Vancouver, Whistler & Vancouver Island - Washington, Oregon and the Pacific Northwest - page 914

the IDP is only valid if issued in the same country as your driver's license. Local traffic po-
lice are more likely to accept an IDP than an unfamiliar foreign license as valid identifica-
tion. Your national automobile association can provide one for a small fee, and it's usually
valid for a year.
Insurance
Auto insurance is obligatory for car owners in the Pacific Northwest. Rates fluctuate
widely, depending on where the car is registered; it's usually cheaper if registered at an
address in the suburbs or in a rural area, rather than in a central city. Male drivers under
the age of 25 will pay astronomical rates. Collision coverage has become very expensive,
with high deductibles, and is generally not worthwhile unless the car is somewhat valu-
able.
Obtaining insurance, however, is not as simple as walking into an agency, filling out a
form and paying for it. Many agencies refuse to insure drivers who have no car insurance
- a classic catch-22. Those agencies that will do so often charge much higher rates be-
cause they presume a higher risk. The minimum policy term is usually six months, but
some companies will refund the difference on a prorated basis if the car is sold and the
policy voluntarily terminated. Shop around. If you're planning to drive in both the USA and
Canada, make sure your insurance is valid in both countries.
Motorcycles & Scooters
With its beautiful coastline, national parks and backcountry deserts, there are some great
opportunities for motorcycling in the Pacific Northwest. For foreigners, an IDP endorsed
for motorcycles will simplify the rental process.
You can read motorcycle manuals at www.dol.wa.gov/driverslicense/docs/motomanu-
al.pdf (Washington) and www.odot.state.or.us/forms/dmv/6367.pdf (Oregon). For Van-
couver, check out www.icbc.com/driver-licensing/getting-licensed/motorcycle-licence/
roadsense-riders . Note that helmets are mandatory for both drivers and passengers.
Rentals are not cheap - motorcycles start at about $140 per day and scooters at about
$75 per day. Insurance is mandatory and extra.
Cycle BC Rentals ( 866-380-2453; www.cyclebc.ca ; Vancouver) Rents motorcycles
and scooters; also in Victoria.
Mountain to Sound Motorcycle Adventures ( 425-222-5598; www.mtsma.com ; Is-
saquah, near Seattle) Rentals and tours.
Northwest Motorcycle Adventures ( 360-241-6500;
www.northwestmotorcycleadventures.com ; Portland) Rentals and tours.
Scoot About ( 206-407-3362; www.scootabout.biz ; Seattle) Scooter rentals.