Insurance for UK licence holders in canada?

[bigfatnick]

Hi all, i'm in a position where i have so little career prospects that i can go travelling, winner. So, i'm spending the summer in Whistler, BC, mountain biking, i head out at the start of June and i stay till the end of August. Anyways, i'd quite like a car (well, big old pickup truck with holes where the rust used to be).

So, does anyone know of any foreigner freindly insurance companies in canada? Do you think they will cover me to drive into the states? and are costs similar to in the states (a mate insured a bronco in the states for $200 for the year)?

Also, what other costs do i need to look out for in canada? I was under the impression they don't have car tax, and only a very basic mot style test?


thanks

nick

[sawman]

Nick, in BC your uk licence will only be valid for 3 months, you will then have to take a test to get a BC licence. Car insurance is a bit of a monopoly too ( i think its government run) here a website that has some useful info http://www.icbc.com/insurance/insura_getsta_howbuy...

Car have to pass a safety inspection but i am not sure how rigourous it is cos i see some pretty ropey looking stuff driving about. Gas is cheaper her than the UK $1.20 a litre at the moment - but its going up just like the UK.

The great thing about canada is that loads of things have v8's in especially pickups, they sound great even when they are old and knackered.

The other thing you are going to need to look at it you are working is the paperwork in terms of work visas, check this site for deets: www.cic.gc.ca

S

[sawman]

just re read you post, looks like you will only be there for 3 months, so the licence shouldnt be a problem. You might be better renting a truck (I have been renting a dodge nitro for $800 a month including insurance) Oddly you dont seem to be able to pick up the 500 quid motor over here, you would probably need to spend $2000 and then you have the hassle of getting rid before you leave.

[bigfatnick]

hey mate, yeah, after i posted i went looking to see how much i could pick something up. it seems bizzare they way used car prices work out there. it seems a old pickup might be $20k new, and 15 years later still be like $10k.

i think it might be a rubbish idea. Which is rubbish, becauase i really wanted a big old truck, something i cant justify in the uk!

gutted



cheers anyway mate