carrier and credit card to confirm insurance coverage just to make sure.

Many USA insurers have a separate card for proof of insurance in Canada. There will be no fee attached - just head online or give your agent a call and they'll get the card in the mail, and then there's absolutely no dispute on your insurance coverage.

next month, I plan to rent a car at YUL.

You cannot turn right on a red light on Montreal Island.

Many USA insurers have a separate card for proof of insurance in Canada. There will be no fee attached - just head online or give your agent a call and they'll get the card in the mail, and then there's absolutely no dispute on your insurance coverage.
The interprovincial insurance certificate is required in any vehicle whose driver claims to be insured. The certificate is to be presented in case of an accident. This would not normally apply to rental cars where the liability insurance is standard in every contract. The optional coverages are mostly for damage or loss to the vehicle you rented and that is not covered by the insurance card.

I believe that all rentals come with $1 million liability coverage automatically. This is certainly not the case in the USA where you may get 0 liability coverage or some token amount like $25,000 - depends on the state.

From what I understand, kids 4 and over don't need a car seat in Canada. Right?

From what I understand, kids 4 and over don't need a car seat in Canada. Right?

You can't generalize Canada wide. Transportation is a provincial jurisdiction.

Some are by age, height or weight. Some mandates booster for post car seat period.

You are best to check with your destination's official websites.

From what I understand, kids 4 and over don't need a car seat in Canada. Right?

In Quebec, children whose sitting height is less than 63 cm require an appropriate car seat (or 24.8 inches for our metric challenged friends to the south)


http://www.saaq.gouv.qc.ca/en/accident_prevention/childseats/law.php

Thanks!

Some car rental companies might make a fuss over insurance depending on your coverage/state.

Some states (Florida for exampe) have woefully low minimum third party liability coverage and is below the legal minimum for insurance in Quebec.

I'm not familiar with what minimums come automatically by virtue of having the rental.

Your own insurance company should be able to provide this information.