OIP News- Importing A Vehicle From The United States?
The Canadian dollar’s increase has prompted cross-border shopping on large ticket items such as automobiles. In response, the Government of Canada amended the Motor Vehicle Safety Regulations to make it easier for Canadians to import vehicles from the United States, built on or after September 1, 2007, that are already equipped with an electronic immobilization system (anti-theft) or that can be fitted with one.
Before buying a vehicle in the U.S., Canadians should check with the Registrar of Imported Vehicles about the rules and process for importing vehicles (www.riv.ca). Transport Canada's Registrar of Imported Vehicles program verifies that new vehicles sold at the retail level in the U.S. and imported for use in Canada meet Canadian safety requirements. Imported vehicles may have to be modified to meet requirements for daytime running lights, child tether anchorage systems, and anti-theft immobilization devices.
Questions about duties and taxes on imported goods, including vehicles, should be directed to the Canada Border Services Agency at 1.800.461.9999 (in Canada) or 1.506.636.5064 (outside Canada).
Where does insurance fit in? You’ll arrange for insurance as you would here in Canada. When the vehicle delivery date is established, simply call your Broker at Pottruff & Smith with the VIN number, year, make, and model. Once the ownership of the vehicle is taken, the insurance coverage is in place for a period of 14 days. In Ontario, the vehicle must be registered within those 14 days; after that, the insurance is no longer valid until the registration occurs.
For more information on this and other aspects of OIP coverage, contact Pottruff & Smith Insurance Brokers Inc., at 1.888.681.2862.