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This typically necessitates a trip to the nearest police station to prove that you own the vehicle, and usually results in a fine for neglecting to carry legally required documents.
So which documents should you have and your vehicle and why?
Proof of insurance: This is a document from your insurance company that states that your car is insured. You are legally required to have it with you while driving, and can expect a fine if you don’t. It should be valid and up to date. It simply proves that your vehicle is insured. It assist traffic police to pull cars off the road that are not insured, which makes sense if one thinks of the astronomical damage that drivers can suffer on the road. This helps you too, because it protects you from third-party liability claims should you cause an accident while driving uninsured.
Car registration: This document proves that your car is legally registered in the province in which you live. It also proves that the vehicle is registered to you. It should match the vehicle’s license plate. It makes it easier for traffic police to pull old worn cars off the road that pose a risk to all drivers, and also enables them to locate stolen vehicles quickly. You are legally required to have it with you while you drive.
Driver’s license: This is the document that proves that you are a licensed driver. It enables traffic police to pull unlicensed, repeatedly reckless, habitual intoxicated drivers off the road. And since they are a threat to us all, we should do our share to cooperate with the process. It is a legal offence to drive without one.
Title or sales: These are documents that you do not want to carry in your car. Whoever has these documents is able to sell the car legally and effortlessly, which you certainly do not want a car thief to be able to do.
A general rule of thumb is to carry these documents on your person, and not in the glove compartment. If you share a vehicle with relatives, you can carry your documents with you and keep the car registration papers in an agreed spot in the house. If you do not want car thieves to know your name and address, the best idea is to have the papers with you while you drive and when you park.
These tips are provided for information and prevention purposes only. They are general in nature, and Desjardins Insurance cannot be held liable for them. We recommend using caution and consulting an expert for comprehensive, tailored advice.
In Quebec, Desjardins Insurance refers to Desjardins General Insurance Inc. In Ontario and Alberta, Desjardins Insurance refers to Certas Direct Insurance Company, underwriter of automobile and property insurance.
