Other Insurance - home, auto, liability

AUTO - unlike Canada , which in some Provinces is government run, private companies run all auto insurance in the US .  You will see things like underinsured motorists and uninsured motorists coverage down here.  Liability limits are typically $100k/300k versus $1M in Canada.  Make sure you contact your insurer to get additional coverage if you are going to take your vehicle into Mexico even if it is just for one day.

HOME - like Canada , you are required to have homeowners insurance if you have a mortgage on your home (the bank wants to protect its investment!).  You should ensure you get coverage to protect yourself if someone slips on your driveway or falls into your pool.  But beware, if you are running a small business out of your home, your homeowners insurance does not provide the coverage you need!

LIABILITY - the US is a much more litigious society than Canada because the laws are more liberal in permitting lawsuits and the case law has proven big payouts are possible.  As a result, there are countless attorneys in the phone book advertising for those who may have been injured.  Make sure you protect yourself with an excess liability policy.  This provides you with coverage and/or a legal defense team when your auto or homeowners policies may not (in the event of a defamation or libel suit for example).

We never recommend you retain your Canadian property/casualty insurance policies when making the transition to the US . . . they just don't provide the coverage you need as a resident of the US .  Contact us if you have questions in this area and want to ensure you, and your family, is protected in the event of a mishap.