Travel Insurance and Liability Issues in New Brunswick

Q: What should I do if I'm in a car accident in New Brunswick?

1. Stop immediately. 2. Check for injuries and call 911 if needed. 3. Exchange information (license, insurance, registration). 4. Report the accident to local police if there is injury, significant damage, or if the other driver fails to stop. 5. Notify your insurance/rental company promptly.

Q: Are there specific traffic laws in NB I should know?

Key laws: Right turns on red are allowed after a full stop, unless signed otherwise. Seat belts are mandatory for all passengers. Using hand-held devices while driving is illegal. Winter tires are recommended from October to April.

Q: Who pays if I get injured in an activity like skiing?

You are typically responsible. Many adventure operators have liability waivers. Your travel insurance may cover medical costs from injuries, but only if you have purchased a policy that includes adventure sports or hazardous activities.

Q: What government agencies handle traffic and liability issues?

The New Brunswick Department of Justice and Public Safety oversees provincial policing (RCMP contracts). The Department of Transportation and Infrastructure handles driver licensing and vehicle registration. For health emergencies, service is provided by Horizon Health Network or Vitalité Health Network.

Q: What are typical local costs for traffic violations or medical fees?

Speeding fines range from $100 to $500+. An ambulance ride costs approximately $700-$900. A visit to a walk-in clinic can be $100-$150. Hospital stays can exceed $5,000 per day. Without insurance, these are out-of-pocket expenses.

All visitors to New Brunswick must secure comprehensive travel health insurance, as provincial healthcare does not cover non-residents, and understand that Third-Party Liability auto insurance of at least $200,000 is legally mandatory for drivers, with strict penalties for violations and high potential costs for medical emergencies.

National vs. Provincial Policy: Key Differences

Understanding the division of powers in Canada is crucial. Healthcare and driver licensing are primarily provincial responsibilities, while criminal law is federal.

Key Distinction: Canada's universal healthcare (governed by the Canada Health Act) is for residents only. As a visitor, you fall outside this system entirely.

Healthcare: No national health plan for tourists. Coverage denial in NB is absolute for non-residents.
Auto Insurance: Minimum liability limits are set by provinces. NB's $200,000 minimum is standard, but requirements are enforced provincially.
Traffic Laws: Basic rules (e.g., impaired driving) are federal, but enforcement and minor regulations (speed limits, signage) are provincial.

Mandatory vs. Recommended Insurance

Insurance Type	Legal Requirement?	Recommended Coverage Level	Consequences of Lacking It
Third-Party Auto Liability	YES (Min. $200k)	$1-2 Million	Fines, license suspension, personal liability for all damages.
Travel Health Insurance	No, but critically essential	Min. $100,000; $1M+ preferred	You pay 100% of extremely high medical costs (see cost breakdown).
Collision/Loss Damage Waiver (CDW/LDW)	No (for rental cars)	Strongly Recommended	You are liable for full repair/replacement cost of the rental vehicle.
Trip Cancellation/Interruption	No	Varies by trip cost	Loss of pre-paid travel expenses due to covered reasons.

Case Example: A visitor from Europe slipped on ice in Saint John, fracturing a hip. The hospital bill was $28,000. Their comprehensive travel health insurance covered the entire cost after a $500 deductible.

Local Law Enforcement & Traffic Stop Protocols

Policing in NB is primarily contracted to the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) and some municipal forces. During a stop:

Pull over safely to the right and stop.
Stay in your vehicle unless instructed otherwise.
Have your driver's license, proof of insurance, and vehicle registration ready.
Be prepared for strict enforcement of speeding, especially in construction zones (fines often double).

NB-Specific Note: The province uses both marked and unmarked police vehicles for traffic enforcement. Speeding tickets are common on highways like the Trans-Canada (Route 2).

Step-by-Step: What to Do After an Accident

Stop Immediately. Never leave the scene.
Check for Injuries. Call 911 for medical help if anyone is hurt.
Move Vehicles to a Safe Location if possible and minor.
Exchange Information:
- Full name, address, phone number
- Driver's license number
- Insurance company name and policy number
- Vehicle make, model, year, license plate, and VIN
Report to Police: Required by the Motor Vehicle Act of New Brunswick if there is injury, death, or property damage exceeding $1,000. Call the local non-emergency line or *RCMP ( *726 on mobile).
Document the Scene: Take photos of damage, vehicle positions, license plates, and road conditions.
Notify Your Insurer/Rental Company as soon as possible.

Key Government Agencies & Contact Information

Medical Emergency: Dial 911.
Horizon Health Network & Vitalité Health Network operate hospitals.
RCMP (Non-Emergency): Varies by district. For general inquiries: RCMP Contact Info.
New Brunswick Department of Justice and Public Safety: Oversees insurance regulations and victim services.
Service New Brunswick: Handles driver licensing and vehicle registration for residents. Visitors should contact their rental agency or home jurisdiction.

Local Cost Breakdown: Fines, Fees & Medical Expenses

All figures are approximate in CAD. Actual costs may vary.

Item	Typical Cost Range	Notes
Speeding Ticket	$100 - $500+	Fines increase with speed over limit; double in construction zones.
Ambulance Transport	$700 - $900	Billed per trip, regardless of distance within province.
Emergency Room Visit	$1,000 - $3,000+	Cost depends on treatment; can exceed $5,000 for complex care.
Hospital Stay (per day)	$3,000 - $10,000	ICU stays are at the highest end of this range.
Car Rental CDW/LDW (per day)	$20 - $40	Often offered as a daily add-on by rental companies.
Medical Evacuation to Home Country	$15,000 - $100,000+	The single largest potential expense without insurance.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Do I need travel health insurance to visit New Brunswick?

A. Yes. Canada's public healthcare does not cover visitors. A medical emergency can cost tens of thousands of dollars. Insurance is essential.

Is my foreign driver's license valid in New Brunswick?

A. Yes, most foreign licenses are valid for up to 90 days for tourists. You must carry a valid license from your home country and an International Driving Permit (IDP) if the license is not in English or French.

What is the minimum car rental insurance I must have in NB?

A. By law, all vehicles must have Third-Party Liability coverage of at least $200,000. Rental companies include this, but you may need to purchase additional Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) or Loss Damage Waiver (LDW) to cover damage to the rental vehicle itself.

Official Resources

Government of New Brunswick: Insurance Regulation
Royal Canadian Mounted Police (NB): Traffic Safety Information
Travel Insurance Information (Government of Canada): Travel.gc.ca Advisory
Service New Brunswick: Driver & Vehicle Services
Horizon Health Network: Hospital Services

Disclaimer

This guide is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal, financial, or professional insurance advice. Laws and regulations, including the Motor Vehicle Act of New Brunswick and insurance policies, are subject to change. It is the reader's sole responsibility to verify all requirements with official government sources and consult with qualified insurance professionals to obtain coverage tailored to their specific needs before traveling. The author and publisher assume no liability for any actions taken based on the information contained herein.