If you have a question that is not on this list, please feel free to contact us online or by e-mail at .

• What is the most important thing to do when considering importing a car from the States?
  First, make sure the vehicle is allowed into Canada! You need to check the Canadian vehicle import admissibility list. Click here for a copy of this list in HTML or download it as an Adobe Acrobat file (.PDF)and for a copy of this list in Adobe Acrobat (.pdf) format.
• Can I finance or lease a car when you buy it in the U.S.?
  Yes! UCanImport is pleased to report that it has arranged a leasing option with one of Canada's largest fleet leasing organizations. For more information, click here.
• Why is leasing not available in Quebec?
  Due to the laws governing consumer leasing in the Province of Quebec, we have been unable to find a leasing company that is willing to finance vehicle leases on U.S. imports for UCanImport Subscribers. However, we will continue to look for a suitable partner so that we may include Quebec residents in this UCanImport Leasing Program at a future date.
• What is the best way to pay for my new car?
  There are a number of payment options available:

  • Cash - be sure to declare any amounts of $10,000 to the border officers or risk having it confiscated.
  • Credit cards - only up to a certain amount and usually only for deposits.
  • Wire transfer - through your financial institution or through Foreign Exchange Merchants who will be able to offer more competitive exchange rates. Using this type of service will allow you to lock in rates or book rates in advance.
• Can I use by personal travel exemption to reduce the value of my car purchase?
  If you make a holiday of your vehicle pick up part of your purchase will qualify under your personal exemption limits. The exemption varies based on the time you spend out of the country but can amount to as much as $750.00. Present your Bill of Sale to the CBSA border agent and inform them that you'd like to claim part of the purchase price under your allowable exemption. To verify your exemption limits click here.
• Do documentation requirements vary by US border?
  Yes. Some US borders (even in the same State/Province) will have different documentation requirements. For example, some will expect to receive your original Title by courier, whereas others will want only a fax copy. There are also some that do not require the Vehicle Export Worksheet.

  Please note that you may not import your car through any US border, only those specifically designated as Vehicle Export Offices. You can find this information by checking out our section on border crossings and selecting your border of choice.

• What if I can't go down to pick up my new car personally? Can someone else do it for me?
  Yes, you can have the dealership arrange transport to your border of choice and meet the transport truck at a mutually acceptable location in the US (close to the border); or

  You can have someone (friend/relative) collect the car for you. All your documentation will have been submitted to the US border 3 business days in advance, and the person picking up the car will have to prove that they are the person named on the Vehicle Export Worksheet by providing passport/driver's license/and to be on the safe side a letter from you authorizing them to pick up the car on your behalf; or

  You can arrange for the dealership to transport into Canada and use a Customs Broker to clear the vehicle through both US and Canadian Customs. Click here for a searchable database of custom brokers you may wish to contact. For a fee, the Customs broker will meet the transport company, clear the vehicle, and then the transport company will proceed to deliver the vehicle to you in Canada. Exact procedure and costs may vary, so please verify with the customs broker of choice.

• What is a Temporary Insurance Binder?
  It's the same kind of insurance you have on your car, except for a shorter period. Some auto insurance companies issue temporary insurance for 10 days and other may offer it for 14 days. This type of insurance gives you liability and comprehensive coverage while you are traveling in the US to pick up your car and for the time you will need to have you new car modified and inspected, prior to registration.

  Some provinces, like Alberta, will allow you to get your new insurance policy before you import the vehicle, so we recommend that if possible. Other provinces, like Ontario, want the vehicle to be in the province before they will issue your new insurance policy. In that case, you will have to obtain temporary insurance and then, on the day of vehicle registration, get the new insurance policy started.

• Are there any time restrictions for obtaining a Canadian trip permit?
  After you bring your car back from the US, you will have to obtain a Trip Permit from your Canadian autoplan agent. You will require the Trip Permit to take your vehicle for modification work and inspections.

  IMPORTANT TIP: While RIV gives you 45 days to complete your inspections and register your vehicle, some provinces, like Ontario, will not issue Trip Permits if the Bill of Sale is over 10 days old. For example, if you have a Bill of Sale dated January 10th, you may be denied a Trip Permit if you apply for it after January 20th.

  Check with your provincial autoplan service to see if these time restrictions are enforced in your province. If they are, plan your purchase, import and modification work accordingly.

• Will the US warranty be valid in Canada?
  Most auto manufacturers will honour their US factory warranty when you import the car into Canada. However, some manufacturers are choosing to void their warranty if you bring one of their cars into Canada - to us this looks like nothing more than another tactic supporting price protectionism. While more details are included in our guide, we strongly suggest to confirm warranty information directly with the manufacturer. If they are voiding the warranty, we suggestion you (1) choose to purchase from their competitor or (2) purchase a third-party warranty.
• Can I drive a US registered vehicle into Canada if I live part-time in the US and part-time in Canada (i.e. I'm a "snowbird")?
  At this time, as per information obtained from a Canadian border officer, it is illegal for a Canadian citizen to drive a personal US registered vehicle for pleasure in Canada anywhere except direct to your Canadian residence and then back to your US address. No side trips allowed. For more information contact CBSA at http://www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/contact/bis-sif-eng.html
• Why do I need a Recall Clearance Letter?
  A Recall Clearance Letter is issued by an auto manufacturer to confirm that there are no outstanding recalls on your vehicle. This information is specific to your VIN. You will need to submit the Recall Clearance Letter, or other approved substitute, to RIV in order to receive your Form 2. If you do not have this recall information RIV will not issue a Form 2 and you will not be able to register your vehicle. See our guide for approved substitutes.
• What is a Form 2?
  A document issued by Canada's Registrar of Imported Vehicles (RIV), Form 2 indicates which modifications are required to your specific vehicle. You will only receive this form after paying the RIV import fee, submitting a Recall Clearance Letter (or alternative), and providing a copy of Form 1. See our guide for more details.
• Who is responsible for completing the modification work?
  Unless specifically prohibited by the auto manufacturer, you can choose a mechanic, garage, dealership to complete your modification work? We recommend Canadian Tire as a cost-effective alternative. They have locations across the country and are very familiar with the modification work necessary for completion of the importation.
• Who inspects the modification work?
  Canadian Tire has been appointed by Canada's Registrar of Imported Vehicles (RIV) to complete the inspection of all modifications. The cost of the inspection is covered by the RIV importation fee.

Importation Management Services

Are you interested in taking advantage of the great vehicle selection and pricing in the United States, but would prefer to have an expert by your side throughout the importation process? UCanImport offers its professional importation management services to ensure your importation goes smoothly. Click here for more details.