•
Remember your sun safety.
It is still possible to get
sunburned while in a closed
vehicle; ensure all passengers
are wearing sunglasses and
sunscreen with an appropriate
SPF. You may even want
to consider purchasing a
sunshade for the backseat.
4. Prepare Your Documents
Bring the following documents with
you in order to avoid issues crossing
into the U.S. and re-entering Canada
on your way home. Double check the
expiry dates:
• Passports and NEXUS cards
• Driver’s licence and vehicle
registration
• Proof of auto insurance
• Parking placard for people
with disabilities, if required
• Customs forms – If you will
be travelling with personal
items in your car you need to
fi ll out a U.S. Customs and
Border Protection Form 3299:
Declaration for Free Entry
of Unaccompanied Articles
that accurately lists all of the
personal belongings in your
car. You should also fi ll out
the Canada Border Services
Agency Form E-15: Certifi cate
of Destruction/Exportation to
ensure that you do not have to
pay duties and taxes on your
personal belongings when you
return home.
5. Map Out Your Route
Mapping your route in advance
lets you estimate travel time and
distances, plan your stops, and
avoid areas that could potentially
be unsafe. If you’re driving in the
winter, you may want to map a route
that avoids mountainous regions, as
they can pose a serious risk in cold
and snowy weather.
You can plan your drive using
online mapping tools or guidebooks
and road maps. Take the maps and
guidebooks with you, along with
a GPS if you have one, in case you
need to reroute.
Make sure to tell a family member
or friend which route you are
planning to take. This is important
in case of an emergency.
6. Check the Weather
Start looking at the weather forecasts
along your route about one week
before you leave. Make sure to check
the weather regularly right up to the
date of your departure to watch for
major storms and other unexpected
travel hazards.
7. Pack Smart
In addition to your emergency car
kit, important documents, and road
maps, consider packing the following
items with you:
• U.S. cash – for tolls and
incidentals.
• Water and snacks – these
items should be easily
accessible to keep you
hydrated and fueled on the
road. Remember that many
agricultural products may
not be taken into the U.S.
Review the U.S. Customs and
Border Protection policies
before departing to ensure
•
you know which items are
prohibited and which items
must be declared (cbp.gov/
travel/international-
visitors/agricultural-
items).
Carry-on bag – this will be
the bag you will take
into the hotel with you at
night, containing weather-
appropriate clothing, toiletries,
medication, travel documents,
and all valuables you do not
want to leave unattended in
your car overnight.
8. Review Your Insurance Policy
Part of every road trip plan should
involve assessing and reviewing
your auto insurance policy. Do you
have coverage if your car’s engine
dies and you have to be towed to a
U.S. mechanic? What if your car gets
broken into and all of your valuables
are taken?
Not all road trips go as expected;
it’s important to review your
insurance policy ahead of time and
know what you’re covered for. Then
you can hit the open road with the
peace of mind that you and your
loved ones are protected.
If you plan on staying in the
U.S. for more than sixty days, check
with your broker as some insurers
may apply a surcharge or impose
other restrictions beyond the
sixty-day period.
If you have any questions about
your existing auto insurance
coverage or want to know more
about the coverage recommended
for long distance driving, contact
your insurance broker. ●
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