In Ontario, standard insurance companies do not recognize insurance history outside Canada or USA. There are a few options open to new drivers to Ontario, who have been licensed and insured outside Canada.

The first option is to determine if your current insurance company does business in Ontario. If they do, that insurance company may consider a preferred rate for you, based on their company record with you.

If they do not operate in your new province, you will be looking at higher rates and you will need to shop around to find an insurance company which may offer a three or even four star driving record. This will be based on a “Letter of Experience”, from your present insurance company, professionally written and translated into English if necessary, by qualified translators. At best, this will only allow a four star driving record, so the rate will still be quite high.

There are licence issues as well. While the Ministry of Transportation may recognize driving history outside Canada and USA, most insurance companies do not. Your driving record may also be lowered, thereby increasing your rate. You will also need to bring a driver abstract with you from your present corresponding authority. Shop for your insurance rate, but do not just look for the immediate quote. Ask how long it will be before you have preferred rates and does the broker/agent have the market to move you to preferred rates when you qualify and find out when that will be, based on a clear driving record.

If you have driving experience outside of Canada or USA, you may be credited for it when you speak with the insurance broker or agent about the rate. However, InsuranceHotline.com does not calculate for international experience.