I wonder if I've been given misinformation. I've been reading the Canada boards for months and I've never noticed anything abt a special insurance card necessary for driving there. I just happened to see this detail on a Fodor's Maine posting-- it was total news to me. Can someone clarify, please? Thanks. (I'll call our State Farm rep also-- it's just that I'm so surprised because this is all news to me. I wonder, e.g. what one does if one lands in Canada without the requisite card.)

Never had an occasion to need the insurance card in Canada, but because we drive up to Vancouver once in awhile we make it a point to get a Canadian travel card every time our policy comes up for renewal. Better safe than sorry!

There is a yellow card that I get from my insurance agent that certifies my automobile insurance coverage. The official name of the card is:

Canada Non-Resident Inter-Province Motor Vehicle Liability Insurance Card

I am not really sure if I MUST have it or not, but I always get one from my agent because I once read somewhere that I was supposed to have one.

I have never had any trouble getting one. I insure with Central Insurance Company and its agents take good care of their customers.

I have never had to show the card for any reason.

Canadians must carry proof of insurance in their vehicles at all times. A standard roadside request is 'driver's license and insurance please'.
As such, you should carry some form of paper with you.
A rental contract would include proof of insurance.

Thanks, everyone. I did get the extra little card from State Farm. (Really curious that none of the rental cos. I called mentioned such card.)

Not surprising. In Austria an international driver's license is required by Austrian law. Avis has never asked me if I had one.